Saka, my little corgi mix, this is for you.
Even in the darkest days, you have been my brightest light. Your energy, your silly little quirks, your unwavering presence—they have reminded me, over and over, that joy can exist even when everything else feels heavy. You have been my comfort, my companion, and my anchor in ways that words cannot fully capture, though I hope these pages do at least a little justice.
I remember the earliest days of our time together, when everything around me felt uncertain and my mind was trapped in loops of fear, despair, and confusion. I didn't know how to trust anyone, not even myself. But you were there—small, warm, and insistent in your way. The way you would lean into me, curl up next to me, and simply exist with me felt like permission to take up space in the world, to breathe, and to survive. You reminded me, without speaking, that life could still hold gentleness.
I am grateful for every nudge that pulled me outside when I didn't want to move, every wag of your tail that coaxed a smile out of me even when I felt hollow inside. You brought me back to moments I might have missed entirely: the sound of the wind, the warmth of the sun, the way grass feels under bare feet. You reminded me that even when my mind was a storm, there was still a world worth noticing, and a life worth being present for.
Your energy and curiosity are infectious. I am grateful for the way you explore everything with wonder—the smallest leaf, the shadow of a cloud, a bird passing by—and how that curiosity has reminded me to look at the world with a little less fear and a little more openness. Watching you, I learned that joy does not always have to be loud or dramatic; sometimes it is quiet, steady, and deeply sustaining.
I am grateful for the way you make me laugh. Even when I can barely find a reason, when thoughts feel heavy and endless, you manage to pull me into the present. A silly flop, a sudden zoom across the room, a tiny, insistent bark—you have reminded me that life can be playful, even when it is painful. You have reminded me that I am allowed to feel joy, that I am allowed to hold on to it, even in the shadows.
I am grateful for the patience and love you give so freely. You ask nothing of me, yet you offer your presence unconditionally. You have shown me that love doesn't have to be complicated or earned; it simply exists, steady and unwavering, as long as you are willing to receive it. That lesson has shaped how I view myself and others, and it has been a lifeline when I felt unworthy or lost.
I am grateful for the small victories we have shared together. Every time I got out of bed when it felt impossible, every sentence I wrote, every shower I took, every step I made forward when it all felt overwhelming—you were there, silently encouraging me, a reminder that even the tiniest progress matters. You've celebrated my triumphs without fanfare, teaching me that strength is not always loud or obvious; it is often quiet, patient, and persistent.
I am grateful for the quiet moments we share. The times when nothing happens except sitting together, feeling your warmth, hearing your breathing, and letting the world fade for a little while. Those moments have allowed me to breathe, to feel calm, to remember that I am alive and capable of being here fully, even when my mind feels chaotic. You have taught me that peace can exist in stillness, and that it is okay to simply exist without always needing to fix, solve, or understand everything.
Through every struggle, every night of fear and doubt, your presence has reminded me that I am not alone. Even when I felt trapped in my own thoughts, you reminded me that I am deserving of care, love, and gentleness. Your companionship has shown me the small sparks of hope in everyday life, and it has helped me recognize the beauty in the little things that I might have otherwise overlooked.
I am grateful for the way you have helped me confront my fears. You have been a grounding force when panic threatened to consume me, a source of comfort when my mind raced with worst-case scenarios. In the psych ward, when walls felt suffocating and the hours dragged endlessly, your memory and presence reminded me that the world outside still existed, and that I could survive, one breath at a time. You have been a teacher, in your quiet way, of resilience, patience, and the value of simply showing up.
I am grateful for the lessons you have taught me about love. Your affection is not conditional; it does not depend on my moods, my mistakes, or my past. You love simply because you exist, and you have shown me that I can extend the same grace to myself. Through your companionship, I have learned that self-love is not about perfection—it is about presence, care, and recognizing my own worth.
I am grateful for the hope you have inspired in me. Even in moments when the darkness seemed endless, knowing you were waiting, knowing that your joy was unwavering, reminded me that life can get better. That recovery is possible, even if it is slow and imperfect. That even small steps forward count. You have been living proof of the good in the world, a tangible reminder that light exists alongside the shadows.
I am grateful for the love you bring not only into my life, but into the lives of everyone around you. You teach patience, empathy, and the power of small gestures. You have reminded me that even when human connections feel difficult or fragile, the simple presence of someone—or in your case, a little furball—can make all the difference. You have shown me that love can be uncomplicated, grounding, and transformative.
I am grateful for the way you have helped me see myself differently. You have reminded me that my mind, though sometimes fragile and confusing, is also capable of resilience, clarity, and courage. That even when I stumble, even when I feel lost, I am still moving forward. You have helped me hold onto hope, and you have taught me to recognize and cherish the moments of light, no matter how small.
Thank you, Saka, for being my companion, my little ray of light, my anchor, and my constant reminder that even in the hardest times, love, warmth, and joy exist. You have helped me survive, grow, and keep going. You are more than a pet—you are family, and I am endlessly grateful for you. Your presence has made life softer, brighter, and worth showing up for every single day.
I want you to know that every walk, every cuddle, every moment of shared silence has mattered more than I can express. You have been my lifeline, my teacher, and my reminder that even in the storm, there is beauty, love, and connection. You have shaped me into someone who sees the world with a little more hope, a little more patience, and a little more gratitude.
Saka, you have been my guide through darkness, my witness to struggle, and my companion in every small victory. I hope that wherever life takes us, you know how profoundly you have changed my life. Thank you for being here, for being you, and for helping me remember that even in the hardest moments, it is possible to keep going, to find light, and to be loved.
—Xeron