Love doesn’t fade. It lingers in familiar places, in quiet moments, in the space where paws once pressed against the floor. Indie rock trio The Alter Kakers have released “My Darling One”, a song that began as a private letter and became an anthem for anyone who has ever said goodbye to a beloved pet.

Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/4RcdDXSs1MIDrB8wJl29v6

Frontman Steve Bronstein wrote the song after the sudden passing of his rescue dog, Tori, in August 2023. Searching for ways to process his grief, he was encouraged to write a letter. Instead, the words found their way into a melody—a way to keep her memory alive.

"My darling one where have you gone?
Are you out walking at the dawn?
Are you smiling at everyone?
It’s so like you, my darling one.”

“Writing this song helped me channel my grief into something creative,” Bronstein shares. “We play it at every rehearsal, and it keeps her with me. Losing a pet is losing a part of your heart, and you’re not crazy for feeling that deeply.”

Recorded in January 2025 with acclaimed producer Bill Bell (Tom Cochrane, Jason Mraz, Alex Lifeson, Andy Kim), the song moves between a soft, country-tinged intro and outro—where Bronstein searches for Tori’s presence and imagines the day they’ll reunite—and a tender middle section capturing the moment of goodbye.

"I held you in my arms to comfort you
You
My darling one."

The music video pairs the song with a moving photo tribute to Tori, a reminder that love never really leaves—it just changes form.

Watch here:

The Alter Kakers, known for their heartfelt songwriting and raw, emotive performances, offer this song not just as a tribute to Tori, but to every person who’s ever lost a pet and wondered how to move forward.

Because they were never just a pet. They were family.

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