Today We Mourn the Death of Dunkin and Celebrate His Life and Legacy

Dunkin has departed this world for the Rainbow Bridge, but the once-brutally abused dog leaves behind a message of love and kindness.

It is with a heavy heart we announce the death of rescue dog Dunkin the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Suffering from neurological damage, he had probably been used as a bait dog. He had to have a bunch of metal nails removed from his belly, as well as surgery to fix his eyes. He needed a wheelchair for mobility and a strict diet to keep his megaesophagus in check.

The odds were heavily stacked against him, and yet Dunkin embraced the world with a certain kindness in his eyes and his human friends spared no expense in making his life as comfortable as possible for however long it would be.

According to his Facebook page, Dunkin passed away surrounded by friends and family in the comfort of his home when his lungs failed.

While it is always sad to watch our animal friends go to the Rainbow Bridge, Dunkin's final message leaves us with a call to action to continue to be kind and gentle to each other.

Please don’t be sad…while my body may be gone, my legacy is just beginning. All of you have lots of work to do to protect and care for other animals in need…just like you did for me. Please continue to work together to be kind, to be compassionate, and to educate those around you. It would mean the world to me if you could help my mom continue to give those in need, another chance.

My heart swells with love, pride and appreciation for all that each of you have done for me and for each other. Your cards, letters, pictures, prayers and encouragement gave me the strength to live each of my days to the fullest and while my life was short in time, it was rich with your friendship. I love you all.

You can read the rest of Dunkin's touching message here, but make sure to have a tissue handy.

We offer Dunkin's family our deepest condolences, and while these are difficult times, they are also a reminder of the power of compassion. Dunkin died in a warm circle of love -- a far cry from the fate that could have been his had someone not stepped in.

Photos via Dunkin's Facebook page

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