Love Letter No. 001: To My Sweet Boy, Kannon

December 15, 2025

There are some companions who walk into your life and change it quietly, gently, and/or completely. For me, that companion is Kannon. My sweet boy. My little shadow. My four-legged soulmate in fur. Every year with him feels like a reminder that love doesn’t have to speak a language to be understood. It just has to be present.

His four-year “gotcha” anniversary just passed, and it still amazes me how clearly I remember the day he arrived. I rushed home from work, heart racing, waiting for the transporter to pull up. Kannon had traveled from down south, so tiny and new to the world, just 9.5 weeks old, with eyes full of curiosity and a little uncertainty. The moment I held him, I knew I wanted to pour everything into him: protection, comfort, joy, safety, love. I couldn’t wait to watch him grow.

And oh, how he grew.

Sometimes I miss those puppy days, the smallness, the softness, the little hops he used to make when he got excited. I don’t miss him teething on my furniture or digging holes in my carpet, but even those moments feel precious now. Because time really does fly when you’re loving something so deeply.

I remember every milestone like it happened yesterday. His first time climbing up the steps, the hesitation, the bravery. His first time going down them, much louder, much less graceful. His tiny puppy teeth falling out one by one. His first time seeing snow, confused and delighted at the same time. The day he ran out the apartment as soon as the door opened, my heart nearly dropped, but he thought it was the funniest adventure.

Four years later, he’s still that same curious, stubborn, loving little soul… just older, wiser, and a little moodier. But he’s mine. And I adore him in a way that words can barely touch. He’s truly my companion, my baby in every way that matters.

He doesn’t have a sibling yet… but maybe next year, another four-legged friend will join our little family. I can already picture him being the best big brother, even if he pretends he’s too grown for it.

I want the world to know what I already feel so deeply: loving Kannon has been one of the greatest joys of my life. He may be a dog, but he’s also my heart. My comfort. My constant. And I will always, always take care of him.

With love,

Chandler