Frankie Balderas

Frankie, we want the world to know that you were born the runt of the litter and came to us six months after Mama and Daddy started dating. You were our sweet boy, along with your older brother, Billy. I remember you’d chase your brother around the coffee table and make him mad. But, he loved you even though you’d steal his food as he got older.

Sweet angel, you were our gentle soul with a loving heart and honey brown eyes. I’ll never forget our dances to Amarillo by Morning. Thank you for always dancing with Mama. You always made the best dance partner.

You loved to eat, and we know your favorite meal was breakfast. Thank you to Farmer’s Dog for giving you all that energy. After every meal, you were ready for a treat and patiently waited while we got ready for work. You were such a good boy.

On the weekend, I remember you and Daddy would play football. Daddy would say “hut hut” and throw Patrick across the living room. You’d grab your baby and make Daddy chase you. You slowed down over the years but always had the energy to play with Daddy.

Everyone would always ask for you. Occasionally, they’d say, “where’s your dog?” Daddy and I would correct them and say, “he’s not a dog, he’s a real boy.” You were our baby. You will always be our baby.

You loved cheese, chips, and the occasional french fry. Remember when Mama and Daddy would leave the house and we’d ask you if you wanted anything on our way home. We laughed because we’d pretend you’d say you wanted us to bring you a No. 1 from Whataburger.

You were delicate and would not go potty in the rain unless Daddy was holding an umbrella for you. We think about how you wouldn’t want to go potty before bed because you were so comfy in your room. Daddy would call Mama and say, “uh oh, here comes bad cop, you better get up.” You were so cute.

You spent your whole life with us. Thank you for choosing us to be your paw parents. You made the past 16.5 years so memorable. Now, our hearts ache without you. We knew your time was coming but didn’t expect it to end the way it did. Things will never be the same.

Thank you for holding on until we had a chance to say goodbye. We know you fought your hardest in the hospital, but we understand that your little body couldn’t handle what happened to you. Mama and Daddy are at peace knowing you’re in Heaven with Billy, Grandpa, Grandma, Momo, and your cousins Jack and Lucy. They will take care of you. I promise.

The house is so empty without you. I don’t hear your toenails on the floor and can’t smell your Frito toes in the air. Your three beds are still scattered in the house and will always be there for you to visit.

We’ll love you forever, our sweet Frankie. Until we see you again.

Love,

Mama and Daddy