This particular haiku is really just about the love and loyalty of an old friend and how that love and loyalty is a special joy. Returning that love when the seasons change is kind of a special honor. Traditional haiku often has a seasonal theme, and here, it was winter and the end of our time together. This haiku was one that I had thought about time and again, so I edited it several times before submitting it. When something holds special meaning for you, I think it improves the product, so I was very honored to be selected. Knowing that what I wrote made my wife shed a couple tears was probably my favorite part of this project; this was about a special companion for both of us and she thought this was a great way to honor our old friend.