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    Neighborhood pandemic Comfort dog gets viral outpouring of support after cancer diagnosis

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    Over the course of a week, Sparkle, a corgi mix from Somerville, Massachusetts has inspired the entire internet after her unfortunate cancer diagnosis.

    After providing comfort and love to her neighbors throughout COVID pandemic, the community returns the favor.

    And it’s no longer just her neighbors who come to visit. Sparkle’s story quickly spread around the world and she gets a lot of support from those touched by her love and kindness.

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    Sparkle helps her community through the pandemic

    In the town of Somerville, Sparkle was already a superstar long before it went viral.

    Sparkle, now eleven years old, has been hanging out for years, greeting people passing by for walks from her spot on the walkway that leads to her house. Melora Rush, Sparkle’s mother, eventually put up signs to greet those curious about giving Sparkle a pet.

    “My name is Sparkle,” the sign says. “I LOVE being outside all year round and meeting people!”

    During the COVID pandemic, Sparkle’s sweet and generous nature became critical to her community. People from all over the neighborhood regularly stopped by to get much-needed hugs during a difficult time.

    “People stopped and said how grateful they were that she was outside and that she was such a comfort because they felt so alone and isolated,” Rush said. The Boston Globe.

    To protect Sparkle and himself, Rush added to the board. She asked everyone who visited to use hand sanitizer, which she provided at the sign, before and after pets.

    Sadly, Rush would have to make one more addition to her welcome boards.

    Sparkle’s Cancer Diagnosis

    While out for a walk, Eric Magnussen, a local photographer and Sparkle fan, stopped by to visit her on November 9, 2021. Shortly after, he posted the photos he took on his Twitter, including an addition to Sparkle’s board.

    Next to her introduction board, the new calls for “extra love” to show Sparkle. It further explains that she has been diagnosed with incurable jaw cancer, which has left her snout sore and swollen.

    Rush shared heartbreakingly that Sparkle “has brought joy and comfort to many in the area. We hope she will stay with us for a few more months, but we can’t know. If you see her outside, please continue to love her (gently).”

    She had no idea what was coming for the dog affectionately known as the “Mayor of Somerville.”

    Sparkle goes viral

    Since Magnussen’s tweet, which was liked more than 225,000 times, Sparkle has become an internet sensation – one of the few who is particularly worthy of such status.

    “It’s been crazy,” Rush said. “I’m like, ‘National? Really?’ People have contacted me from all over.”

    That “extra love” comes from sympathetic dog lovers far and wide, as well as national news publications. And of course, those in her community who were directly affected by Sparkle in their times of need have shared memories, too.

    Bridget Copes, a former Sparkle neighbor, shared: Boston News 7“I cried at work because Sparkle was such an important part of my time living in this neighborhood…I just dropped by when I was sad or feeling isolated during the pandemic,” Copes said.

    By the end of the weekend, Sparkle had a line of outdoor fans from nearby towns, photographers and neighbors, all eager to show her love. Some have even left notes, gifts and treats.

    Show your love for Sparkle

    Pet love and togetherness concepts. The boy's hand touching the dog's white paw. Green grass in the background. Horizontal close up.

    (Stock Picture Credit: Toli/Getty Images)

    To meet the demand for updates on Sparkle’s cancer diagnosis, Rush has both a Twitter, @MayorSparkle, and an Instagram account, @sparklemayorofsomerville.

    If you are lucky enough to live nearby, please go give your love directly and receive her kind and gracious nature in return.

    How do you feel about this outpouring of love after Sparkle’s cancer diagnosis? Are you happy to see her getting so much support after helping her community through the pandemic? Let us know in the comments below.



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