Saying Goodbye to a furkid

byDianeK59

4.1K followers

2 years ago

To all those praying for my dear furkid, Fire.

It has taken me over a week to be able to post this. This spritely girl had been doing quite well in her fight against the cancerous tumor in her lung, giving us hope that maybe she just might be able to beat it. Of course, we knew that since it was not shrinking, it was more of a contest of how long she could continue to live happily. And she was indeed happy.

Fire turned 13 years old on March 3, 2022. She had been a part of my life since birth, born to my son’s sweet little girl, Sprite and my daughter’s cute, Max.

Even before being weaned, Fire was full of vim and vinegar, as they say. I named her Firecracker one day as she was chasing after even larger dogs around our yard, playing relentlessly. She was a Firecracker!

When I started traveling to my Dad’s to help care for him after a stroke, Fire went along with me. She and Dad’s dog, Mickey, seemed quite content to share the time together. When we moved Dad to our home for more intense time and care, Fire still stayed close to Dad and Mickey.

More of a beagle man, Dad never really appreciated poodles until he spent time with Fire. They formed a bond that was quite endearing. Mickey allowed her to have some of Dad’s attention, though he often pushed other dogs away. Maybe he sensed that she contributed some love to him, too.

When Dad need hospitalization, Fire kept Mickey company. Both dogs seemed to know that his time was short and they dealt with it, perhaps a bit solemnly, but in quite good terms. Dogs seem to find the way easier than people, in many cases.

A couple of years ago, Fire started coughing. A trip to the vet showed something small and strange that the vet thought might be a slight lung infection. When antibiotics didn’t cure it, we went for more intensive testing. I must admit, I was not prepared for the result.

Fire had a tumor, now high in her lung. It was diagnosed as inoperable due to the location. I was devastated!

Fire, however, was not one to just give up. We went through various options and decided to try chemotherapy. We have an incredible pet cancer clinic very nearby. Treatment started and we watched with great hope that the tumor might shrink enough to allow for surgery.

Fire, enjoying her car seat and blanket, on another car ride!

It didn’t But neither did Fire’s resolve. Fire had always been very happy and playful, even at age 12. And even cancer could not stop that.

At each vet visit, I told them that as long as she was happy, we’d continue trying. And she never missed a day of happiness.

Fire had always been quite obedient, true to poodle character. But with her cancer, she seemed to develop a bit of an independent streak. She was still well-behaved. But now, if she wanted to wander outside longer than we had planned, she insisted. In fact, she’d look at me when I called, then trot off her own way for a few more minutes. Not quite obedient, of course, but in a way, it seemed to help her find renewed strength to fight the growth that wanted to take her from me.

(below is a picture of Josh walking Fire with an umbrella as she had just had a procedure and could not get wet--she refused to give up her wandering walks)

That trend continued. If she wanted to run around in the rain, it was her choice and she let us know that. We laughed about her newfound obstinance. I often said that it was what was keeping her going. And I still think it was.

As often happens with cancer, Fire’s health took a sudden turn. One day she just couldn’t seem to get cool enough, even though our home is air-conditioned. I added a fan for her, hoping to help. She was still happy and romping, but obviously having trouble getting enough air.

Thursday evening during our night walk, she struggled. We did what we could for comfort, then I held her. Just after midnight (officially on Friday, June 3) she died. She didn’t struggle, she just went to sleep, on her own terms, as she had lived. No need for us to decide “it was time”. Fire had made the decision. She was tired and needed to rest.

She had outlasted the “predicted” lifespan with her diagnosis by quite a bit. And she had been happy each day. What more could I ask? Sure I wanted more time with her, but it wasn’t my choice.

Those of us with Furkids often talk of the “Rainbow Bridge”. I don’t know if there is such a thing or if we just reunite in heaven after a good rest. I’m fine either way. I know that Fire will be once again chasing and running with her pals and coming to me for a good snuggle.

If you have furkids, spend a little extra time with them each day. Just as with people, we don’t know how many days or years they may share our lives. Make each one special.

Fire made our life together very special and filled with love and happiness!

(comments including a snippet of your own furkid welcome!)