Marseille was not just a dog — he was my child. Losing him, I, as a mother, lost the most precious thing — my heart.Marseille was different from other dogs: he didn’t particularly like strangers, but those he trusted, he adored more than anything.He didn’t know us by name, my husband and me; he knew us as “mom” and “dad.” And for him, dad was the favourite, the one he listened to. Mom was the one who protected him from dad when he got really strict.He had his own character, very stubborn; if he wanted something, nothing could stop him.We had a small garden, and every year we planted cucumbers just for him because he loved them. He also loved raspberries, which he would eat straight from the bush, carefully plucking them with his teeth.He also loved going shopping and for coffee; he remembered exactly where we had been before and would always pull me to those places.When he was little, he always slept with us — either on my husband’s head or on me. But when he grew up, he moved to the foot of the bed, and I missed the times when he was so close and you could cuddle him. But children grow up, just like human kids, and don’t let themselves be hugged the same way — and dogs are the same: they are children with paws.He was only three years old, and on every birthday, I wished for him to stay with us as long as possible.He left after just four days, leaving a pain that will last a lifetime. And I still search for the answer: why him? Why my child, who was healthy, loved, who had everything, why was he taken?Yet he left us incredible memories. He left a huge mark on our lives. He taught us unconditional love, the kind of love parents have for their children.Thank you for teaching us to be parents. Now, for your little brother, we will be the best parents because we had such a teacher.Not a day goes by that we don’t think of you.We love you so much, Marseille.