When you lose a pet, you don’t just lose an animal—you lose a friend, a companion, a family member. That’s exactly how four-year-old Meredith felt when Abbey, the family’s beloved 14-year-old Labrador, passed away last month.

The next day, Meredith was inconsolable. She missed Abbey terribly. Her tiny voice shook as she cried, asking her mom why Abbey had to die and whether God would recognize her when she got to heaven.

Then, through her tears, she had an idea—what if they wrote a letter to God?

Her mother gently said yes, and sat with Meredith as the little girl dictated her message with all the honesty and love that only a child can offer:

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

They placed the letter and picture in an envelope addressed simply to:
“God / Heaven.”
Meredith insisted on covering it with stamps—”lots,” because “heaven is far away”—and together, they dropped it in the mailbox.

Days passed.

Meredith asked often if God had received the letter. Her mother told her she believed He had.

And then—something extraordinary happened.

A package appeared on their doorstep, wrapped in shimmering gold paper, addressed to “Meredith” in unfamiliar handwriting. Inside was a book: When a Pet Dies by Mr. Rogers.

Taped to the inside cover was the very letter Meredith had written, and beside it, the photo of her and Abbey. Opposite that was a note, handwritten with care:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help—I recognized her right away.

She 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 pockets to keep your picture, so I’m sending it back to you inside this book—so you’ll always have something to remember her by.

Thank you for your beautiful letter, and thank your mom for helping you write it. 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’m wherever there is love.

Love, God

Meredith held the book close. Her tears, this time, were softer.

A stranger—most likely a kind-hearted postal worker or employee—had seen Meredith’s letter and decided to respond not just with words, but with something lasting. A message of hope. A comfort that could be held.

It wasn’t just a gift to a grieving child—it was a quiet reminder to us all:

Kindness matters. Love matters. Small gestures ripple far.

Because sometimes, heaven answers in the form of a wrapped package, a handwritten note, and a story that no one forgets.

And wherever there is love—that’s where God lives.