My dog was my most prized possession; she was mine. I went through everything as a kid, and she was there for me. When I was 5, I constantly begged my mom for a dog every day, every night. Then one random day, my mom took me to a house in Ocean Park, and I remember the roads to that house, and I remember the turns to get there. There were over 60 puppies in the house. I was so excited to pick one, and out of all the puppies jumping around, there was one dog that stood out because she was calm and sitting down, not making a sound. I debated on picking her or not, and I finally decided I wanted her. I brought my new puppy home, and I looked at her, and my 5-year-old self said, “Your name is gonna be Elsa!” but I thought again, and I finally picked the name Lia. It was perfect for her. I am 14 now, about to be 15, and Lia passed away last year on May 9th of 2025. Due to her age, she was pregnant and was unable to give birth because her body was old and tired. I was so hurt, and I started thinking to myself that I started school with her, and now I won't be able to finish school with her. She will never get to see how much I've grown in less than a year.

– SG

Relationship:  Im/migrant who arrived as a child Im/migrant who arrived as a child