I don’t know why a picture of an old mutt like yourself would affected me as much as it has. When I first saw your photo shortly after it was posted, I literally cried. I never fed you, played with you, petted you, or anything else an owner or their friends would do. While I may enjoy playing with and petting my friends’ dogs, I am a cat person at heart and thus don’t appreciate your species as much as others. Maybe in my selfishness I saw something of myself in you. I really don’t know.

How you arrived at the Coweta County Death Facility is a mystery to us. Because your state of health was not an overnight development, someone had to have provided your care and probably did so for years. Someone had to feed you (and after a while probably by hand too), clean up your messes (since you couldn’t go outside yourself), and provide medication for your heart condition (most likely had all your life). Someone who has done these things would not dump you off on the side of the road nor would they leave you at a shelter to die alone, absolutely no way. No, if they decided to part company, after years of personal care, then it most likely would be through a visit to the vet you’ve known for years. Making any speculations won’t change things.

You are an amazing mutt. Did you know that people all across this nation rallied to save you after seeing your picture? Yes they did little friend. And, Mr. 0014786, when I arrive at the Rainbow Bridge, I would like you to come cross it with me and my other animal friends.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong agan, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes hen one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from you life but never absent from your heat.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

Author unknown