Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2008 7:31 PM
Subject: my friend's dog died today
 

this was written by my friend in Wisconsin, Chris Johnson. Emma started pacing and crying a couple nights ago, then started banging into things and becoming very agitated. The vet diagnosed a brain tumor. I said I would share it with others to spread the word so that Emma did not die in vain. I know you two are too well acquainted with the subject, but figured you might honor Emma by reading it. Chris had taken on her dog from Midwest Peke and Chin rescue as a foster and adopted her. Pretty great soul to choose to help and adopt a dog like Emma, who would be considered very, very disposable. Emma came missing an eye and with one huge and bulging from glaucoma, which had to be removed. This dog had no eyes.

 

----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2008 4:24 PM
Subject: For Emma
 

Dear Pet Shop Puppy Owner;
 
Today, your dog's mother died in my arms.  After years of enduring relentless pain, living in filth and never knowing kind words or gentle hands, she had the gift of a few months of a life with people who loved her and would do anything for her.  It wasn't long enough and she still suffered pain that would probably be unbearable to you or me despite everything possible that could be done for her.
She died on the first perfect day of Spring, having never known the feel of the hot sun or gentle summer breezes.  She never got to run with abandon through the grass or sniff interesting smells, chew on sticks or dig holes in the yard.  She was blind, crippled with arthritis, had a fractured jaw and few teeth from bad diet and no care, and riddled with cancer which invaded her brain and made life confusing and frightening.
We loved her deeply and her loss is almost more than we can bear and made more terrible by the fact that she was only with us for a few short months.  It would have taken years and years to make up for the callousness and cruelty she endured at human hands.  Even then, it wouldn't have been enough.
Despite all the terrible things that had happened to her, she still bravely faced every day with a joyous heart and wagging tail.  She was my teacher and my hero.  My life will never be the same.
So hug her puppy close to you this day and think of the sacrifice this angel made so you could have that cute puppy in the window.  I hope you realize how lucky you are.