Our beloved dog, Abbey, passed away last month after being with us for fourteen wonderful years. She had been more than just a pet—she was family. Losing her left a void in our hearts, especially for my 4-year-old daughter, Meredith. As the days passed, Meredith often spoke of Abbey, sometimes in tears, expressing how much she missed her. One evening, she came to me with a sincere request: "Can we write a letter to God? So when Abbey gets to heaven, God will recognize her."
I was moved by her innocence and longing to feel connected to Abbey in some way. So, I agreed, and she dictated the words from her heart:
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 swim and play with balls. 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 placed the letter carefully in an envelope, including a cherished picture of Abbey with Meredith. Together, we wrote the address simply as "God, Heaven." Meredith took extra care to paste several stamps on it, explaining that it would take a lot of stamps to reach heaven. With a hopeful heart, she dropped the letter in the mailbox at our local post office that afternoon.
A few days later, Meredith asked if I thought God had received her letter. Her innocent question broke my heart as I reassured her, "I believe He has." It seemed to give her some comfort, and she went on with her day.
Then, something remarkable happened.
Yesterday, we found a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch, addressed to "Meredith" in an unfamiliar handwriting. Curious, Meredith eagerly opened it. Inside was a beautiful book by Mr. Rogers called When a Pet Dies. Taped to the inside cover was our letter to God, and next to it was the picture of Meredith and Abbey. There was also a note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help, and I recognized her right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me, just as 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, so I am sending it back to you in this book. I hope it brings you comfort and helps you remember Abbey.
Love, God
Seeing the note and the thoughtfulness behind it, I realized that this message to heaven had returned, perhaps in a way even more magical than we’d imagined. The book and note touched Meredith deeply, and the memory of Abbey became one of warmth and comfort rather than sadness.
