Matilda Wheeler-Schumacher | 4 Paws Farewell

Matilda rescued me, the Valentine’s Week of 2009, when I brought her home from a FL animal shelter. She brought love, laughter and light into my quiet apartment. Four years later, she eagerly accepted her new home and family, when she and I moved in with her human father and dog sister (NaPali). NaPali and Matilda formed an unlikely friendship. And when NaPali made her transition over the Rainbow Bridge, Matilda provided unconditional support to us, even as she grieved the loss of her friend. Always up for an adventure, Matilda once again said yes, and bravely hopped into the car when we moved to the Asheville area. As always, she made our new house a home.

Matilda was a confidant and an incredible listener. She stood or snuggled alongside us during times of joy and times of sadness. She converted many “dog people” to cat lovers. Matilda was a loyal friend. She wanted to be a part of all things human, and supervised the daily goings-on in our home. She could be mischievous and sassy. Our girl had quite a sense of humor. And though we will forever miss Matilda, we are so grateful for each day we had with her.

We are grateful for Dr. Mary and Nan. Nan provided a compassionate and reassuring telephone presence, the morning I called, to schedule a time for someone to come to our home to see Matilda. Dr. Mary brought years of experience and compassion to her practice. Dr. Mary sat beside us as we made the difficult decision to say goodbye to our precious girl. We were able to provide the dignified death that Matilda so rightfully deserved. And though our hearts are broken, we find peace in our belief that Matilda was reunited with her dog sister and human grandma, on the Rainbow Bridge.

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