Sunday, January 18, 2009

When a Pet Dies ... A Sweet Story

We all have probably lost a pet at some time in our lives, and it's always a traumatic and sad time.

You may have read the following story about a little girl whose dog died. I don't know if it's true or not, but it is a beautiful uplifting story and I want to share it with you.

"This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the U. S. Postal Service.

Our 14-year-old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my four-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to Heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could, so she dictated these words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.

I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith hand-addressed it to 'God/Heaven.' We put our return address on it, then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith,' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey and Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.

Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.

I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.

Love, God."


10 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a breathtaking post! I literaly gasped.

I'm so thankful that God is love!

Thanks for sharing this!♥

Unknown said...

Hi Janie,
Haven't yet started getting ready for church..have no make up on yet! It's a good thing cause your post made me cry!

Thanks for sharing that sweet story!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

This is so sweet, Janie. And that is exactly what all of us hope for our beloved pets who have gone over the Rainbow Bridge. I truly believe they are there waiting for us because Heaven wouldn't be Heaven without them, and God adores animals and more importantly, us.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Angie said...

I have read this before and I am crying once again as I read it this time! Love this story!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

This was beautful Janie! I have tears in my eyes after reading it. Thanks for sharing!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

I love that story & posted it last year too. So sweet, since I've lost a pet. I think we can all relate who love animals.

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! What a beautiful story! I wish I thought of something like this when our dog died when my daughter was young! Hope you are having a great weekend! Sincerely, Jeannette

Denise said...

Janie, that was beautiful

My sister lost 2 pets on friday, so this really hits home.

Cottage Rose said...

What a sweet and touching story. I have not heard it before. Weather it is true or not, I loved it. It says a lot.

Hugs;
Alaura

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

I'm looking into my old girl Maggie's (the dog) eyes right now. {{Sniff.}}