My Promise to Uncle Teddy

Hi. My name is Bear.

Mom calls me Baby Bear even though I am not really a baby anymore. I am a golden retriever, and I like to run fast, play with toys, and carry sticks that are much bigger than they should be.

I used to live with my super cool Uncle Teddy.

Uncle Teddy was very wise. Mom sometimes called him Dr. Teddy because he understood everything. He walked slowly and looked at the world like he was thinking very big thoughts.

I mostly liked to chase balls.

Uncle Teddy and I were very different, but we loved each other very much.

Then one day everything changed.

The house felt quiet and strange. Mom and Dad were very sad. I did not understand what was happening at first, but I could feel that something was wrong. Dogs can feel those things.

I looked for Uncle Teddy.

I checked his bed.
I walked through the kitchen.
I went into the backyard.

But he was not there.

For a little while, I felt scared. I stayed very close to Mom. Sometimes she hugged me, and I could feel her tears in my fur.

She kept telling me, “Bear, I love you so much. I need you.”

So I stayed with her.

Sometimes I sit next to Mom while she works. Sometimes I follow Dad around the house to make sure he is okay. I think that is part of my job now.

Before Uncle Teddy left, I think he told me something very important.

Not with words, because dogs do not need many words.

But I felt it in my heart.

He told me to take care of Mom and Dad.

So that is what I am doing.

I still play with my toys because Uncle Teddy would want that. Sometimes I run around the backyard as fast as I can, and the wind makes my ears flap. Mom laughs when she sees me, and that makes me happy.

Sometimes I stop and look around, just for a moment, because I still miss him.

But I am not scared anymore.

Mom tells me I am a very good boy.

And I promised my Uncle Teddy that I will do my very best to take care of our family.

So I will keep playing.
I will keep loving.
I will keep watching over Mom and Dad.