Our 14-year-old dog Abbey died last month. The day after she passed away 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, and 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 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 put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letterbox at the post office.
A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
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 were the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this 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 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’m easy to find. I am wherever there is love.
Love, God
Don’t say you’re too busy to Share this. Just go ahead and do it.
You will be happy to know this wonderful story is 100% true, please don’t take offense to the reference of God, it’s part of the story.
“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.”
Mary Jane
MAKE TIME FOR GOD AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS!
My Commentary:
This touching story reminds us that faith often sees what adults forget to notice.
A little girl believed that if she wrote a letter to God, God would make sure Abbey was safe. Her faith was simple, trusting, and full of love. Jesus once said, “Unless you become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Meredith’s heart reflected that childlike trust.
Whether one believes that pets are in heaven or not, the deeper truth of this story is unmistakable. God cares about what we care about. He is not indifferent to our tears. If a little girl grieves the loss of a beloved companion, God receives that grief with tenderness.
The anonymous person who answered Meredith’s letter became an instrument of God’s love. By taking the time to respond, they gave a grieving child comfort, hope, and the reassurance that she was not alone. Sometimes God’s miracles arrive not through extraordinary events, but through ordinary people with compassionate hearts.
Perhaps the most beautiful line is the last: “I am wherever there is love.” That echoes the very heart of the Gospel. Scripture tells us, “God is love.” Wherever love is given, shared, and received, God is present.
This story also reminds us that parents shape a child’s understanding of God. Meredith’s mother encouraged her faith instead of dismissing it. What a priceless gift.
In the end, the greatest lesson is not about a letter reaching heaven.
It is about heaven reaching a little girl’s heart through kindness, compassion, and love.
And that is how God so often answers our prayers.
Did you enjoy today’s story and Message? Then please share it. A friend of mine just REGISTERED 18 OF HIS FAMILY MEMBERS to Treats for the Soul. He wants each of his family members to enjoy what he enjoys every day! www.TreatsfortheSoul.org. Please don’t hesitate to sign up your family members and your friends. IT’S FREE!! They will thank and bless you for doing so.
