The German Shepherd wouldn’t leave the coffin — then started barking, and what everyone saw a minute later made them scream…

And when I closed my eyes for the last time, I just hoped someone would hear him barking. Jack’s voice trembled. He lowered the letter, his eyes shining with tears.

Everyone understood. Rex wasn’t calling for help. He wasn’t angry.

He wasn’t afraid. He was signaling. The last order from his friend.

And he carried it out to the end. The puppy stirred in Sarah’s hands. She pressed her to her chest.

And at that same moment, Rex stood and came closer, as if accepting her into his new pack. «He knew,» Sarah whispered. «He knew she would need you.»

That evening, as the sun set behind the hills bathed in golden light, the little puppy was already lying in a soft blanket, wrapped head to toe. She was in the office of the K-9 unit, in a specially prepared box, next to which sat Rex. Motionless but attentive.

Periodically, Rex tilted his head, peering inside, checking if everything was okay. His gaze was different. Not anxious like at the funeral, but calm, confident.

There was no more fear in it. Only purpose. The nurse who came to the funeral and, fortunately, was nearby, examined the puppy and confirmed.

She would survive. Despite the cold, dehydration, and long hours in the coffin, she would survive. She raised her eyes, shining with tears.

This is a miracle. Officers passing by the office stopped. Some just looked through the glass.

Some came in for a minute to sit next to Rex. The atmosphere at the station changed. This was no longer just a case of a fallen officer.

It became personal for everyone. And then Sarah came. In her hands was still that same letter, crumpled into folds.

She sat next to Rex and couldn’t speak for a long time. She just looked at him, as if seeing not a dog for the first time, but someone who carried a piece of her husband. «You knew!» she whispered finally.

«He entrusted her to you.» Rex slowly turned to her and laid his muzzle on her knees. She extended her hand, stroked his head…