HoundsGood: Chronicles of a Virtual Volunteer

Next month will mark the one year anniversary of when Meredith Emerson and her dog, Ella, went missing while hiking at Vogel State Park in Blairsville, Georgia.  It was a high profile case that touched many hearts.  Many people especially remembered the case, as Emerson’s dog, Ella, was later found alive and adopted by Emerson’s parents.  I remember that there was much hope that Meredith was alive when Ella surfaced, but it was not to be.  I remember feeling the suspense and hope, even though I never had known Miss Emerson.

I happened upon a guest book at Legacy.com that is still online, where over 272 pages of well wishers have signed messages of sympathy to the family.  Not just that, but many people have expressed being inspired to remember Meredith:

Kate from NV wrote:

I will be hiking a strenuous 3-hour hike up a 7,600 ft. mountain this Sat. in honor of you and your beloved Ella. I am a bit scared to try such a advanced hike as I have not exercised regularly in years. But your beautiful, radiant spirit and courage have inspired me to try my best. Rest in peace, sweet Meredith. You will be remebered always and your spirit will endure forever.

From Sarah Burnett in Texas:

I feel so guilty dealing with the horror, anger, and sadness I feel over this tragedy now, three months behind everyone else. Meredith’s bravery, beauty, and life will inspire me forever. Each time I take my golden retriever to the park, I’ll think of Meredith waiting to take Ella for long walks in heavenly light and be grateful, and sad, that her tragedy taught me to be more careful. I’m in my mid-twenties too, and (used to) frequently take my Dallas on walks alone late at night or early in the morning when there’s no one around so she can run unleashed. I know better now, and I’m so, so sorry, it took Meredith’s tragedy to make me see. Thank you, for what its worth. Its not fair, though. It will never be fair.

Remembering you always, Meredith. I loved being the girl and her dog in the sun on the trail, too. Maybe in the next life, we’ll walk together.

There are many, many more.   To follow the prior entries on this story, click here.  To visit Meredith’s online memorial, click here.

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