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Health & Fitness

Saying Our Final Goodbyes to Mattie

Mattie had an old soul. She had the world figured out and silently taught us about living, laughing, trusting and loving one day at a time...

In our mid twenties, my husband and I rescued two dogs. Less than two years later, my sister asked us to watch her recently rescued dog until they got a fenced yard; that was almost ten years ago. Our three pups soon became affectionately termed the ‘three amigos’ by us.  

A little over two months ago, I would have told you that I would not be able to handle when my pups passed away. I would have openly told you that I hoped when their time came to cross the rainbow bridge, that it would be peaceful and in their sleep. 

Now that two of our four-legged girls passed within 60 days of one another, I will tell you, I am glad I was with them when they left this world. At the time of Chino's passing, we had already been fighting her disease, IMHA, for just over eight months. 

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When our Mattie died shortly after Chino, it completely took us by surprise. We had a normal lunch with Mattie stealing plates, eating lots of table scrapes and hanging close to the table. I was shocked, and scared, when I found her less than an hour later collapsed and unable to move in our backroom. After carrying her on a sled out to my minivan and rushing to the animal emergency clinic, we quickly learned our Mattie had tumors, growths and fluid all over her lungs. Our poor sweet Mattie was in critical condition and was immediately put on oxygen.   

While my sister and her fabulous friend sat close by, I frantically tried to call my husband at work.  The vet came into the room and asked if he should resuscitate if necessary. My mind was immediately taken back to the hospital room where we had to make the same decision about my dear dad almost two short years ago. Again, the answer came to the quality of life.  

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We rescued our Mattie in early 2000.  She was not a puppy. Her chewing, urinating and odd puppy days were behind her when she came into our lives.  Mattie had an old soul. She had the world figured out and silently taught us about living, laughing, trusting and loving one day at a time. When Mattie took her last breath in my arms, I knew she was taking with her part of my soul. Mattie always knew when to walk away and when to fight. She knew me better than anyone yet she never judged. She protected us, loved us and sadly has now left us.   

We miss our girls more than words can ever express but we are blessed they are together being watched over closely by my dog loving dad. Bernie, our rat terrier/jack russell mix, and the last of the official 'three amigos' is our little toothless wonder that hates 90% of the population but has miraculously welcomed our newest rescues with (partially) opened paws.  

In early 2000, our dear pups were pulled from being euthanized by a rescue group in the city. Their story easily could have ended there but because of people that dedicate their every waking hour to being the voices of these dogs left behind, our pups came into our lives and forever touched our hearts.  My heart aches and I miss them daily.

They each took with them a part of us when they crossed the metaphorical rainbow bridge but they also left us with a part of them. While the pain is tremendous, the love is well worth the grief.  I encourage everyone to rescue and adopt.  

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