To my dearest human

Hey, it's me, Betty.

You're not surprised that I'm speaking human language, are you? You know that I understand every single word of yours. I've watched you and listened to you ever since I came to your home some 13 years ago. I still remember how scary it was when they separated me from my mum and my siblings. Yet, I was ready to explore the big world. I was the tiniest of us, so I had to learn how to outsmart them. This turned out useful later.

I remember seeing you for the first time. You looked just like any human, yet you somehow understood me better than the other people I had met so far. You could read me. And I trusted you from the very first moment. I remember when you picked me up for the first time, and I saw you cry with happiness. I wasn't scared, and I didn't whimper. I felt safe in your arms.

We've had so much fun together. You inspired me to learn more, and I was trying my absolute best to please you. It was so fun to learn a new trick after another. Well, I admit that the neighbour's cats were disturbing me. I can't help it. I hope you forgive me for chasing them. I didn't mean harm; I just didn't want them in our yard.

I really enjoyed the summer baths outdoors. It was pleasant to feel the water on my skin on a hot day. The shampoo was a bit too much, though. You know that I preferred skipping it. It makes water taste weird. Oh, do you remember when we found the turtle right after a shower? That was so weird! It smelled different from anything else I had sniffed before. Too bad it hid inside its shell so quickly. It was a fun experience.

Summers were fun, but I was truly scared of thunders. It sometimes feels like our home’s going to break open and that we’ll die. I know that they usually go away, but it truly is scary to me! What if we got hurt?

Winter was fun with all the snow around. Over time, though, I started staying home more and more instead of shivering outdoors. I guess youngsters have more energy than me and don't feel cold. It was good to take a quick walk, but I want to cuddle back in the warm living room, please.

It was so fun using the jump obstacles that you built. It was giving me a nice stretch. I didn’t mind jumping over and over again, after all, I knew that you wanted to capture the perfect photo of me. People were praising us, and we were even getting regular awards at one of the photography websites you were using. I must say I was proud of them, too. I could pose all day for you… well, maybe it’s kind of vain, but hey, you were paying me with tasty treats, so it’s a bit like having a job, isn’t it?

Then you moved to the capital to do your studies. Oh, how I missed you! I was living for the weekends to see you again! It was never the same when the rest of the family members were taking care of me. It was boring. Yes, we would go for a walk. I would receive again my treats, but they didn’t taste as good unless you gave them to me. Actually, I remember when your mum turned on her phone’s speaker for the first time. I heard your voice and started looking for you… I thought you were somewhere nearby. It was confusing and disappointing, but at least I heard you.

I'm really weak now. I see you doing your best for me, but sadly, I can’t go on anymore. I miss you already, and I feel so sorry for making you sad. I wish I could stay by your side forever. You gave me an amazing life. I'm deeply grateful for your kind care.

Forgive me! Stay strong!

Forever yours,

Betty