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E-mails: The Kindness of Strangers



When the Roo Dog went missing on April 25th, one of the places I posted the LOST DOG notices was on the Minneapolis-St. Paul Pets and Lost & Found sections of Craigslist.

After discovering on May 4th that the little guy had been hit by a car on the first day, I posted a notice in the same sections, and later added a link to the Roo Dog's obituary.

While I was sent many condolences from friends, the e-mails reproduced here are the ones I received from strangers.

While I had received a couple of e-mails here and there from people on Craigslist, suggesting things I could do, I was unprepared for an outpouring of 34 e-mails. It brought the human community that exists beyond these somewhat clinical online forums into sharp focus, and spoke a powerful word about how we are all in this life together.



I am so, so, so very sorry.



I am so sorry to hear about Roo! I know how it feels to lose a dog unexpectedly. Very sorry.



I am so sad for you! Sorry for your loss of the little ROO dog. You were so responsible in your search. I hope that you have fond memories, that will keep him in your heart forever.



Sorry to hear about your little dog. What a great lady to stand up and let you know this. My prayers go out to you and your little friend. Have a great day.



I'm so very sorry for your loss. How sad your heart must be. He is a handsome dog for sure. I'm so sorry.



I have been following your story am just devastated that your Roo was hit by a car—way too young... thank you for sharing all that you have learned about looking for lost dogs with everyone else—I have taken your tips and posted them on a MN agility group so that they may help others...

So very sorry—I know how awful that is—Roo will always be a part of you...



I'm sorry to see you lost your best friend. Best of wishes.



Just want to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. I lost one of my min-pins years ago and and have never found him. I still have his daughter (she is almost 15) and I know what you mean about your best friend. They are such a loving devoted dog, as most dogs are. God Bless you and watch over Roo. Take care.



I am truly sorry for your loss. I live in Lakeville and have been known to take drives when I see lost animals in my community—always hoping that just once I could help bring a beloved pet safely home. Since I have an Italian Greyhound I searched for hours in Burnsville when one got lost, but his story ended the same as Roo. May you be comforted with your memories and know that he is playing on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.*

*I hadn't heard this term before. It was explained in a later e-mail.



I am very sorry for your loss... I hope Roo is at the Bridge playing with my Joker.



I'm so sorry about your loss! I am however, glad that you received the closure that so many people do not get in cases like these. Thank you for updating everyone, too.



That is horrible. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Our pets keep a special place in our hearts... with deepest sympathy!



I am so sorry for your loss.

Fellow min-pin lover....



Just wanted to say I am sorry to hear about your baby Roo. I read your ad and was praying for you! Keep your chin up, that's what Roo would do!




I AM SOOOO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT ROO. ONE OF MY DOGS WAS FOUND TODAY AND WE ARE BRINGING HIM HOME. ONCE AGAIN I AM SOO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.



I am soo sorry to hear, I had the same thing happen to me. I know how you feel, thinking everyday was going to be the day you found your baby. He is in a better place, I am not sure if you have seen the Rainbow Bridge poem but it helped me to heal. Bless you and your family.

RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together....

[Author unknown]




My heartfelt sympathy to you... May you find comfort and peace during the coming weeks and months... My wee one went to the Rainbow Bridge last November and am still working through the grief so my heart goes out to you and your family!



so sorry for your loss may time heal your heart.



I am so sorry for your loss. I hope he is in doggie heaven with bones and treats everywhere!



I am so sorry for your loss of the Roo Dog. I just spent the past half hour crying after reading your tribute. Take care.



My heart goes out to you. "Saying goodbye to the Roo dog" is a great memorial to your beloved dog. it actually made me cry. what a great dog. Good bye to a great friend.



A wonderful memorial to a great little big dog! I once had a dog, a Briard named Caramel. She died of cancer at age 7, totally unexpectedly. I don't think to this day, I have ever lost my affection for her, or the joy which she brought to me. She was my companion, my protector, and my best buddy.

We had so many more things to do, but when God calls, they must answer. So, I hope she meets the Roo, and they may play sticks, or in her case balls forever. She would never share her ball, and I assume Roo would not share his sticks, but they could form a buddy team and have some fun antagonizing one another over them!

Run with the wind little big dog Roo, and feel all the love that comes your way.....



I just read your complete story/obituary/blog of your precious Roo, and I have tears rolling down my cheeks. I am so sorry you lost your wonderful companion.

I can tell you know how blessed you were to have Roo in your life but please know that the same was true for Roo...he was extremely blessed to have you!! It is so heart-wrenching to read stories about unwanted pets but it was the exact opposite for Roo.

You gave him more love and respect that anyone else could have, gave him the best life possible, and I just know for that he is eternally grateful. I have no doubt that you will see each other again. Thanks for sharing your story!



I am sorry that Roo passed away. Our pets are our family. They love us unconditionally and we are privileged when we are allowed to have them for a while. I am counting on there being trees in heaven. I plan to play catch with my "Boots" again one day.

I will always remember Roo as my that is my daughter's nickname. Good luck to you and my prayers are with you.



I wrote you earlier with my condolences on "Roo".

I also have a min-pin, she is 15, and I have had her since her birth as I had her parents. I know what you mean about the breed. I will be so lost myself when my baby is gone. She still acts like a puppy (when she is awake) and her dad was lost many years ago.

I never found anything out so no closure. Roo was a pretty dog. Stay strong—I wont bug you again, but we send our condolences.




I have been following Roo Dog's postings on Craigslist and now I have seen your website and post. I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the pain of the passing of a loved one, a family member, part of one's soul.

My dog, Dusty, also sends you warm vibes. Hold your memories close.

Thinking of you and all the best.



I loved Roo’s Obit. He must have been such a wonderful dog. He looked full of spirit and fun. I am sure you will miss him. I am very sorry for your loss. I am so sorry for the way you lost him. My thoughts are with you you.



Hi. I read your posting about Roo a week and a half ago. I work over at Dunwoody and drive down past Franklin and Lyndale everyday. I kept my eyes peeled for him.

I had a dog named Roo growing up and I could tell from your photos and your description how important your dog was to you. I wanted a happy ending. I was very sad to read your post yesterday. I felt very sad for your loss.

Later, I read your ‘goodbye’ on your website, and I was so impressed with your ability to get so many great memories out while still reeling over the fresh news of your loss. Your words were so touching and the photos were great.

Roo was lucky to have such a great home and great friend while he was alive. A dog could not ask for any more. I hope the days get easier with time and that you and your other dog (Tina?*), heal together. Again, I am sorry for your loss and I think the farewell you put together was amazing.

* My (human) friend Tina will get a kick out of this.



My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your terrible loss. Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos and story of the Roo. I know he is chasing squirrels and sticks with my dogs that have passed on too. Someday we will all be together again. You are in my thoughts.




So sorry about Roo, I lost my dog recently too. She died of old age. I miss her dearly. Know that people feel for you and do care.



Just read the article about Roo!! I am still wiping away my tears. Didn't know him, but love him already...

I have a big, ole, 80 pound boxer, and know the feelings I will have when he is gone.

You touched my heart today, big time!!!



I just wanted to email you and tell you how sorry I am to hear about the Roo... I have two dogs of my own and can't imagine how your family must be feeling!!

Just wanted to send my condolences.



Thank you so much for sharing your story about the loss of your loved one. I had gone thru it twice last year—however, it was a controlled death.

I have been in your shoes however, twice... my poodles were run over when I was in middle school and again in high school. It has been well over 20 years, but I miss them to this day.

I lost another pet in July 2000—that was my first dog—he was a lab sharpei mix and he was my first baby.

I now have 2 dogs again, they are my world, along with my human children.

I pray for your strength and I pray for comfort—I can tell you, the pain subsides, but it will always be a part of who you are... May you find peace.



I still am so so sad about your loss. When you read these ads everyday you get emotionally attached to the lost animals and the owners. I am sorry for your loss. You can tell how much you loved your little Roo. It is so touching to see how much you cared for him. I think that is what made it so much more difficult to read what happened. I LOVE to see people loving their animals so much, but I totally feel their pain when they loose them.

Your obituary was very moving. What a wonderful memorial you did for him. He looked like such a cute dog who did a lot of living in his three years. I know you must feel lucky he came into your life, even though it wasn't for long enough.

Just always remember that Roo loved you as much as you loved him, and that even though he has left your life, he will never leave your heart. (and I am sure many many more people's hearts).







Related Links
  • Saying goodbye to the Roo Dog, May 5th, 2008.


    More From This Section

    • E-mails: The Kindness of Strangers (Wednesday, May 7th, 2008)

    • Saying goodbye to the Roo Dog (Monday, May 5th, 2008)

    • Art: "Australian Camouflage" (Thursday, April 24th, 2008)




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