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.