Wednesday, February 29

Farewell to Smeagol

Smeagol, one of the first puppy mill dogs FBRN rescued as part of the NC10, has passed away.  He lived far longer than anyone had a right to expect, with a heart full of worms and a history of shocking neglect.  As FBRN's unofficial mascot, Smeagol had the power to rally our volunteers, and he had an enormous following on Facebook. 
This morning, his mom posted this final photo of Smeagol and these sad words.
"It is with a shattered and very heavy heart we must share the news with our family and friends of Smeagol's journey to the Rainbow Bridge. Our silly little French man made the peaceful transition last night and our house has fallen silent with out his precious little snores, his flat, fat paws and stubby little legs trotting from room to room or his one of a kind talkative voice demanding our undivided attention. There will never, ever be another character like Smeagies and he has forever changed mine, Trey and our pups lives. ♥ We'll always love you, Smeagie Weegie Woo! ♥"

Smeagol made many appearances on this blog over the years, and we will miss his ridiculous, wonderful face.  He was an inspiration to rescuers and the anti-puppy mill movement.  He'll be remembered forever by his many, many friends and

The Frog Princess

13 comments:

Pam Trent said...

I have followed posts about Smeagol since his rescue, and though I am saddened to read of his passing, I smile because in his final days he was living in a place that was completely opposite of his beginning in this life. When you get to the Bridge, say hello to Moppet and Poopsie Trent for me. Godspeed Smeags.

Thanks to the foster family that took such good care of Smeagol. Thanks to all foster families and volunteers. You are treasures.

Anonymous said...

Reading that made me burst into tears. I have followed his story for years and adored his happy, madcap sense of self.

Anonymous said...

Smeagol's status as FBRN's revered mascot was cemented the day we saw his photo and learned the story of his heroic rescue. Thought to be about 10 when he busted out of that puppy mill and with heartworm to boot, it is miraculous that he lived this long. I think he did so because he waited all those years for his life to begin. He just insisted on getting his fair share with the family he loved so much. Smeagol, you were our Rock Star. I'll never forget your story or your goofy, smiling face.
charlotte cooney

Dolores Forget said...

This is heartbreaking -- Smeagol was truly one of a kind and I am glad the second chapter of his life was spent with people who loved and cared for him. Rest in peace Smeagol, sweet boy.

Lorra said...

I am so sorry for your loss but so glad the he was in your life and together you loved each other. You showed him that there was much more to life than that mill and people could love him unconditionally.

Two French Bulldogs said...

run free sweetheart...we are sure you passed with lots of love around you
Benny & Lily

Anonymous said...

So very sorry to hear of smeagols passing. How blessed he was to have found you and to know what love is...
Deeply with you.

Anonymous said...

i'm so sorry to hear of smeagol's passing, but so grateful for the life he lived with his beloved family. i enjoyed reading about him over the years...he was an inspiration and a source of much joy.
rip, smeagol. you will be missed.
lucas's mom

Anonymous said...

It's funny that I wanted to visited this blog today to see if there have been any Smeagol stories. I'm saddened by his passing and send loving and comforting thoughts and energy to Smeag & family. I know you had a rough start but what a beautiful and amazing journey its been since your family and FBRN took over. You've help pull us all together Smeags! Gonna miss you big guy. From the furkids gang.

Anonymous said...

RIP, dear Smeags. Your wonderful funny face will be missed even by those of us who didn't have the pleasure of meeting you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Smeags, how saddened I am to learn of your passing. I cry for the loss of you and I will so very much miss your wonderful little droll face and your funny stories and adventures. I am so glad you lived out the rest of your life with such a wonderful loving and nurturing family. You really came into your own special character you were beloved by so many! Gretchen Fawzi

SirHumphsBella said...

Smeags, you've left a huge hole in the hearts of so many, human and canine alike! I bet you're enjoying being at the Rainbow Bridge, eating your 'naners and causing a muck of mischief! Thank you for sharing your story and pictures of your silly hats over the years...We'll be keeping a special thought for your pawrents and pups. Frenchie Kisses from your pals Sir Humphries & Bella Bean, and Mama Rebecca

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about Smeag's passing. I met him at a puppymill awareness day in Lancaster. What a great mascot he was. I'm grateful that he was given such a good home after his tragic beginning. People who rescue dogs from mills are angels. Thank you for all of the amusing stories about him. RIP Smeags. Another frenchie fan.