Yesterday singer Fiona Apple announced she made the decision to cancel her South American tour to be with her dying dog, a 13-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier named Janet.
Apple provided a four-page letter of explanation to her devoted fans via her Facebook page.
“These are the choices we make, which define us,” the singer said. “I am not the woman who puts her career ahead of love and friendship.”
Apple goes on to describe her dog as something more than family, “[my] best friend, mother, daughter and the one who taught me how to love.”
Apple says that she rescued Janet when the pup was only 4-months-old. The singer was walking in Echo Park when she found Janet, covered in bites and tied up with rope, an abandoned bait dog.
“She was the one the dogfighters use to puff up the confidence of the contenders,” Apple wrote, describing Janet as an affectionate “pacifist” who has never so much as growled at anyone.
Nearly 14 years later, Janet’s health is failing. Two years ago, Janet’s veterinarian discovered a tumor in her chest. She also suffers from Addison’s Disease, a condition of the adrenal gland which requires daily Cortisol injections. Despite her illnesses, Janet had remained a vibrant dog, but Apple noticed recently that something had changed.
“When I got back from the last leg of the U.S. tour, there was a big, big difference. She doesn’t even want to go for walks anymore,” Apple says.
“I can’t come to South America. Not now,” she added, asking her fans for their kindness and understanding.
The moving note quickly became a loving tribute to the dog who stayed by Apple’s side during good times and bad.
“Janet has been the most consistent relationship of my adult life,” Apple wrote. “We’ve lived in numerous houses, and jumped a few make shift families, but it’s always really been the two of us.”
“I know that she is coming close to [the] point where she will stop being a dog, and instead, be part of everything. She’ll be in the wind, and in the soil, and the snow, and in me, wherever I go.”
“If I go away again, I’m afraid she’ll die and I won’t have the honor of singing her to sleep, of escorting her out,” Apple poignantly added.
Since Apple’s announcement, fans have provided outpouring of love and support for the Grammy-winning artist.
“Fiona, you’re the greatest,” one fan writes on Apple’s Facebook page. “This is the best thing you could have done for her. Your fans understand. Take all the time you need and stay strong. Janet’s memory will live on forever.”
Apple remains at home by Janet’s side.
To read the full text of Fiona Apple’s touching letter commemorating Janet, visit the Grammy winner’s Facebook page.
Sources: Fiona Apple’s Facebook, Daily Mail, ABC News
