No happy ending today

I'm so sad to have to post this news.

For the past two days, literally hundreds of people have called and emailed, trying to help reunite Sean, the New Orleans police recruit who was relocated to Florida, with his very loved Rhodesian Ridgeback, Tessa.

Tessa survived eight days in the water of New Orleans. She was rescued and spent several days at police headquarters. Yesterday, she was driven out of NO to Jackson, MS where she saw a vet and seemed to be doing well. She played last night before bed. Despite all these encouraging signs, sometime during the night, Tessa passed away in her sleep.

This transport coordinator takes some comfort in knowing that Tessa did not die alone and forgotten, but in a warm and dry home with people to care for her. It's not the happy ending I was hoping for, but it is a small consolation.

At this time I would like to ask that everyone say a small prayer for Tessa and Sean. I know she is playing at the rainbow bridge and is feeling no pain. But I know Sean is understandably heartbroken.

Too many stories like this are going to be told in the next few weeks. Let's do what we can to make sure there are a few less. If you see any way to help, be it donating money, volunteering your time at a shelter, or driving on a transport, don't pass it by. You can make a difference...in Tessa's honor.

Thank you.