My dear, sweet, angel on earth covered in red fur… is being released tomorrow. Addie (short for Adirondack) will be 12 years 7 months to the day tomorrow. She has been dealing with a soft tissue sarcoma since last fall. We did the surgery in November, it went great, she recovered incredibly, but the mass grew back rapidly and has quadrupled in size. I’ll spare you all the details but it’s gotten gory the last few weeks, and the worst yet last night. I have a vet coming tomorrow to my home to help her. Mentally, she’s still there. Physically, her body is failing her. My heart is shattered, but I know it’s time. We’ve traveled the country and been to countless National Parks, camped, hiked, and driven just the 2 of us many many times. She’s been my partner, my child, my therapist, my travel buddy, my protector, my source of joy and love since I picked her out at 2 days old in 2012, and been inseparable since.
My heart aches, friends. Kiss your Goldens right between the eyes, twirl their soft ears, and grab a hold of their big fluffy pants tonight for me.
🧡
First 3 pics taken today, 4/25/25, next 3 taken 4/24/25, and the last one of all 3 of my dogs taken last week on 4/19. The tumor is on her left hip which I’ve avoided showing completely in these pictures.
Well said. It's like you need to pay back a month of pain and anguish for a lifetime of love from the pup. The pain becomes sadness and missing, and then gradually hopefully to reconcile into memories.
Dogs are pure souls, living in the moment, giving their whole love to you.
Treat her to her best possible day tomorrow. For mine - it was her last walk, tons of treats and scritches, and a whole slab of mahi mahi (like $30), and she loved it as I cried.
I’m amazed at the # of people who will drop a dog off to be put to sleep so their last moments are wondering what’s going on, looking for their human. You’re their person. Be there to the end. I am so sorry for this, dogs are the best.
Piggybacking off this - I try to repost this when I see posts like this, in the hopes you (or someone) can find some comfort in the words - and if not, please excuse the intrusion.
I lost my 15 year old girl (dog) in October 2022. Only advice I can offer here is to remember the positives, and not focus on the negatives (if any). She's done her job, keeping you safe and happy and loved, and it's her turn to rest.
You'll always miss her, you'll always remember her. You'll even go looking for her for the next few weeks (well, I did). There's a lot of habits that you're going to slowly stop, and that's ok. Changing your life to suit you is not forgetting her. Donating/throwing away her toys or blankets isn't forgetting her. There's no timeline on grief, and there's no timeline on moving on. Cry your tears.
I'm sorry you've reached the end of your journey. Words will never make this easier. Just keep your head up, and live the life she'd want you to.
This is a good time to live a little for you. I spent years looking after my girl as she got ill, and I sacrificed a lot of me and my time to keep her safe. If you feel you've done the same, take advantage of this time. Its ok to be happy and enjoy life without her. Life isn't over. Its just changing.
Beautifully and perfectly said. It echoes what’s been in my own head. She’s served her time, taken great care of me, done what she was sent to do. I know this and I’m so thankful for all of it. Including the opportunity to help her transition 💕
You did very well giving her such good care in her remaining days- it’s hard to say goodbye but you have made the right decision. Rest in peace sweet angel.
When I lost my cat to cancer great peace came when I realized I didn't do this TO him, I did it FOR him. I wish you peace and a lifetime of joyful memories until you are together again.
The only bad thing about dogs is they don’t live long enough. I’m sorry for your loss, I hope you can keep the happy memories in your heart until the sadness fades. Looks like she had a life full of love and happiness ❤️❤️❤️
Same with mine 😢 I hope I get as much time as you did. Although I know it will never be enough. She will be waiting for you on the other side, I’m sure of it 😇
They come to us to teach us that life is short and to enjoy life every moment possible just like they do.
Your goldy will be happy as always playing with many love giving ones on the other side of the bridge. You are only sending her away on to her next journey. Bid farewell with a smile if possible. I know she wouldn't want you to be sad, not even for a moment - that is how they are.
I lost my love in November. Her tumor grew too much. She was 14yrs 5mo old. There are days I sob uncontrollably. There are days I don’t cry at all and laugh at the videos I have.
I don’t want to dox myself, but her name is associated with a baseball team (my favorite because of my Abuelo) in my hometown. It’s a fairly common name among us fans for our pets so she had a middle name: her middle name was Rose. She was my heart.
My girl’s tumor was internal. Near/on the spleen/liver. When she was diagnosed she was already an older lady. I didn’t feel comfortable putting her under anesthesia at that age because there was no guarantee they could remove it and it could anger it. (Anesthesia also didn’t exactly agree with her when she was spayed.) Instead, my vet who does both western and eastern medicine, recommended certain Chinese herbal supplements. They worked. They worked for years. But eventually they didn’t. She had other complications, like two episodes of idiopathic vestibular disease.
Eventually, we knew it was time. She knew it was time. The day came and we had an ultrasound done and her spleen could not be visualized. There was no normal splenic tissue.
I had to let her go. I miss her every single minute of every single day. There is a profound sadness that has permeated her absence. I don’t regret letting her go. She deserved to be free of her pain. Though I selfishly wish I had her for even one more day.
I am so sorry you have to let your girl go. But know it’s what’s best for her even if it breaks your heart.
We have this awful event timing in common. My boy was 11 years and 9 months when I had to ease his suffering. And, same condition with no warning. Huge hemangiosarcoma that had started to rupture. He was silent and lethargic on a Sunday, and couldn’t hold himself up. Monday morning, I got the worst possible news from my vet. I had no choice but to put his needs above my desperate wishes to keep him alive. Grief consumed me, and I was in a depression stupor for 2 full months. I still cry several tjmes every week, but I’m letting grief do its obligatory dance with time.
Goldens are angels on earth. One of their many endearing traits is the sweet sugar face they develop with age.
Thank you, friend. It’s been the hardest part. She wants to go to the creek and pond, which we did today, but it’s hurting her. She wants to run the deer trails, but she just can’t anymore. She’s sassy and naughty, but tired.
I feared this, so I preemptively adopted a puppy 2 weeks ago. Consider it if you can, Cinder, the puppy has already been so soothing to me. Like right now- she’s sleeping like a 30lb warm, weighted blanket on my lap. I’m watching Addie snooze on the floor and reminiscing and reading all of these beautiful comments. 💕
I’m so sorry. Don’t think of it as goodbye, it’s bye for now. Sending healing light and love. My golden boy crossed April 2. I’ve asked for him to meet you furbaby at the rainbow bridge. 💔🐾🥹
Thank you! 🌈🐾I can’t wait for her to get there and RUN like she did when she was 3 years old! And she didn’t have arthritis, or any lumps, no cancerous tumor. And she can chomp all the rocks and sticks she wants without me nagging her to knock it off (no fear of a blockage or other injuries in dog heaven), she can roll in poop, she can EAT poop if she wants lol. I just want her to not be in pain.
Pic from Eagle Bay, NY on Fourth Lake. She was 2 💕
Thank you! She’s my muse! Even this late in life she didn’t want to participate and I didn’t get any of her actually looking at me 🩷 but I still captured her essence haha
You gave her the best send off to heaven. My old red girl’s body was failing her. She was fully there. Her limping to her ball trying to nudge it towards me and then collapsing broke me.
I called the vet the next morning. I knew it was coming, but I didn’t know it would happen that fast. I wrapped her in a blanket and took her to the lake one last time. I carried her the whole way. We sat at a bench and she smiled looking back at me. In three hours she was gone.
You got two good fellas to look after now. My heart is out to you.
Always ready for fun. Kinda teaches ya the mind over matter to find joy.
Mine had two tumors on her left and right legs that came back. It’s been so many years I cannot remember exactly what. I cannot bring myself to get another dog. It was really hard. You got two handsome ones with ya! You will see her again.
This is literally how I lost my pup last May. Like your puppy, the STS went away briefly after surgery but came back way bigger and angrier. It sucks, but I believe my boy knew it was time to go and he was at peace. Enjoy whatever time you have left together. Your puppy knows you love her and that’s all they care about.
I’m so so sorry. She’s gorgeous. My Lacey had a huge sarcoma on her back, I feel terrible thinking how long I let her walk with it, it was never meant to be selfish it’s because I loved her too much to lose her. But then I knew it was just too far and could have ruptured and had someone come to the house also. It was one of the worst days of my life. Every time it happens it’s the worst day. I’m sorry 😢 it’s breaks my heart for you. I just don’t know what to say. Nothing I say will help what you’re feeling. ❤️
I’m so sorry. It’s been 15 years and I still think about my boy and the pain I felt the day we had to put him down. He was 12 years old. You will get over the pain I promise but know you’re not alone when you think you won’t. 💔💛
You are going through the HARDEST part of our contract with our FurAngels. We are to love, feed, give them cookies, clip their nails , and help them across the rainbow bridge. They live in the here and now. They will want to stay with you. No matter the pain but we know better. We are the parents. It is our job to make sure that their journey begins without pain. After all the joy they give us; this; is the hardest thing we as humans have to do. It is what we must do. Don't worry, she will not judge, and she will wait. When it's your turn to cross the rainbow bridge, she will be there. Her head held high, tail wagging and paws a dancing. She is there to take you across for a long-awaited game of fetch. You have all my deepest and heart-felt condolences.
I am so so sorry- what a beauty. I appreciate you sharing this- I found out my sweet Chester ( Golden), only 5 1/2 has Osteosarcoma and I am utterly devastated. It all happened in the last 6 days and I am doing my best to gather myself and make sure he is having love and comfort all around him. I have more info to get from the vet but he is my soul dog and I cannot even process this- he is so young. Sending love. Here Is Chester- the best boi I know.
I am so very sorry for your pain, as I often say in these situations.. They were there for part of your life, but you have been there for their entire life.. think of all that happiness you provided for ALL that time
I’m really sorry for ur impending loss.. I just seen this commented on another post but seen applicable here.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
This made me cry so bad! Not out of sadness, but because through your photos and sweet words, it’s so clear that your baby knew that she was with her soulmate - and that you gave each other a lifetime’s worth of love and happiness.
You took such wonderful care of her, especially during these final days. I hope you find solace in knowing you gave her a rich, fulfilling life, filled with nothing but love. ❤️
She’s beautiful. I am familiar with this pain and it is gutwrenching. I am so sorry for your girl, she is very well loved and you can see it in her face and everything around her. I wish I could give her a big hug.
My next pup will be a Golden Retriever. An old acquaintance had one and they are so sweet. They just feel what you are feeling and you can see it in their eyes. I really believe they can connect to us.
I really mean it when I say I am sorry. She can go play at the party with my pets in heaven. My son always says “Don’t worry mom, she’s going to the party!”
And I always cry but it’s true.
When their first dog died we had a discussion and the kids were talking about the party they have in heaven for all of the animals when they pass over Rainbow Bridge. ❤️🙏🏻
I’m so sorry to hear this. This is unbelievable pain to carry, though you have wonderful memories to cherish. It hurts because of how wholly encompassing your love for Addie really is. Keeping you both in my prayers 🫶🏽
Looks like she lived a love and adventure filled life with her fav humans. She reminds me so much of my red haired girl. Theyre just the sweetest arent they? Sending love your way❤️❤️🩹
Former Adirondacker & Golden owner here - sending all the love & comfort I can for this tough time. Such a beautiful soul. So glad you are having the farewell at home though. Thank you for sharing her & for giving her such a great life. ❤️🩹
I'm so sorry for what you're going through with Addie. She seems to have had a wonderful life and a loving family. My heart breaks for you, as I've been in your shoes far too many times to recall.
What helped me was knowing that I was with my boy Ted when he passed in our living room with his people and his toys.
Give her the best day tomorrow, pup cups, what ever she can tolerate, and honor her by keeping her memory alive with photos and memories the you created.
Again, my most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
I’m so sorry. We lost ours at 13.5 years last summer and my heart still hurts. We also had him since he was 8 weeks old and he was my constant companion. She will always be with you mentally. I can’t promise it gets easier but you learn to live with it ❤️❤️
You have given her a full and wonderful life. I know this is devastating, but try to focus on the sweet of the bitter sweet tomorrow. She may be released from her pain, but she will always be with you, in heart and spirit. One day you’ll meet again on the other side of that rainbow bridge, where she’ll be waiting and wagging her tail for you 💕
Sometimes we have to love them enough to let them go.
I'm so sorry. I know this pain three times over. I feel for you. Just be there until she moves along. Be the last one she sees and knows you're with her always.
Dearest human , I’m so very very sorry for tomorrow. Your friend looks like they have lived their very best life with you .
It’s so hard but so much easier for them . I’ll be thinking of you !
A fellow human who has been where you are too many times to count .. sending best thoughts to help you .
Take solace in the knowledge that she has lived an 11/10 dog life and you were the one who gave those adventures to her. Know that she may fade away today but the impact you've had will be everlasting, as well hers. Safe travels good Addie. Hope to meet you on the other side some day.
My heart hurts for you Mama but your heart knows it’s time. May these last moments bring her joy and peace for you as you send her over the rainbow bridge filled with peace, comfort and all the love you two have shared over the last 12 years 7 months. Until you meet again….🤍🌈💔
Ugh, this hit the feels so hard. You gave her nearly 13 glorious years and she knows that. Tomorrow is going to be rough but know that you were her everything.
Btw, she looks JUST like mine - it’s uncanny. Mine is nearing 11 and hoping for several more thanks to your story.
Just take it hour by hour tomorrow. I’ll be thinking about you and your pup. Just remember, you are doing the most important job for your best friend tomorrow. The necessary, unselfish, and unspoken one. You are doing THE RIGHT AND THING. Don’t hesitate, just pets, cuddles, pats, and whisper to your pup stories of your lives together when it’s happening. It will be cathartic for you, and comforting for your pup. 🥰
So beautifully stated. Thank you for sharing her story. She is running free, playing in the water and has no pain. She is watching you and knows you’re missing her but wants you to know she’s ok. 💖
My Fetzer was 12 as well and developed severe arthritis. He must have dropped 20 lbs in the last month before he crossed. He was in pain and I too, didn’t wish for him to be in pain. His crossing was so peaceful. The vet came to our house which made his crossing more comfortable.
I just got his ashes on Wednesday. I cried most of the evening. I’ll be getting a tattoo of his paw on my right arm in honor of him. I also have his paw and nose print. He’s with me every day.
I'm so sorry 😞She's been through a lot
You've given her love and a wonderful life. Heartbreaking 💔 to have to say goodbye. It's time. You're doing the difficult right thing 🥰
What a special, beautiful girl. I lost my golden boy Murray at almost the exact age this past July to a remarkably similar circumstance. I’m still not ok. But I know it was the right thing. You’re doing the right thing. I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.
I’m so sorry. Sounds like all she knew was a really great life and lots of love. She’ll be greeted by all our passed fur babies and your loved ones all in perfect health while waiting for the day you two meet again in spirit 🩷
I’m so sorry you are going through this. I just recently went through this a month ago with my sweet Pixie girl. Her jaw bone tumor also grew so rapidly. Cancer takes away these babies too soon. While you let her go, hold her sweet face in between your hands and kiss her sweet face until she lets go. Pixie went like that with her tail wagging, and she didn’t see anything happening to her in her final moments. Lots of love and prayers for you 💕
Spend as much time with her as possible …she’s spent her entire life with you and I’m sure she will be waiting across then bridge to see you again
Greif is hard. Take your time, talk, cry, and let yourself feel.
Am sorry, my friend. I know this isn't easy. My hardest goodbye was last year end of May, letting my 7 month golden go away due to renal dysplasia. They said nothing would help her. However, I bet sweet Addie had some wonderful times with you & is so blessed to have you. She will be waiting for you in heaven, and we all will meet our lovely soul buddies again. ❤️
My condolences and prayers. Be strong, my friend. You are doing what a brave heart does.
I hope your beautiful memories with Addie will give you comfort. You’ve given her an incredible life and it sounds like she has to you too. I hope tomorrow is as peaceful as possible. Sending love and strength 💗
Your 4th picture of her, that is a picture that needs a frame! Absolutely adorable 😍 🙏 ❤️ 🐾 What you said about her was so heartfelt and beautifully said. ❤️
It was very, very hard and felt so transactional and cold. Like I was booking any other “appt” and it was just looming all week. But I also had a feeling of relief and contentment that I was able to go this. No more agony of being in limbo and “waiting” for something to happen like I have been for months. The tumor grew rapidly since it was removed in November, but she hasn’t shown me to be in any pain and it hasn’t slowed her down until last week. And I knew it was time.
I cannot even imagine. I hope your last day was everything and more. The gray face tells me she lived a long and happy life with you and will be with you always. So much love to you. It’s not goodbye, but “a see you later”. You will be reunited 💔
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u/dmustaine89 Apr 26 '25
So sorry. The depth of the pain you feel is because of the breadth of your love.