Abbey, our 14-year-old dog, died last month. My 4-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey the day after she died. She requested if we might send a letter to God so that God would recognise Abbey when she arrived in heaven. I told her I think we could, and she dictated the following words:
Dear God,
“Would you please look after my dog?” She passed away yesterday and is now with you in heaven. I miss her terribly. Even though she became ill, I am grateful that you allowed me to keep her as my dog.
I hope you enjoy playing with her. She enjoys swimming and playing with balls. I’m attaching a picture of her so you’ll recognise her when you see her. “I miss her terribly.”
Meredith, love
We addressed the letter to God/Heaven and placed it in an envelope with a photo of Abbey and Meredith. We scribbled our return address on it. Meredith then affixed several stamps to the front of the envelope, claiming that it would take a lot of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. She put it in the post office mailbox that afternoon. A few days later, she inquired as to whether God had received the letter.
On our front porch yesterday, there was a parcel wrapped in gold paper addressed ‘To Meredith’ in an unknown hand. Meredith slid it open. Mr. Rogers’ book, ‘When a Pet Dies,’ was inside. The letter we had written to God, in its opening envelope, was taped to the inner front cover. On the opposite side was a picture of Abbey and Meredith, as well as a note that said, “Dear Meredith, Abbey arrived safely in heaven.” I recognised her immediately away because I had the image.
Abbey is no longer ill. Her spirit is with me, just as it is in your heart. Abbey had a great time being your puppy. I don’t have any pockets to store your photo in because we don’t need our bodies in heaven, so I’m sending it back to you in this tiny book for you to cherish and remember Abbey by.
Thank you for your lovely letter. ♥️♥️♥️♥️
