End of the line

I had Freckles put down today. She had developed another MAST Tumor. This one was larger than a fist and located on her belly. She had really been fighting, but her breathing was irregular and she would only eat minimal food. The quality of life had really crashed. I should have her ashes in about a week. I plan to scatter them in a grove of trees in her favorite park. Thank you all for the support and information. Her long, strange trip is over. I loved her so.

13 thoughts on “End of the line”

  1. My heart hurts reading this. We lost our beautiful Max on Monday. To hear you lost your precious Freckles is a second punch in the stomach. Please know I understand the pain you feel at this moment. I believe you and Freckles started your journey shortly after we did in Sept. We start this journey to get our furfaces out of pain and we hope ours can be one of those that can beat those odds. Sadly you and I weren’t that lucky. But I’m sure you as did we squeezed an eternity of loving and spoiling into our 4 short months. Our dogs knew love! Hopefully as the months go by we will find our hearts healing. I asked Max to meet your sweet Freckles at the bridge and introduce him around. I can picture those two running healthy and whole meeting all the tripawd Warriors that went before them. Please know I’m holding you in my heart and sending healing hugs to you today on this hardest of days.
    Linda, Bob & Spirit Mighty Max

  2. I’m sorry that you had to make this decision. It is never, ever easy. But we do it because we promise they never suffer. I’m sure you miss Freckles and will for a long time. But you made the decision you needed to make, so I hope that gives you some comfort.

    Denise, Bill and Angel Ellie.

  3. Ohhh, so very, very sorry. It just breaks my heart to hear this today. I’m so sorry. I cry with you.

    It’s weird. Freckles has realky been on my mind the last two days. I kept looking for a post from you. This is not what I expected though.

    This is such a sad time. I know, as do manynof us here, how much this hurts. You are devastated beyond words. And it will be quite awhile before the crying becomes less frequent and quite awhile before the happy memories of your precious Freckles push the sadness into the background. The waves of grief will hit you like a ton of bricks …for awhile.

    The intensity of this journey is like no other. The day to day caring for our tripawds and the routines we develop with them creates a seemingly unbearable void….for awhile.

    I fell in love with Frexkles from Day One! And that was before I even saw her adorable picture of her sunbathing!! And that was before I learned how she used to love ro chase squirrels and go on walks with Scruffy! And then add the fact that she was a fighter, a courageous little Warrior who lived life to the fullest everyday…yeah, I really love Freckles 🙂

    One of my favorite posts you made was when you told us how you explained to her that her painful leg would be “gone”! That was absolutely priceless! But it also was indicative of the bond you had with Freckles and she with you. You two really understand each other.

    You gave your girl more rime for loving and spoiling and squirrel chasing and sunbathing and treats! In doggy years, these additional extra four plus months is equal to almost three years in human terms. You gave her a beautiful gift. That’s a lot of extra happy memories to treasure.

    You understood it was time for Freckles to free herself from her earthly body that no longer served her. She knew you would give her that gift when she let you know she was ready.

    When you can, check out the “Coping with Loss” thread as there are a lot of beautiful poems and helpful ways to navigate through the grief.

    We are here for you.

    Also when you can, we would love ro here more about Freckles and, of course, see more pictures.

    I know, as bittersweet as it was, I felt at peace when I had my Happy Hannah’s ashes returned home to me. She has provided life affirming “nutrients” to my Peonies and to her special shade tree.

    Yes, Freckles is no longer continuing her earthly journey, but she is continuing her journey at the Bridge running after squirrels without ever tiring, eating all the junk food she couldn’t have here on earth, feeling healthy, vibrant and whole! She is srill with you and always watching over you…always.

    Watch out for signs from her. She’ll send them to you…pay attention. Scruffy may also get some messages from her. Pay attention. Let us know what they are, okay?

    Holding you in our hearts tonight…

    Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

  4. Hey there,
    My name is Amy and I was the best most loving dog named Jack. He was an 11 year old Italian Greyhound and just two days ago I had to put him to sleep. The doctor said he had osteosarcoma in his back leg. He seemed to injure his leg when he tried to jump on my bed but even at that time he didn’t show any pain and acted completely normal. I took him to the doctor at 3 o’clock on Monday and then by 5 o’clock I had learned he had bone cancer in his leg and it has metastasized to his lungs. I never thought but this was even possible because he was acting so normal. I’m really struggling with coming to terms with the decision that I made and I can’t change the circumstance and have to live with the possibility of a premature decision. I feel like I gave up on him :(.

  5. Oh I am so sorry to hear that Freckles earthly journey has ended. My heart breaks for you! It is a horrible pain but you gave her the greatest gift possible – release to the bridge where she will always watch over you!

    I think it is lovely that you plan to spread her ashes in a place that she loved the best! That is always so hard to do but always so lovely to do! Shelby’s ashes were released into the Pacific Ocean on the beach that she and I loved so much!

    Holding you close and sending you love and hugs…
    alison with spirit shelby in her heart

  6. I am so very sorry to hear about Freckles going to the bridge. This is such an intense journey, that those who have not traveled it don’t quite understand. I agree, look for signs. I have a whole satin bag of pennies and dimes. They do look out for us from the bridge. Lori, Ty and Gang

  7. Of course you loved her, and she loved you right back, which is why she was such a brave warrior. I’m so sorry.
    Donna

  8. I am so sorry to hear about Freckles. I know this is not the easiest thing in the world to deal with. You gave her the best gift we can give them when it’s their time.
    She will always be watching over you.

    xoxoxo
    Michelle & Angel Sassy

  9. I am so very sorry for your loss of Freckles, we all do know how much heartbreak you are feeling. This final chapter of this journey is so hard for us, but healing will come with time.

    Hoping for peace and healing in your heart, and that happy memories will remain with you always….
    {{{Hugs}}}
    Bonnie, Angel Polly, and new pups

  10. We are so sad to read this, our hearts hurt for you and we’re so very sorry. Saying goodbye is the hardest decision we ever have to make there’s no doubt about that. You treated Freckles like the best parent ever with all the respect and dignity she wanted, and in return her spirit is at peace. There is no greater gift than to leave this world under those circumstances.

    It’s hard to wrap your head around this. If you want to talk, know that we are here for you OK? Once a Tripawd parent, always a part of this community.

    Lots of love & condolences coming your way.

  11. If I may address Amy..amusetlak34.. You were hit with an agonizing decision that needed to be made under very stressful circumstances. You made the best possible decision for Jack…one made out of pure love. An 11 yr. old senior where it had already gone to his lungs? No, you weren’t giving up too soon. The cards he was dealt left you with no other choice.

    Please come over ro the forums a d share more of Jack’s wonderful eleven years with you. You are not alone. We are here to help.

    Love

    Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie

  12. I’m so sorry to hear about your beloved freckles. The loss is unimaginable, but the memories are priceless. My deepest condolences.
    Chloe Sasha & Jesse

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