John Snow and his companion Rex were a pair. John was a kind hearted food seller. He worked hard and Rex was always with him, by his side, protecting him from harm and loving him. It was a difficult life in a difficult time but the pair were adored by the community because of their generosity and kindness.
John Snow and Rex died over 100 years ago! Since no one alive today actually met or knew either of them the residents of the community have heard of their tales, handed down from grandparent to parent. Amazingly, people even today still leave sticks and small branches on the full size bronze statue of Rex that stands right next to John's burial ground in the Green-Wood Cemetery of Brooklyn, New York. The statue was erected by the locals as a tribute to Rex. The two thus were never separated by death, friends and companions forever. Rex was the “American Hachiko”, referring to the Japanese dog that returned to the train station where he met his owner for over nine years, after the latter's death. Waiting every day for his return.
Townspeople that have lost their pets come to Rex’s grave, put sticks in his bronze paws, and ask him for a favor. To look after their loving missed pets until they meet them again! Sometimes humanity is able to rise above its destructive instincts and recognize the beauty that life can be. Love, friendship, loyalty are not only the domain of highly developed human beings, but also kind hearted cats and dogs. Our acceptance of this puts the entire race on a hopeful path to redemption and happiness.
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Thank you John Snow and thank you Rex for bringing a bit of the best of humanity to our world. May the both of you rest in peace, together forever.