All Dogs go to Heaven

I am just going to state the facts. Fred Astaire was the best dog in the world. He passed away yesterday afternoon (Saturday, March 12th). He was loved very much.

Fred was brought into my life after a few years of having to let go of Angie. I had promised myself I wouldn't get another dog. I loved Angie too much just to have her leave me too soon.

My friend Ruthie's boyfriend Adam had found Fred (then named Red) roaming his office complex in search of food. Adam said that they had a pizza in one of the offices and they left him in there for a few minutes and Fred had already gotten in the pizza (I quickly learned that this would be routine behavior!). I agreed to take Fred since they had two dogs already. I agreed to just feed him and keep a roof over his head. I told myself that I would only care for him, not love him.

When I got him (and renamed him Fred Astaire, which my brother and dad hated immediately) we had a slight learning curve. He didn't like it when I left the house. He didn't like his crate (which Ruthie promised me that he loved). And he didn't know how to play. I soon realized that all Fred really wanted was to be able to look out the window when I left. I got rid of the crate, the ottoman was moved by the window which became his perch when I wasn't home. He was my lookout. When I pulled up - his little head would pop up just waiting for me to come home. He also began to play, doing crazy little jumps and little growls. And of course, I fell in love with him. He was my darling Fred Astaire.

He was My Old Man, Junk Yard Dog (Marc), Street Dog (Amy), Grizz (Dad - short for Grizzly Bear), Freddie the Free Loader (Buck), Fredrick (Sherry) and my Baby.

I don't know when Fred was born (the Vet said he was about 8 or 9), I got him in April 2007. I kinda like to think that he had a rebirth when I got him. I know he was loved so much. Not by just me, but by my friends and family too. Everyone loved him. It was impossible not to.

I am not really sure what happened this weekend. It really is just a daze still. Basically, Friday afternoon Fred was fine. I was outside with my neighbors and it was just the usual. Fred was playing with Ryder, my neighbors Pug, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Saturday morning I took Fred on a walk around the neighborhood. Still, I can't think of anything that was different or unusual. I left the house to meet up with some friends to see the parade downtown, when I got home around 2pm, Fred had thrown up on the floor (which I thought was strange because he never throws up or has accidents). I took him outside and he was acting strange, I ran upstairs and got him some water and brought it back down. He drank it up and then went potty. I went back upstairs to clean up the mess and he was just standing there. I got him on the couch and he wouldn't lay down or get on my lap so I could pet him. It was really bizarre that he wouldn't lay down. We went outside again and it was the same. So I got him in the car and we went to the vet. Dr. Murphy came in and said that we should get an Xray just to make sure he didn't eat anything funky (remember - Fred is notorious for going in the garage can when you leave the house - this is why it is almost always on the counter when I leave). The xrays came back clear for blockage, but there was a mass. Dr. Murphy said he thought it might be his spleen. He couldn't tell until he got in there. He said emergency surgery was needed immediately. We discussed that it might not be the spleen - that it could also be something inoperable. He gave me a few minutes with Fred Astaire. I hugged him and kissed him. I asked God to send his Angels down and be with Fred. I prayed that it was just his spleen that needed to be removed. As they took him back, his little fluffy bushy tail was wagging. And I had a breakdown in the Vestavia Animal Clinic parking lot.

Dr. Murphy called me about 30 minutes later saying that it wasn't his spleen. His kidney was enlarged and moved and it wasn't working. The other one wasn't working even at 50%. I don't know all the details, just that Dr. Murphy said that it would be inhumane to bring him back when he was in renal failure. Fighting back my tears, I agreed with him. After having gone through cancer with Angie and seeing her suffer, I knew it was the right thing to do - even though I didn't want to. He let me come back to the operating room so I could see him one last time. He was so fluffy and soft. I kissed his little white spots on his chest and played with is 'afro toes' and let him know that I would see him again and to wait for me.

I gave them Fred's quilt and they brought him back to me with him wrapped in it. I took him to my dads house. Brittany (our first family dog) and Angie are buried back there. So it just seemed right for Fred to be there too. After we (me, Marc and Dad) buried him, my dad said a little prayer. I don't really remember the details, but I do remember being moved and actually thinking that my Pops pulled out a very nice prayer out when I put him on the spot for it. Thanks Dad.

It has been pretty rough this weekend. I think it took a while for it to settle in since it all happened so suddenly. I feel like I didn't have time to process and I am still hazy on the details wit the kidney issues. I keep wondering if maybe I had noticed something sooner? I don't know. I am trying not to think about it and just focus on that he was just a great dog.

I don't know what his life was before me, but I know that he was loved very much with me. And that is all that matters. That he had a great life, lots of hiking trips, lots of outside time, lots of walks, lots of belly rubs, lots of butt scratches, lots of treats and lots of love.

I love you Fred Astaire. You are the best dog in the world.

Fred Astaire - 20?? - 3/12/2011
LOVED from 4/16/2007 - Forever

Fred Astaire - in the beginning - circa Spring 2007

Enjoying the Snow

After a walk on the track at Berry

Surprisingly - I have a lot of snow shots for Alabama. I remember taking this one when I came home from lunch and we went for a walk around the neighborhood.

On another walk. Fred has clocked in a lot of miles.

This is one of those where I am sure if he could talk he would have said "Get out of my face, Woman!"

Fred Astaire taking a snooze.

On a hike on one of the trails at Lake Martin.

Fred taking in the scenery at a waterfall at Moss Park with a stranger. Fred made lots of friends on the trails.

Fred hanging out in the back of the car.

Fred Astaire, Ry and Sophie on a hike at Oak Mountain.

Fred in my Moms kitchen. Waiting for something to drop on the floor I am sure!

Fred just being a good, sweet boy.

"Grizz" eating a Ham Bone.

Fred Astaire - Camping in North Alabama

Thank you everyone who has left me voice mails and e-mails. I really appreciate it. I know you all miss him too. How could you not!?! I will try to get back to you all shortly.
LOVE,
Jennie