This was tearfully written April 2013.  We had to come back to Myrtle Beach but my sweet rat terrier had been missing for a week.  We couldn't stay in the home we lived in with my sister, because a tree fell on her home and the fire department made us leave.  Red Cross helped my sister and her son, but I wanted to come back to be with my son and grandchildren.  I called every day to look for my sweet little dog who had the courage of a lion, and the gentleness of a lamb, who loved me beyond words, and who protected me and stayed by my side for 13 years. Here is the post I placed on Craigslist in his memory.

 My sweet Rocket passed away last night.

He was turned into Mocksville Animal Control by someone who told them the owner did not want him anymore. We posted ads on Craigslist and Facebook and several other sites. We checked the neighbors. We called every shelter in 3 different counties several times a week. We followed every lead. We searched by foot and car and couldn't find him. The only neighbor who wouldn't answer the door was once prosecuted for animal cruelty. We picked him up from Animal Control just 2 days ago. He was scheduled to be put to sleep. We drove back home to the beach with our fur baby and noticed swelling, lumps, and signs of abuse. He could not bark, walk, or eat. We took him to the hospital where the vet told us he seemed to have broken bones and possible signs of rat poison.
He suffered untold fear and cruelty at the hands of a stranger. He was held captive and we know he would have come running to us if he could. My only comfort is in knowing we had brought him home to be with all the people he loved and who loved him before he died. 
This post is in his memory. If you lose your beloved pet, never stop looking and waiting for someone to find you. Get help and spread the word, and trust no one. Check the shelters daily. Dont take anyone's word for it. Go there in person and ask to see ALL pets, even those marked for death. And if you find a pet post ads daily. Ask for proof of ownership. Check the lost ads and also the pet section. You will save the life of sweet helpless creatures who cant speak for themselves and the owners who grieve the loss of their four legged children. My baby is gone forever but his memory will always be in our hearts.