My beloved childhood basset hound, Blu, passed away rather suddenly in July 2024 at age 13. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that most people do not have the same relationship to dogs that my family and I do: they are as much a part of the family as my mother, my sister, my father, or me. So her loss was felt very intensely.

For my dad’s birthday in August, I drew him the above pen piece of Blu. Not long after, I decided to get the piece tattooed, extending the leg with another sheet of paper. The tattoo was done by Jess McNulty in Bourne, MA, above my right knee.

In many ways, Blu and Fiona (my other childhood dog), grew up with me like sisters. Now, Blu walks with me every step I take as I continue to grow older and experience the changing world for the both of us. And when I want, I can rub her belly again and stroke her soft paws with my finger.