On December 21st, I said goodbye to Ralph. We spent 3,543 days in each other's lives, and probably only about 60 of those apart. I spent all of them dreading the moment he would no longer be there, while adoring every moment that he was.

Ralph changed every aspect of my life, each one for the better. We would spend hours in Golden Gate Park before long restaurant shifts, ensuring he was properly exhausted before my return so many hours later. We would explore San Francisco, Delaware, Indiana, Arizona, Iowa and more. We would sit on the couch on rainy days and share a pizza from Little Star. We would chase kites and attack sprinklers and make new friends on our morning walks. We would do whatever we wanted and so much together. He was an undeniably 'good dog' and my best friend.

Our Golden Gate Park walks allowed me to learn of and appreciate the beauty of the space, and San Francisco in general. It always seemed to be his favorite of our many destinations, eager to chase a snapping branch. He was at home on Ocean Beach and in Alamo Square, but GGP was his favorite.

Initiating this GoFundMe to solidify Ralph's presence in one of the greatest parks there is, with a bench dedicated to his life & spirit. A place for him to eternally chase squirrels and for us to visit when we please. But most importantly, to honor the immense impact his tiny 12# life had on me and those lucky enough to meet him. It is not only a memorial to my wonderful and unforgettable friend, but an investment in the park.

The lessons learned are innumerable, but the most valuable has been the gratitude for the day-to-day. Rain or shine, smooth or rocky, because of him I learned to appreciate it all.

Thank you for loving him.

@ralphthetiny