Hi friends, it’s me, Oliver. 🐾 Papa told me to write again because he says I have a “unique creativity” and a “keen sense of observation” (whatever that means). So here I am, trying my best to type with these furry paws and share my puppy shenanigans with you.

Papa tells me stories about my big brother all the time. His name was Elliot. He crossed the rainbow bridge before I was even born, so I never got to sniff his ears, share our plush toys, or race him to the door to greet our Papa and Dada. But the way Papa talks about him, I feel like I know him already—like Elliot’s pawprints are still here, guiding me where to step.

Papa says Elliot was “three pounds of mighty heart.” Gentle, tender, and full of love—even when his little body grew tired from something called kidney disease. Papa remembers Elliot’s loving glances and how he somehow made the hardest days softer. I like to imagine Elliot curling up beside him, whispering, “It’s okay,” in doggy language.

Sometimes I daydream about meeting Elliot. Would we have argued over the middle spot on the bed? (Definitely.) Would we have teamed up on the neighborhood pigeons? (Absolutely.) And would he have taught me how to tilt my head just right to score an extra treat? (Without a doubt.)

Papa still misses Elliot—you can hear it in the quiet when he talks about him. He says a part of him shut down after Elliot left. It was a dark and heavy time, and Papa carries that story with him.

But here’s something I’ve learned from listening: even after the darkest days, the heart can open again. There’s always room for more love—especially from furry beings who make you laugh at the smallest things.

So when Papa picked me up and put his hand on my head, I wanted him to know: I’m here. I don’t replace Elliot—no one could—but I carry his warmth with me. Every wag, every snuggle, every silly sound I make to bring out Papa’s smile—that’s Elliot’s love shining through too.

If Elliot can hear me wherever he is, I just want to say: thank you, big brother. Thank you for teaching Papa how to love in the first place. I’ll do my best to keep making him laugh, to keep his heart warm, and to leave my own tiny pawprints right next to yours.

With wags, small zoomies, and a lot of love,
Oliver 🐾💛