In this touching excerpt from "Abhorsen" by Garth Nix, a heartfelt moment occurs between a person and a dog. The person expresses their deep attachment by saying, "I won't let you go! I love you, Dog!" demonstrating strong affection and emotional connection. The dog responds with comforting words, acknowledging that there will be other dogs, friends, and loves in life.

"I love you too, but my time with you has passed." The dog gently reminds the person that their bond is meaningful, but life's natural cycle involves moving on. The dog emphasizes the importance of belonging, heritage, and earning one's place in the world, highlighting themes of departure, growth, and acceptance of change in life's journey.