Mark Cuthbert

ALT a photo of a dozen neighbors gathered around mellow. he’s basking in the attention in the middle of the photo. a large white house is in the background with some grayish clouds floating by overhead.

ALT three young kids kneel by mellow, one with their arm around the dog. they’ve made blue and yellow signs that say “We heart Mellow.” mellow has a very big grin on his face.

ALT a neighbor leans down to pat mellow on the head.

ALT another neighbor rubs mellow’s ears while two more look on. mellow is patiently waiting for them all and wagging his tail.

ALT a screenshot of a facebook post from KJ Warunek, which reads in part: “You guys!!! A neighbor dog, Mellow, is going on his last walk tomorrow. This is what was put in mailboxes around town.” two attached pictures show a letter from mellow’s human and a map of their walk route.

ALT the letter from mellow’s human. it reads in part: “You may have noticed us walking in the neighborhood, twice a day, every day. … Regardless of how well we know each other, you have made my life so much richer than any rescue dog could have hoped for. … I was recently diagnosed with lymphoma and will be leaving for doggie heaven in June. … While I still can, I will be marching around the neighborhood on Saturday, June 3rd, and would love to say goodbye to you.”

ALT a photo of mellow, a brindle pit mix, sitting on a porch with his human. the dog is smiling and the owner is looking at him fondly.