Sandra McNicol

Lanta, I’ll never forget that day on the Thai beach in Koh Lanta when I first saw your photo, and the idea of getting a dog was brought up again. “Do you really want a dog?” was the question that brought the conversation to a head. I was hesitant at first, unsure if I was ready for the responsibility. Yet, we agreed it would be good practice for when our human babies came along, so after some convincing, I decided to go visit you.

Fast forward two weeks, and there we were in the countryside, surrounded by massive dogs, feeling both excited and a bit intimidated. Manu and the center manager were discussing a puppy who was about 4-5 months old, full of energy and life (looking a bit crazy to me). But as they talked, my eyes wandered, and then I saw you.

You were this tiny, skinny thing with huge brown eyes, being pushed around by the others. You toddled over to me, and in that instant, my heart was yours. “I want this one,” I said, without hesitation. It wasn’t just a choice; it felt like destiny. We called you "Lanta," in honor of the place where the idea of you first took root.

From that moment on, I knew you were special. (Poor Mr. Giraffe was not so sure though, as you destroyed your first fluffy toy within minutes of getting him). We had an immediate and special connection; you were an old soul from day one, and I loved you deeply.

Lanta, you gave me my first taste of parenthood, a parenthood at that time I expected to soon share also with human babies. When we brought you home that winter, and you came down with a bad cold, we became the worried "parents," rushing you back and forth to the vet, learning as we went. We discovered our parenting styles—one of us more protective and cautious, the other more relaxed and encouraging your freedom. But together, we were united in our love and care for you.

We flooded social media with your photos, so proud to be your “mami y papi,” even as we learned to ignore the hurtful comments from others who didn’t understand the depth of our love for you.

Your hobbies are a joyful reminder of your playful spirit. I love watching you run with that signature "surfy" motion on the sand, gliding across as if you were born to ride the waves. Then there’s your absolute delight in trying to catch the water from the sprinkler system—every attempt a playful battle that brings so much laughter. The doggy water park is another of your favorite places, where you can splash around to your heart’s content, surrounded by other happy pups. And, of course, we can’t forget our little singing sessions. “If you’re happy and you know it, wag your tail” has become our anthem, and seeing you wag your tail fills my heart with joy.

But as much as you love your active pursuits, you also have a talent for relaxation and snoring, oh boy, can you snore. Whether it’s finding the perfect spot for a nap or sunbath, or enjoying a good meal, you know how to live life to the fullest. Your ability to balance play and rest is something I admire, and it adds to the joy of having you in my life.

Lanta, you’ve also been an emotional anchor for me—excited when I became pregnant (animals just know), and by my side during the miscarriages, fertility treatments, and the grief that followed when we became permanently childless not by choice. They say only mothers know true love, but I feel like your love is pure and unconditional, and it has taught me so much about patience, joy, and living in the moment. You’ve made me a better person, and for that, I will always be thankful.

You are now in your twilight years, and we dread the thought of you moving on, yet we are determined that you continue to live your best life. I promise to always take care of you, to ensure that you are happy, healthy, and loved. For the time you have left, we’ll keep making beautiful memories together, and I will treasure each one as we move forward.

Thank you, Lanta, for choosing me as much as I chose you. You have brought more love and joy into my life than I ever imagined possible.