Dear Abbey
From a kind soul working in the dead letter office at the US postal service...

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 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.
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 & 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 am wherever there is love.
Love, God