" Dear Dog Rescuer, I am in Heaven "

Dear Dog Rescuer,

I am in Heaven, now.

To have loved and then said farewell, is better than to have never loved at all. Without you, I would have died alone in a dirty pen, or in an animal control on a table, or maybe even choked in the gas chamber. I was scared, but then you came. I was still scared but happy!

Dear Rescuer, I thank you for all the kindness you showed me. I had not known what love meant before you. I, too, wished I could have found my own forever home, but you gave me your home.

For all you did, I want to "Thank You."

For all of the times that you have bent and stroked my head, fed me a treat, tried to teach me manners, and laughed at my antics.

For the times when you showed me love, knowing that unwanted dogs may not know what love is. I so wanted to. You spoke to me kindly, and touched me gently. For this thing you taught - Love - thank you.

For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly. For the times you fed me, took me to the dog doctor, put pills down me, gave me a bath, gave me a toy, taught me to walk on a lead and took me to the park.

For all of these things, I am grateful and thankful.

Dear Rescuer, "Thank You" for everything. I am in Heaven, now.

I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the fact that I lived, loved, and that we touched each others lives. I wish our times could have been longer. My life was fuller because you were there, not as a rescuer or owner, but as my FRIEND.

It was a hard for you to do - - to watch my tired body go limp. But I say to you, you released my spirit, and I am free from pain.

Today, I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, willow trees hang over a crystal clear creek, butterflies flit among the flowers and the Sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures. It is beautiful beyond your imagination! All of Creation is here. All live in peace together.

There are many dogs and other pets waiting for the ones they love and left behind. I have found several of my old dog friends. There are many toys here and the Angels play with us. Dogs have a ring that when gaited around, each is given a ribbon that says "Best of Breed," even if they are a mixed breed! The other rings have jumps and obstacles for those that like to perform. Some dogs like to hunt and chase, but no harm comes to those chased; it is a game for both. Angels comfort us when we miss our Earthly friends and watch over us. It is wonderful here.

Dear Rescuer, you never got to see me when I was young. I am quite an attractive dog! I have a beautiful coat that is glossy and shines. I can run, jump, play, and do all of the things that I did in my youth. I'm even chasing bunnies - hee, hee! - you didn't know I liked to do that! There is no sickness, no disease, no aching joints, and no aging. It is perfect except you are not here.

We await the arrival of our Earth companions - both human and pet - and know that togetherness is forever. You live in our hearts as we do in yours. My former owner did not love me and never truly wanted me. So, rescuer, I will wait for you. I know we didn't know each other long, but you cared. You showed it many times. I felt it. I felt your tears fall when you hugged me and the dog doctor released me. I felt my spirit rise; did you feel me brush by?

Friends such as you are so rare and unique. Rescuers have a heart of gold. Rescuers have a heart of mush.

Don't hold the love that you have within yourself. Give it to others like me who found themselves unwanted and unloved.

Then, I will live forever.

For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as I am. Remember me sometimes. Remember me with a smile.

Dear Rescuer, I watch for you. I am in Heaven.

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