Four people were killed, 15 people were injured and one dog died in the Stockholm terrorist attack on Friday afternoon when a man hijacked a truck and drove directly into a busy shopping center.
The terrorist, Rakhmat Akilov, whose asylum status was rejected, has been arrested as the chief suspect. Markus Krantz, 37, and his girlfriend went to the scene of the attack after it was re-opened to the public, but they noticed something missing; nothing had been done to remember the death of the dog named Iggy.
According to the non profit rescue group, Dog’s Aid, from Dublin, Iggy had been a rescue dog adopted by a family in Sweden. Markus thought it only fitting to leave the dog flowers and a message on their behalf. The original photo he posted garnered more than 50,000 views on Facebook as it showed dog biscuits, candles and a leash at the site where Iggy was killed. The leash belonged to Markus’ dog who died last year. When the rescue group was informed of Iggy’s death, they posted the following heartbreaking message on their Facebook page:
“We are deeply saddened to learn that one of our dogs was killed in the terrorist attack in Stockholm. DOGS AID IGGY found his beautiful home in Sweden in 2012.
R.I.P. beautiful, special boy.
Run to the Bridge dear one, all of your Dogs Aid friends will be waiting for you. One hundred thousand stars will light your way. A memorial in tribute to Iggy where he took his last walk is now full of flowers, candles and candy. Our thoughts are with IGGY’S family. They loved him so much and gave him the best life imaginable. His family would like privacy at this sad and traumatic time.”
According to the Mirror, Dogs Aid asked Markus to return to the site and leave a message on their behalf:
“Iggy Run Free, from all ur friends in Dogs Aid in Dublin.”
Since then more people have visited Iggy’s memorial site leaving pictures, children’s drawings, and even a stuffed dog. And then there was this note:
“Beloved dog that lost your life on Friday 07 April 2017. Your life was also important, it meant something to someone. Rest In Peace little one, it’s sad that you had to be exposed for someone’s hate. You are surrounded by love. /Lola, Billy (our Shiba Inu) & Patrik.”
On Monday at noon, there was a minute of silence held for all the victims at a ceremony at Stockholm City Hall; less than a mile away from the egregious rampage:
“Our unity will always be stronger than the forces that seek to tear us apart,” Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said. “ Our way of life will never be suppressed. Our democracy will triumph over fundamentalism.”
Our sympathies for all who lost their lives. May you rest in peace.
(Photos of dog killed in Stockholm via Markus Krantz and Dogs Aid Facebook pages)
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook.
Love to Iggy on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge
Rest in peace Iggy.My dogs ISIS and Petey will keep you company in Heaven.
RIP to the four people who lost their lives and Iggy.
Iggy I’m sorry that they didn’t mention on the news when a dog had died in the Stockholm killing I guess they just don’t think of things like that like we do by we I mean people who love these dogs care for dogs Care for Animals in general not just dogs cats cows goats whatever you’re all of our hearts you were adopted in 2012 you look good great life the past five years your family gave you all they could and you were beautiful dog if you can see this now you could see the wall that they put up for you you can see how many people cared and it started by one person run free little Iggy I’m so sorry your life was taken by someone who is so cruel and demonic man run to that Bridge with thousands and thousands of you Doggie friends are waiting thousands of stars will be following you behind and when you get there we’ll know because we’ll have the sense of ease and we will take that big sigh and say he made it.
Rest in peace little Iggy 2012-2017
Love to Iggy.
Tragic but I am so pleased that many people cared enough to honor Iggy by leaving bones, flowers, etc. So many times animals are not given the attention and respect they deserve but I see that many people cared about his unfortunate death and that makes me realize that there are still many other animal lovers out there. So we are not alone guys! 🙂
RIP IN PEACE LITTLE GUY SO SORRY THIS HAPPEN TO YOU YES THERE IS CREUL PEOLPE OUT THERE AND THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED AND THE ASSHOLE THAT KILLED THIS DOG SHOULD ROD IN JAIL BETTER YET KILL HIM LIKE HE DID TO THE DOG RUN FREE AND YOU ARE SAFE IN DOGGIE HEAVEN