In Loving Memory Of Freddie

Freddie came to us after he found himself at a local shelter. We believe Freddie may have had a pretty rough life prior to ending up there. He had callouses and a skin condition. The vet felt the skin condition was caused by a wet and unclean environment. At the shelter, Freddie was a little fearful of some people as well. We aren’t sure what his life looked like before the CA GSP Rescue, but we were dedicated to helping Freddie find someone that would show him what it was to be pampered, and that we did.Jim was looking for an older dog. In his words on his application, he said "Older dogs are a bit easier to handle, plus they deserve to live out their years out in an open yard and enjoy a healthy breakfast, morning activities, walks, naps, more walks, naps and indoor activities to keep him busy until bedtime." Well that sounded like the dream home for Freddie.Jim had come out to one of our waterpark fundraising events and met Freddie. He was smitten, and wanted to know more about him so he submitted an application. Jim had several GSP's in the past and was looking to add another to his family. The rest is history, and Freddie found his forever home with Jim.Jim recently contacted us with the sad news that Freddie passed away. While our hearts are heavy, we couldn't be more grateful to Jim for reaching out to adopt a senior dog with a few imperfections, and helping Freddie blossom into the incredible dog he was supposed to be. We are so sorry their journey together couldn't have been longer, but the love and care Jim provided Freddie, was enough for a lifetime."When we initially brought Freddie home, we did an initial check-up of Freddie with our vet and he checked out OK with no known health issues.In early April, a trip to the vet for a routine exam (as he had a skin condition above his right eye) and from this, the vet found (and felt) something unusual on his left hip and then, x-rays discovered that he had an Anal Gland Tumor (Malignant) plus the Lymph Nodes were swollen, confirming a diagnosis of Anal Gland Cancer. From this, the vet provided a list of Cancer Specialists to check further with and from review of this list, we chose Veterinary Cancer Group to examine Freddie and provide a course of action. In spite of the pandemic, we were able to get an appointment with VCG in early May and subsequently, a vet did examine Freddie and provided a course of treatment which consisted of (1) Radiation Treatment (5 sessions) to kill the cancer and (2) Oral Chemotherapy in order to shrink the tumor and lymph nodes (as surgery was considered but ruled out). As a result, we started Freddie on the Radiation Treatment in late May/early June time frame (which he tolerated very well) and subsequently, was able to transition to the Oral Chemotherapy portion of the treatment.In addition, per the vet’s suggestion, we did some modifications to Freddie’s routine and diet (home cooked meals plus the Critical Care Food from JustFood for Dogs) and from this, Freddie responded nicely to these treatments and his check-ups (as well as further tests) were indicating that he was recovering nicely and the cancer was at bay during the rest of the summer.With these ongoing treatments, Freddie was able to continue a normal life and his true personality came through. He was a very sweet dog with a wonderful personality. On his twice daily walks, we would go to the park to see his doggie friends plus visits to the post office, stores, dog parks of which he loved to chase squirrels, point birds, fascinated by sea gulls, meet other dogs, He knew his social graces, and received treats from other dog owners (such a ham!) He would greet small kids who were curious about him, and he responded very nicely. The feedback about Freddie was fantastic as he was one of the park's most favorite dogs. We would frequent a church food bank plus other locations that dogs were welcome. Also, we took trips to various events such as the California GSP meet-up in April in San Diego of which he had a grand time meeting all the other GSP’s and their owners, as well as local gun clubs where he put his prey dive as well as his nose to work wanting to chase (and fetch) birds. We would frequent other locations, meeting new folks and other dogs of which he always conducted himself with grace and dignity, as he always wanted to be the center of attention. Even though he knew that he was in an uphill battle and kept fighting this with everything he had, plus having the unconditional love of his family and the love he received from everyone he met wishing him the best.However, over Labor Day weekend, the first warning signs that something was occurring showed up Monday morning as he had difficulty getting up from a prone position but he still wanted to go on his daily walk under his own power (of which he completed). Furthermore, when we got home, he only consumed about half of what he normally ate (at both breakfast & dinner) but was able to go to sleep comfort ability later that night. Finally, on Tuesday morning, he could not get up at all and when I helped him up (albeit with discomfort), he still wanted to go on his daily walk but about 10-15 minutes into the walk, he stopped cold and a minute later, flopped on the grass. After a few minutes of rest, he was able to get-up (with great difficulty) and walked home under his own power. Furthermore, when we got home, he showed no interest in eating but did drink some water (of which he later threw-up about half). From this, I called the vet and was advised to bring him in ASAP and they would check him out.From the exam by the vet, it was discovered that the cancer (previously held at bay) had now spread to the bones in his left leg (which was swollen to twice the size of the right leg) and that he was in pain. We then discussed further what could be done and two options were discussed. The First Option was to (1) do more radiation treatment, focusing on the bones in his left leg and (2) supplement this with some osteoporosis drugs (as Surgery was ruled out) but from this, Freddie’s quality of life would suffer and he would still have to deal with some pain & discomfort. The Second Option was to cease all treatment, make him comfortable as possible with the option to take him home to give everyone a chance to say good-bye before crossing the Rainbow Bridge. From this, and after some consultation (and deep reflection), it was decided (painfully) that the best course of action was to let him cross the Rainbow Bridge.From this decision, all the necessary preparations were made and before he crossed, I said this prayer on his behalf:In the name of the Father and the Son of the Holy SpritPlease allow for the passage of our son Freddie into your welcoming handsSo that his spirit can be set free from all the trials and tribulations he endured while he was on Earth and that his true self can be seen by allAnd that one day I would be reunited with him in heart and soulBless you for receiving the soul of our son Freddie and let him run freeIn the name of the Father and the Son of the Holy SpiritThen, while I was holding him and giving him all my love (as well as from others), he crossed peacefully across the Rainbow Bridge into the next world.Finally, thank you for all those involved in Freddie’s care (especially the Vet and staff at Veterinary Cancer Group) and Freddie knew that he was loved by everyone involved as well as all those who came in contact with him.And one last thought: Freddie, since you gave me life, I gave you life with everything I could and now, always and forever, I (and others) love you, Freddie, and wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge".JimYou can read Freddie's adoption story here.