“I had Hapa since she was a newborn puppy. From the very beginning, she was independent and bossy, and in so many ways, we grew up together. I was only 17 then, and I was privileged to have her by my side for 18 years.

She taught me more about myself than I ever expected to learn, from patience and responsibility to love and loyalty. She was the glue that held me together, and it was a gift to witness her grow and live a full, beautiful life.

Hapa was smart and fiercely loyal. She was always a little infatuated with my boyfriends over the years, a devoted fan of dinnertime and snacks, and she loved her brother, babying him every chance she got. One of our favorite ways to spend the weekend was driving out to the huge dog park that was always worth the long trip.

Losing her at the beginning of the year, just two days after losing her younger kitty sister, was a heartbreak I didn’t know I could survive. I truly thought my heart might stop. I believe she held on for as long as she could because she was worried about who would take care of me after so much devastation these past years.

I can’t explain how much I will love and miss Hapa, but I know I always will. I will honor her by continuing to help, protect, and love as many animals as I can. Just as she taught me, to lead with my heart. Any time you can love someone well, animal or human, you should.”