her name is maddie. she looks like this. she’s a bichon frise, and she’s my life. i call her my baby. she cuddles up with me whenever i lay down, jumps up onto my lap whenever i sit. she follows me around, and when i go upstairs to bed, she’s right next to me, waiting for me to fall asleep so she can do so right at the same exact moment. sometimes, i just can’t stay away from her. she’s too cute. my parents think i’m crazy, the way i spoil her and obsess over her. she’s my princess. i buy her things, i feed her from my fork at the dinner table, i sign her name on family cards. i’m sad when i have to leave her for vacations, and when she’s sick, i’ll stay up with her all night until she’s feeling better. she’s precious. it sounds weird, to be so attached to an animal. but she’s my best friend. my pride and joy. i’ll always love her the most. my first pet, my first responsibility. i always call, and the first thing i ask, is how maddie’s doing. it’s like having a child of my own. i’ll do anything for her.