I’m doing much better these days. But I still have some moments where I’m overwhelmed with pain. “It’s just a dog, man.” No. Peppa was the absolute love of my life. I loved her in a way that was pure and uncomplicated. The key is the purity of it. There were no conditions, no complications, no calculations, nothing but just pure, true, unguarded love. That’s why it hurts so much. My love with people tends to be guarded, reserved and protected. Peppa got it all, and now I’ve lost her. That’s the thing people don’t always understand about the bond with a dog. It changes you.