11 years ago you came into this world. You were so sick, and your momma sicker.. she didn't make it, but you pulled through, and 4 weeks later I was blessed with your presence in my life. From that day on I could never even imgine life without you in it - and now I'm forced to live it. I would give absolutely anything to hold you right now.. to wish you a happy birthday and unwrap your birthday treat with you at my heels barking at me to hurry up. I hope that someone up there does it for me. Maybe a pigs ear or a great BIG steak bone.
The vet sent me a garden stone yesterday.. it has your sweet little paw print. Oh, how I cherish that print. It will never go outside, it rests where you rest. Safe from the weathering storms. My heart still completely aches for you, and my arms still feel so empty.. the guilt still runs deep... but I know you are happy, and healthy again, and that the decision was made not for me, but for you. Today I will celebrate your birthday by going to the SPCA and presenting them with a check in your name. I will also bring a large bag of dog treats, and cat treats, so that each canine and feline who is stuck in that place can have a little of your sunshine on this day - your 11th birthday. Lord knows you brought me so much sunshine... While my heart is breaking today I will remember you as you were and not how you died. That tumor might have taken you from me but my precious memories will never die. I will smile through my tears today. And blow you happy birthday kisses seeing as how I can't reach you right now. It's only temporary.
Happy birthday, sweet boy. I miss you more than words can say...

A very happy birthday to Freeway!

I think going to the SPCA today and making a donation in Freeway's name is a wonderful way to honor his birthday.

Hugs,
Kathleen

Hi Jenn,
I am replying through the tears. I'm sorry I didn't get on yesterday, so Happy Belated Birthday, Freeway!
I was so touched to hear about the way you chose to honor your baby on his first birthday away from you. What a beautiful choice to turn a day of sadness without him into a day of happiness and dignity for other babies. You are such a beautiful soul, Jenn, and I hope you felt as good doing that, as I felt reading about it.
I'm sure those abandoned babies at the shelter felt Freeway's gifts of snacks and love. I wish we all had homes as big as our hearts, so that they would ALL have a place to live.
God Bless you and Freeway,
Peace and Love,
Michelle

Jenn, that is such a beautiful tribute to your special boy, it brought tears to my eyes. I am sure that your Freeway could feel all the love that you were sending him on his special day.

with love
jilly

Thanks everyone for your happy birthday wishes for my sweet boy.. He was so so missed yesterday. I went to the SPCA and gave them the check and treats and felt pretty good about that... I had a hard time walking out without a new furry in my arms, there's so many there in need of a good home.. but I know I can't provide one with a good home just yet. I shed a lot of tears... I didn't think I'd make it through the day, and somehow did.. and now today we're faced with a crisis with my grandparents dog... seems like it never ends... but I am glad to have honored my baby boy in the best way I could have thought of... and maybe to have made some sweet babies with no families a little happier today... tummies a little more full. But nothing overshadowed the grief I felt... never will.