Fiona Apple postpones tour to be with dying dog

Fiona Apple performs at the NPR showcase during the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas, on March 14, 2012. / AP

Fiona Apple is postponing the South American leg of her worldwide tour to care for her dog, whom she says is dying.

The singer made the announcement in a handwritten letter posted on her website. In the note, she reflects on when she first adopted her pit bull Janet, who now at 14 suffers from Addison's Disease and a tumor in her chest.

"I just can't leave her now, please understand," Apple wrote. "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."

She added, "I'm staying home, and I am listening to her snore and wheeze, and reveling in the swampiest, most awful breath that ever emanated from an angel. And I am asking for your blessing."

The 35-year-old Apple asked fans to "meet a little while later" and plans to reschedule her South American appearances.

[QueenOfThePen]

I commend Fiona for stepping away from the limelight to care for her dog at her life's end. Her compassion, love, and loyalty speaks volumes. We have four cats and someday we will face this same situation. During this time of year when many are celebrating being thankful, I'm thankful for those like Fiona. She gives hope to a world often times riddle with sadness and selfishness. THANK YOU, FIONA APPLE!!!! http://bitly.com/bundles/queenofthepen/3

[IPonUall2]

We should all learn from this woman.

[Tobi86]

Somethings are easier said than done. Yes, I had to help my babies leave at the time I felt they could not stand the pain anymore and finding the right words to say goodbye were the most painful moments of my life.
As I said it is easier said than to do. This lady is a saint in my eyes mainly because she is not ashamed to admit why she is postponing her agenda. May God grant her as much peace as possible. I will pary for her heart.

[buck_snort]

If you care for the dog, stop prolonging the suffering so that you can be "reveling in the swampiest, most awful breath that ever emanated from an angel" Hello, is that not a clue, there is something seriously wrong. Kindness would be to make your pet comfortable and help them in their exit.

[pattig823]

What a kind, compassionate human being! You are their life, their love, their best freind, they will be yours, faithfull and true to the last beat of their hearts. She will cross that rainbow bridge knowing that you we're their for her.

[maxmoose]

The true test of a human being is how they treat animals. This story touched my heart.

[enough-already]

Mine too, Max. What a great woman. I've never even heard her perform, but knowing how kind and compassionate she is, I'm going to rectify that situation immediately.

[shoshanah21]

Please don't wait too long to let your baby pass on. One of our dogs died of old age, but his last week of life was very difficult. In retrospect, I should have helped him on his way with a gentle push from veterinary medicine. As it was, he died in my arms during a sunny Sunday afternoon nap together.

[shoshanah21]

Please don't wait too long to let your baby pass on. One of our dogs died of old age, but his last week of life was very difficult. In retrospect, I should have helped him on his way with a gentle push from veterinary medicine. As it was, he died in my arms during a sunny Sunday afternoon nap together.

[shoshanah21]

Please don't wait too long to let your baby pass on. One of our dogs died of old age, but his last week of life was very difficult. In retrospect, I should have helped him on his way with a gentle push from veterinary medicine. As it was, he died in my arms during a sunny Sunday afternoon nap together.

[tireslinger]

You are giving to your dog, what she's given you for many years. I want to be there also, when it is time for any of my three to pass on...that's the least we can do for them. I'm sorry for your heart, but happy that you've been so blessed by her, for all these years...

[buck_snort]

If you feel so strongly about your animals why is your aim so low that it is the "Least we can do" If that really what you want DO NOTHING, that would be the "least" you could do.