Pal was my childhood dog. He was a corgi/dachshund mix who lived to be 17. I was so young when we brought Pal home that the day he passed is the first day I can remember being without him. If I could say one thing to him now, I would thank him for his patience with me. As an over-zealous and excitable child, I did not respect his boundaries as much as I should have. I often think back to moments in which I wish I would have given him more space and treats. He must have forgiven me, though, because we have many wonderful memories together. Moments in which I know he loved me as much as I love him. At the end of the day, he was my first best friend and my most patient teacher.

I created The Pals Academy in honor of him.

This is a school for everyone’s Pal.