Riley entered my life in 2008. I still remember that day. I found her on Craigslist, paid a $60 “rehoming fee”, and she sat on my lap as I drove home with my new puppy. I was young and broke, living alone, and could barely afford my bills. It was an irresponsible decision to get a dog at that point in life, but I’m so glad that I was able to make it work.

She was a mix of two retrievers: Her mother was a chocolate lab and her father was a golden retriever. Somehow all of their puppies were black.

I had some experience with dogs before her, but I did not know about the amount of affection that retrievers are capable of. As I was getting to know her, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she loved hugs so much, she even initiated them! Literally the sweetest dog I’ve ever met.

She was very smart. I was able to teach her most of her tricks in like ~10 mins each, while heating up frozen pizzas or whatever cheap garbage I ate back then.

She was the most consistent part of my bumpy path in life. She has been with me through tough breakups, my parents’ deaths, career changes, and many other ups and downs that come with adulthood.

She’s also the oldest retriever I’ve ever met. She would have been 17 years old next week.

We were together until her last breath. With my hand on her chest, I felt her final heartbeat.

And I will remember her until mine.

Riley was such a good girl.