The time has come to say our goodbyes.

When I was 6 years old, I had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog and 4 puppies. They were everything to me and my brothers. But, my parents sold them and that was the end of dogs in our home. As any child would do, my brothers and I held it against my parents for the rest of our years at home. Dad promised he would buy us each a dog when we got married.
He held true to that promise. Whether it was me reminding him on a regular basis, or the guilt he felt that drove him to do it, I'm not sure. I do thank him for that though.

So, after Joel and I got married, the hunt began once we were ready to move into our first place.

Freddy was conceived out of one dogs lack of willpower to stay away from female dogs. Seriously. Chinese crests are not to be cross bred as they are already a mutated breed. But Freddy's future dad, Striker, couldn't resist a shiba inu by the name of Muffin. And thus, a litter of 'whoops' puppies were born. The vet gave the okay on their health and so a few more litters were bred. Freddy was part of litter #2.

He was a sweet, fat, little puppy. We chose his name because amazingly, we both always wanted to name a dog that. Neither of us had shared this with the other prior to getting Freddy. How cool is that?

Freddy was, and still is, a good dog. He was Jonah's protector when he was born, he was and still is my watchdog when Joel is out of town, and he was a master at cuddling on the couch in his early days.

Almost seven years later, and a hard decision had to be made. Freddy will move to his new home for a better life.

We thought long and hard about this as I know the repercussions it will have on our boys. Well, not Benett, but Jonah for sure. The fact remains that my boys come first. My cup of patience is only so full and I would much rather my boys get the proper attention from a calm mother than one that is frazzled from the dog.

I could go on about why Freddy is going, but I won't.

Don't feel sad for Freddy though. Joel and I made the choice with one "must". He had to go to someone we knew and trusted, but wasn't family or close friends. We found that. Last summer when we were away, Joel's sister's best friend's parents (did you get all that?) dogsat for us.
They didn't want to let him come back home. They have asked multiple times to be able to have him should we ever decide to get rid of him. Freddy indulged in days at the lake, cuddling with them and their friends, sleeping in their bed (a big no no here), and was granted the freedom of an open door to the backyard all day long. Oh, and three walks a day.

Trust me folks, Freddy will not suffer one bit with his new family.

As for Jonah, we have told him Freddy is going to live with his mommy and daddy because he misses them. A white lie? Yes. Protecting the kid? Definitely.
He has chosen to help pack up Freddy's things and has asked to take Freddy to his new home. Thankfully, there is another dog there...let's call him Striker. ;)


Farewell Freddy. We will always have a special place in our hearts for you.

And Jonah, we are so sorry.