I want to pretend this is a bad dream, I prefer not to speak about this…but the truth is staring me in the face. My dear, dear Funny (Faye vom Kirschental) has cancer. I hoped she would live forever….. but at least 14 or 15 years, that really is not asking for much is it? At 13 years she was in great health, and then wham, overnight she became old. Earlier this year she had some mammary tumors removed. A smaller tumor up under her elbow was not removed and became malignant. The tumor has spread under her shoulder and into her lymph-nodes. The cancer is systemic. Surgery is not an option. Chemo was considered but ruled out. Natalie did a scan of her and we put her on a homeopathic remedy. This helped her re-gain her appetite and she started eating again, allowing her to do well for the next 6 weeks. She now is having pain in her rear leg and holding it off the ground. Although eating well, she is loosing weight. If I will listen to her, Funny will let me know when it is time. She will leave us with as much dignity as she lived her life.
Funny and Evan having a conversation about life:
Hugs to you Julie, I know how hard this is, Funny is a very special dog, the Flagship of your kennel and has a fantastic legacy to leave you and all of us lucky enough to own a part of her. I know you will make the decision when it’s right, Funny deserves no less, give her a big kiss and hug for me, and I send one to you, the sad reality is those of us who choose to love and live with animals with a cruelly shorter life span than ourselves are subject to this heartbreak far more than we would like, but in the end they are so worth the broken heart , we wouldn’t have it any other way.
My heart breaks for you Julie. Words of comfort will not ease your pain but you know you have many friends who are there for you, and Funny has the most wonderful grandkids to continue her legacy.
I am so sorry to hear this Julie; I know it is hard to see something so dear experience any discomfort at all. It is obvious how much you have enriched each others lives… Prayers for you both….
We are so sorry Julie. You have helped us out a lot in the past. We are thinking about your family including Funny.
God bless you Julie and our dear sweet Funny.
Listen to what she tells you…
Julie – Ron and I are so sorry to hear about Funny. Our hearts ache for you and your family. There are no words to make this better, just know that Funny has lived a wonderful life and has touched so many. Prayers and hugs for you all.
I am so sorry Julie, this is like a dagger to our hearts. ((((Big bear hugs to you and Funny))))
Julie — I am so sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you.
I’m sorry that you have to make this difficult decision with Funny. We are going to go through this with Morgan very soon. It seemed like one day I was competing with her in agility and the next she was having trouble walking. I remember Funny was the first one who greeted us when we came to meet you. We’ll be thinking about you and Funny.
Dear Julie- words are so inadequate. Love to you and your darling girl.
We are so very sorry.
Slurppies.
Your big boy Mister T.
Julie,
We are so sorry for what you and Funny are going through. Funny has had the best life possible with you and your family. She will live on in the memories of all of us who have had the pleasure to meet her and in the many dogs who share her lineage.
Love to you both,
Jack and Lynda
Our precious, precious Funny. I have tears in my eyes writing this because I, selfishly, don’t want her to go. I want her always to be racing down the driveway and pattering around the kitchen with you.
I am so sorry, Julie. I know you will do right by Funny. Thank you for sharing this sad news with us, and for letting us stop and think about all the wonderful memories we have with you and Funny.
Funny, our sweet girl, we are going to be strong for you, while you get ready to go on your last big adventure.
I am so sorry, Julie. I never met Funny, but anyone can see how special she is in the pictures of her with all the visitors and the puppies. I love the 2 pictures you posted above. So so sweet and such intelligence radiating from her. I’m sorry she is entering her last days here with you.
Oh Julie, I am so very sad to hear this news. All our beloved furry kids hold a very special place in our hearts, but every now and then, we are blessed by one that comes into our lives and completely fills us with love in a way that is far beyond words. You and Funny have that bond, and she is feeling every ounce of your love for her. Grandma Funny has touched us all. After all, she has whispered her wisdom in those little ears of all our own cherished pups. Much love and many long hugs for both of you. xoxo
Julie, I’m so sorry to hear this. I know how special she is to you and you to her. She has passed her wisdom on to countless generations of pups and I am honored to have fur kids that trace their lineage back to Grandma Funny. I suspect she is responsible for some of their “special” talents 🙂 She is and will always be the grand matriarch of Alta-Tollhaus. My hugs to you both.
Pretending would be nice. All you can do is take a page from Funny’s book. Live in the moment. Hugs and prayers to you and yours.
I’m so sorry Julie and Funny. I wish I was there to give you both hugs. Such is the circle of life.
I appreciate all you both have done for the world; you make it a better place every day. I watch the families touched by AT dogs, and can’t help but feel gratitude and joy at what you do. You are both heroes in my eyes. Nothing is more valuable than happiness, and that is what you share.
I can’t imagine a dog leading a better life than Funny. You should rejoice in her life, her accomplishments, and her progeny. I hope I can leave a mark on this world that compares to Her.
Bless you both,
David
Very well said David.