Until now.

You slipped away in peace among the August morning wraiths, and you never looked back. Lost were your divine nobility, selflessness, and love. Lost was the supernova of light and life that never failed to greet me after even a brief separation. Lost were the smiles and licks ever there for me even after a rebuke. Lost was the unearthly sense of shame whenever you erred. And lost was the fierce protectiveness for those you so deeply cared for.

I can't count the times you regenerated my life. I so wish I could have done the same for you just this once. You emerged from the wilds as a zany whelp, and your spirit remained free and untamable, the trait I loved most about you. Our growing bond was later sanctified that frenzied day when I rescued you in the pine grove and was bathed in your blood.