When Nala first came into our family, we thought we were getting a dog.

What we didn’t know was that she had already chosen her person.

From the very beginning, there was something special between Nala and our daughter. A connection that was impossible to explain but obvious to everyone who saw them together. Where one was, the other was never far behind.

Through school years, life changes, happy days and difficult ones, Nala was there. Curled up beside her on the sofa. Waiting by the door. Sleeping peacefully nearby, as if keeping watch.

She had the tiny body of a Yorkshire Terrier but the heart of something much bigger.

Her presence was enough. She brought comfort without words and love without conditions.

For nearly fifteen years, she was woven into the fabric of our family. Into our routines, our celebrations, our photographs and our memories.

The hardest part of losing her is not one big moment. It’s a hundred little moments. Looking down and expecting to see her. Reaching for her absent-mindedly. Wanting to tell her goodnight.

Thank you, sweet Nala, for every cuddle, every tail wag, every welcome home and every year you shared with us.

You were deeply loved from your first day to your last.

And you always will be.

Forever our girl.