How to create profile for path that is not closed loop

I have a drawing of the outline of a dog (our Rodesian Ridgeback Koa) great dog.  I first used Inkscape and did a trace bitmap to outline the edges.  Then it suggested grouping the separate edges that were not and shouldn't be connected to make it one group of nodes.  I then imported it and was able to extrude it to give it some shape.
then the fun begins.  Every time I try to combine the segments (node to node) all I get is "not a closed loop"  some are and some are not and shouldn't be.  
I think I am missing some understanding of just how Freecad looks and treats some of these segments.  I like to create drawings and be able to import them into engravable or cut out objects.  I work with a lot of artists who look for this sort of capability.

Would greatly appreciate some insight as to what is going on and what I am not understanding.

Many thanks
Routerworks

Moved to CAD/CAM.
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If i understood correctly:
Group (CTRL+G) = a group of separate things
Combine (CTRL+K) = one thing with separate stuff inside
So try with Combine. In Inkscape.

Thank you. I used that however when I get to freecad it doesn't want to engrave all the edges that don't form a closed loop. Even if I separate the groups it soems it still doesn't see closed loops as closed.

I'm missing something.

Thanks again

OK, i have to ask, why FreeCAD after Inkscape?
If you are trying to do a depth map, none of those are good choices, try dmap2gcode from ScorchWorks website, it is very easy to use and works perfectly.
That is derived from the already included image2gcode that comes with LinuxCNC, so did you ever try to open a image file with LinuxCNC ? It works fine, but does require a bit more testing to get good results.

To be honest I had no idea linuxcnc had software that would generate g code. When I started with this a few years ago I have been using Freecad to design different mechanical parts, some of which would be cut out of wood. I just continued with this. Inkscape is commonly used to generate svg files that can be used in Freecad. I also use Blender to create bas-reliefs to do what I think you are talking about. Blendercam also generates surface milling g codes that Freecad has some difficulty with.

Not to get too long winded, I simply want to be able to draw something in Inkscape, some closed loop and some curved lines that are not connected beginning to end, export it as a svg, import it into something and generate a g code.

I should probably look to the Freecad community for the answer to this. I will definitely look into what CAD CAM capabilities are available from linuxcnc.

Thanks for all you help

Routerworks wrote:

... I simply want to be able to draw something in Inkscape, some closed loop and some curved lines that are not connected beginning to end, export it as a svg, import it into something and generate a g code.

Why would you export that as SVG when you CAN export it as gcode from Inkscape ????
Here is a quick video, just choose a mill instead of plasma:

Some tips:
-you can not export objects as gcode, only paths, there is a menu for converting things to path
-same goes for text, convert to path before exporting
-while Inkscape can do depths, it can do steps, probably not usable for depth maps