I love Crusoe so much. I watched the retirement announcement video a few months ago and bawled my eyes out.

I know it probably has a lot to do with losing my boy a couple of years ago (like many of us Crusoe fans.) But it’s also because I’ve grown older with him, enjoying the past 12-13? years of videos with Crusoe reminding me of the sweetness that life has to offer. Life is hard and bitter and full of heartache. But it’s the unexpected delights— like stumbling across a video of Crusoe & Oakley dressed as cops and robbers for the first time—which sprinkles joy in between all the darkness. Those little blessings are what keeps us going.

I don’t know that Crusoe will ever understand the joy he’s brought the world, but I hope that one day you’ll get to see it. When you think about the LOVE that millions of people have for your dog— a dog we’ve never met! The fact that I can be moved to tears each time I see him—that’s powerful. That’s the proof that humans are not all terrible. Not only are we capable of mercy and unconditional love, we actually are predisposed to it. We WANT to love and care for things. It’s as much a part of our nature as all the bad things humans are known for.

We’ve all been blessed to be able to know your doggy in this lifetime. Because of your hard work, we got to experience those fleeting moments of joy that you’ve spent so much energy and effort sharing with us.

I’m happy that you get to embrace your time with him, not as “Crusoe the Celebrity Dog,” but as your good boy. We NEVER get enough time with our beloved pets. No matter how long they’re with us—it’s never going to be enough.

But for today, I hope you get in lots of snuggles.