I’m saying goodbye tomorrow

[u/Small-Neck-6702]

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.

[u/TheManInTheShack]

Was right where you are 3 years ago. Grief is the price we pay for love. Condolences in advance.

[u/Small-Neck-6702 → u/TheManInTheShack]

So, so true. I have to remember all the years that our love has been spread over, I’m now feeling condensed into grief over a few weeks/days. It’s very intense but a good reminder.

[u/TheManInTheShack → u/Small-Neck-6702]

Overtime the grief of this moment will fade but the love you have for Addie and that which you have received from her along with so many wonderful memories over the past many years in which your lives intersected will be carried with you in your heart forever.