Hundreds of locals in Kingston helped Amanda Hunter make her 12-year-old dog Mack’s last day special after years of health problems.

Amanda asked her local community Facebook group to find some snow for her dying 12-year-old Bernese mountain dog, as he loved playing in the snow. She expected only a few people to respond, especially during this summer’s heat wave, but was amazed at how many strangers were touched by Mack’s story and wanted to help, even though they had never met him.

Her community quickly sprang into action, with commenters going out to take photos of snow piles behind hockey rinks, offering transportation, and sharing their own stories of grief. Her two posts generated more than 3,000 reactions and over 200 comments.

With help from two Zamboni drivers, Amanda Hunter and her mother filled their car with ice and snow from a local rink to bring home for Mack’s final day. Although Mack couldn’t roll around in the snow because of his weak legs, he happily ate it and tried to cover himself with it. Mack also got to eat all of his favourite foods, including pizza, animal crackers, and a chocolate peanut butter birthday cake, while Hunter read her dog a Christmas book and played Halloween songs for a final run-through of their favourite holiday traditions. Hunter said she tried her best to simply enjoy their final moments and deal with the sadness afterward.

Hunter’s update about Mack’s passing once again prompted a host of responses, including people telling her their deceased pets were waiting for Mack on the other side. The comments gave Hunter peace and the feeling that he was not alone.

Source: Kristjan Lautens, Toronto Star