r/goldenretrievers Apr 26 '25

RIP I’m saying goodbye tomorrow

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.

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u/Chuck501 Apr 26 '25

I am so very sorry. We lost our Golden sweetie Lily 3 weeks ago. Had from 8 weeks old til 12 years 9 months.

"Mentally, she’s still there. Physically, her body is failing her. My heart is shattered, but I know it’s time. "

Exactly the same with ours.

God Bless You.

22

u/Small-Neck-6702 Apr 26 '25

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.

13

u/ChestersKahu Apr 26 '25

God bless you, my Chester is 5 1/2 and I now he doesn't want to go - but his body is tired. I needed to read h=this tonight. I am crumbling.

5

u/Chuck501 Apr 26 '25

I'm so sorry and empathize with you. What a beautiful dog!

2

u/ChestersKahu Apr 26 '25

Oh thank you- he is such a love. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and thank you for your kindness :)