If you’ve ever walked down the streets of Somerville, Massachusetts, chances are you’ve seen the dog everyone calls the “Mayor of Somerville.”
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Her name was Sparkle, and she was a fixture on the block. Sparkle was an 11-year-old beagle mix who preferred to sit outside on her front walk instead of lying on a bed indoors. She just adored the sights and sounds of her bustling neighborhood, not to mention the love she received from passersby.
Sparkle’s owner Melora Rush says people came by to say hello to the friendly pooch just about every day. She was so popular that Melora had to put up a sign with the dog’s name on it, eventually adding requests like, “don’t feed her treats” and “please sanitize your hands before and after petting me.” When Sparkle was diagnosed with incurable cancer, even more visitors showed up to shower her with gifts and gentle affection.
“She loves it,” Melora said of Sparkle being outside and meeting her adoring fans. “She usually sits right out by the sign. And just waits for her fan club.”
Boston photographer Eric Magnussen recently shared a photo of Sparkle on Twitter that earned the “mayor” even more widespread attention. Strangers started leaving notes of support for the dog and making donations to animal charities in her honor. Even though she was nearing the end of her life, Sparkle’s power to unite people with love was still going strong!
“This is a note that was left a couple days ago that says ‘We love you Sparkle. The goodest girl,’”Melora shared.
Neighbors were crushed to hear about the dog’s prognosis, but they seemed more determined than ever to show her how much they care.
“I heard the news online that Sparkle was diagnosed with cancer and after having a good cry with my partner I just thought, just say hi, it felt like the right thing to do,” said neighbor Joe Szafarowicz.
Sadly, Sparkle lost her battle with cancer just a few weeks after Melora’s announcement.
“It is so hard to share this news with all of you who have sent so much love to Sparkle,” she tweeted. “She is no longer with us. She is at peace… Thank you for the love.”
After her passing, even more gifts, donations, and notes arrived!
Neighbors might not be able to agree on everything, but they could all rally around a sweet dog who regularly brightened everyone’s day! Sparkle will be missed, but the legacy of love she left behind will never die.
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