My dog died today. My parents are visiting for the weekend, so we found out a few hours ago when the vet called. Perhaps it’s a bit silly to grieve the loss of a pet…but I totally am.

Her name was Nala (yes, like the Lion King character). She was a Cairn/Scottie terrier mix, and a relative gave her to our family when I was eight. I remember how little she was as a puppy, and even as a full grown adult, she topped out at a mere 10 pounds.

She lived for 14 years. I remember holding her in my lap throughout elementary school as I sat and did my homework at our kitchen table after school, and I remember when my brother and I begged our parents for months to let us bring her on our summer camping trip.

Nala was incredibly loyal, and she showed us all the kind of unconditional love that only dogs can give. I know that the next time I go home, I won’t find her waiting in the kitchen to greet me, or leaping with excitement to go on a walk. Those realities break my heart.