It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news that Matilda the Greyhound,
of Matilda’s Journey, made her way to the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, October 5th.
Sweet Matilda
Photo credit: MatildasJourney.com
(photo will also take you to Matilda’s Journey if clicked)
Matilda was already eight years old and had quite a history by the time she came to mom Terry in 2008. Having a very special, very gentle way about her, an “affectionate, peaceful nature” as her About page describes it, Matilda was perfectly suited for her role as a certified therapy dog and touched many lives with her sweetness.
Diagnosed with lymphoma in late 2012, Matilda soldiered through chemo for about six months, finally finishing her treatments in June 2013. I love every photo I’ve seen of her, but I’m using the one above to honor her because it was the one that went with the blog post about her completing her chemo. It was taken at a triumphant time.
Matilda was considered to be in remission for several months, but just a few short days ago, it became evident that she was really struggling once again. Tests were done, and it was likely not her lymphoma again rearing its ugly head, but osteosarcoma. By Saturday, she had suffered a fracture, and as her send-off post explains, there were no options but to let Matilda move on to the next part of her journey.
Terry has two other dogs, Livvie and Kes (not Greyhounds), whom she also loves dearly. I know that the three of them will rely on each other for strength as they all grieve Matilda’s passing.
I can’t remember exactly when it was that I first stumbled onto Matilda’s blog and got to know her mom, but over the months, I found myself growing more and more attached to Matilda. Terry and I emailed back and forth a few times, and she is easily one of the sweetest people I have ever met. True, I have only met her online, but I am 100% certain that she is no different in person… perhaps even sweeter.
I believe that Matilda making her way to Terry was no accident, as they seemed to have such similar demeanors. I believe their hearts must’ve fit together like puzzle pieces.
If you didn’t know of Matilda and had never heard of her blog, I encourage you to stop by for a visit sometime. Even though Matilda has left to begin her journey beyond this world, Terry has decided to continue the blog in her honor. I know that it has been and will continue to be a helpful resource, and perhaps more importantly, a place of quiet understanding, for others who have dogs with cancer. Like us, Terry also often highlights rescue dogs who are waiting for adoption, and I am sure that she will continue to do that as well.
I wish for peace, strength, and blessings as Terry, Livvie, and Kes heal during this difficult time.
I never got to meet Matilda in person, but she etched a deep place in my heart and I will most assuredly never forget her.
Thank you Pam. *You* are the sweetest.
A beautiful post, I’ll keep them all in my thoughts!
Mom met Terry at Blogpaws and has been following the blog since then. We were so sad to hear the news on Matilda’s blog the other day. We knew she wouldn’t be here forever but it was so very sudden. Our hearts go out to her mom and doggie siblings. Matilda was a wonderful dog that we only knew online and for a brief time but it did not take much to fall in love with her.
OH, I didn’t know Matilda. How sad. I’ll stop by and offer my condolences. I know too well how much it hurts.
I only recently found Matilda’s blog, and I had just read the sad news earlier today. My heart goes out to Terry and her family.
I was a fan of Matilda’s, too! I was stunned when I read that she’d passed away, but I felt an awful sense of foreboding when I read about the x-rays. I was lucky enough to meet her mom this spring and she is a wonderful lady. Matilda will be greatly missed!
This is a lovely tribute to two lovely ladies. I follow Terry and Matilda on Twitter and I’m so sad at the loss of our sweet girl. She’s meant a great deal to so many people. It’s remarkable how a loving spirit can bring so many people together, even though we’ve never actually met. Thank you for writing this touching blog.
That is sad news. Condolences to her family. Farewell Matilda.
This is such a beautiful post and so wonderful of you to honor Matilda. I know what it’s like to have a dog be your muse and inspire what you do. I’m happy Terry will keep going forward and I look forward to getting to know her.