Dear John,
by Natalie
John has a tradition of writing a letter to his fosters once they leave his house, and while I’m not sending him off to his forever home (he already has a pretty awesome pack!), I thought that writing a letter would be applicable to him, considering what has happened this month. So without further ado, here is my letter to John.
Dear John,
September has been a very tough and long month for you, and I know that you’re probably struggling with many heartbreaking emotions that most people rarely, if ever, experience. I have loved and lost animals before, but never this close in time, and never with the grace and dignity that you have shown in the past few weeks.
You treat your fosters like you treat your pack – with kindness, understanding and joy. You have the rare ability to look beyond a dog’s scars, scratches, defects, nervousness, aggressiveness…beyond all their flaws and love them for their own unique individuality. If it weren’t for you, Kurtis wouldn’t have become an internet celebrity, Lucy wouldn’t have found her forever family, Wally would have been left to die and all your other fosters would have been exactly that – orphans without a place to call home.
John, you gave these dogs a chance simply by believing in them. Your voice literally reaches thousands of people, and you better believe that most of us listen to you. Your stories are our stories; we feel as you feel.
I know that sometimes it can be difficult to understand why so many bad things can happen so often and so quickly. Although I’m sure you knew going into it that animal rescue wasn’t going to be easy, it probably never crossed your mind (just like it 
never crossed mine) that it could be so hard. But there’s a reason for everything, and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that you are exactly where you are supposed to be in life.
Your heart may break for all those you lost, but the good thing is, you ensured that they will never be forgotten. They live on in your memories, and because of that, they will be alive in our memories. You gave them a legacy that can never be replaced or replicated, and while I may not have met all of your fosters who have crossed over the rainbow bridge, they will always have a place in my heart.
I do not exaggerate when I say that I have not met many, if any, people who are as selfless and compassionate as you. You put Penny, Elvis, Wally and your fosters before your own needs, and in doing so, are creating an example for all of us to live by. Situations can get challenging and sad, and sometimes the only way to move forward is to break down and cry, but the most important thing is that you understand that the world is bigger than yourself, and there will always be dogs to save and people’s minds to change.
I’m genuinely sorry about all the heartache you have had to endure this month. No one should have to go through that, least of all you. But I know that if anyone can handle it, it would be you. Thank you so much for being someone I can look up to, someone I can call my hero. Your words, attitude and actions have helped me in so many ways, and I only look forward to what I can learn from you next. Please know that if you ever need anything, I will always be there for you. It’s the least I can do after everything you have done for me and our community.
Sincerely,
Natalie
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Well said… you are a hero, John. You inspire and encourage people like myself to stand up and do more for these pups. Thank you for all you do.
Great letter Natalie. John is an awesome example of what it means to have pure love for dogs. He is someone I too look up to and am inspired by.
John you are so awesome! You give and give and give….and then you give some more…
I know that I am old enough to be your mom, and if I were, I would be so very proud of you! Thank you for the ‘joke’ we have because it is truly an honor to be able to call you my ‘cousin’…
Nicely said, Natalie! John, so sorry to hear about the recent sadness, but you are always inspiring. Sometimes, the bad times are what makes the good parts feel so amazing. Not to make light of the sadness… I think it needs to be felt. I’m a big believer in “wallowing”… for a while. But then you have to let the sun shine again. I really enjoy hearing your stories!
Oh these words ring sooooo true! Natalie wrote what most if not all of us think and feel about you John..what you do is AMAZING..and what you go through every day with these precious animals is not easy but you make it seem effortless…yes you had a horrible month with all the losses you encountered but you pushed through them! You are a TRUE HERO in my book! God is definitely doing a special job through you! Keep it up and save those fur babies!!!