Our Dog Maggie

[grogg]

Maggie came to our house late in her life. This was my mother's dog for well over 13 years and I wanted steadfastly to keep her in our family for the rest of her life. Sadly, that life ended early this morning quite unexpectedly. I woke up at 3:30 hearing her weezing as if she was having an asthma attack. I tried holding her, letting her walk outside for a little bit even patting her firmly about the back but nothing was doing any good. I called our 24 hour vet and told them I would be in, got dressed but as soon as I was ready to go I saw that she had stopped breathing and was limp. I drove her to the vet anyway even though there was absolutely zero chance of reviving her. I figured she either had a seizure or a heart attack and passed away. Up to this point and with the exception of poor eyesight she was in good shape for a 16 year old dog.

Annie, who died almost two years ago was our girl and our favorite and we loved her. Maggie was a dog we needed to care for per my mother's wishes. During the early days she would get me so frustrated mainly because her bathroom habits lapsed while my mom's health was declining and that lapse carried over into our house. Annie, by comparison had a PHd in toilet training and ONLY messed when she was on antibiotics and even then that was rare. Annie for the most part did not get along with other dogs ever, so when Maggie was introduced I pulled Annie aside and said this situation "will work." Annie was surprisingly okay with the new arrangement especially if it meant snookering Maggie out of some of her dog food. When Maggie started losing weight we made other dining arrangements.

I think in some ways we are a little unfair to Maggie because of the "accidents" and wasn't giving her a big chance. That all changed when Annie passed away. This was Maggies big chance to step up and she did more than that. We worked with her to be proficient on potty training. She bacame more than 90 percent house broke which was a huge improvement. We changed our attitude toward her as well. Instead of caring for her because we "had to" we loved her and got twice as much love back in return. She now had the run of the couch and would be riding shotgun in the car. We were once on the lookout for another Annie but found out we shouldn't be in such a hurry.

She also had another benefit. As a Beagle, Annie HAD to be tied up while roaming the fenceless yard or else she would run to the next township. With Maggie we would let her outside with no leasch or anything and after she was done 5 minutes later she was ready to come back in the house. She was never as far as 50 feet from the back door.

It is amazing that such a little dog can leave such a huge hole in ones life when they are no longer around. Maggie represented a special common thread I had with my mom. Now that bond is gone at least for now. Maggie I'm sure was my mom's favorite so I guess it is fitting that she is where she belongs. Reat in peace, Maggie.

[MethanolBuzzed]

Grogg,

My condolences, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I've been there. It is amazing how much of a part of the family pets can become. They may only be around a short time, but the memories they leave last forever.

[mclarke]

Sorry for the loss. It's been two years since our dog died after being a great friend for 17 years and though we have another, I don't think you can ever replace an animal which has been around long enough to become an important family member. We take comfort in the memories and the pictures and in the fact that we gave that dog as wonderful a life as a stray could ever hope for, but there are still a few outdoor places where I won't go, since their specific enjoyment was based on the companionship of that time.

You have to mourn and then look for another, so that you can start a whole new round of adventures with human's best friend.

I think you're probably right that Maggie is back with your Mom where they can now renew their friendship.

[DavidM]

Grogg,

My condolences on the passing of Maggie. I think that was a very special thing that you did to care for her after the past several years after your Mom passed.

[Ren Butler]

We came very close to deciding to put our cat down on Monday, so I can understand the difficulty losing a pet. Thankfully, Buddy isn't in pain and he's still affectionate and fairly mobile, so we've decided to let him have some time to maybe work his way through his problems.

It's amazing how a grown men can get so attached to little balls of fur like this.

[Mario4ever]

Sympathies to you and yours.

[Jim Wilke]

Tough, tough deal. We lost a 13 year old yellow lab 2 years ago and now have a blue heeler who is close to 14 so it is a matter of time. He's healthy and bounces around like a puppy but my wife notes that his urine is dark and strong so kidney failure is close. We also have a 3 year old yellow lab and we'll have a lot of time with him.

Remember Tom T Hall: 'Ain't but three things in this world that are worth a solitary dime - old dogs, children and watermelon wine.'

DON'T EVER WATCH 'MARLEY AND ME'!!

[MoparsRule]

Condolences to you & yours. We have a mini-D & she is the warmest, most loving creature that we have ever known.

[PHJIndy]

I'm really sorry for you loss, Gregg!!!!

[CSW24]

Grogg,
Sorry to here about your loss. My mom has a Mini D just like Maggie. She is now 13 too! Unfortunately about 2 months ago I had to go home because mom was in the hospital. When I got there her mini drove me nuts. Every day that went by she rubbed off on me more and more, to the point of I couldn't wait for her to jump up on me and spend a half hour on my lap watching sports center. After 2 weeks when my mom came home she went right to her real mom. At first I thought the dog was looking for some attention and love from me, but after I realize she was trying to help me feel better. Sounds like this is what Maggie was doing for you. She realized you needed some attention. Whoever says dogs aren't mans best friend just don't get it. Sucks that dogs lives are so much shorter than ours, but they try and pack it in!!! Keep your tail waggin.

[indyracefan]

That is so sad grogg, my heart-felt condolences. Maggie looked & sounded like a great friend. Although I don't currently have any dogs I am fully in tune with what a heart-ache it is when we lose a pet, in my case it's experienced through cats. My 14-year old cat, my bestus buddy Tiger has cancer and it's only a matter of time before I will be experiencing the same sad, empty feeling you have today. Right or wrong, for many of us pets are more than pets, they are family members and a part of us who are always ready to take part in whatever we're doing and there for us when we need them, almost somehow knowing when we're down offering their love & support. They don't care what we wear, if our hair is combed or if we've even taken a shower, their love and loyalty is unconditional. And that's what makes it so difficult when they pass. RIP Maggie.

[nm]

Sorry for your loss. Someone had previously posted this at TF:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

[grogg]

Thanks one and all for your wishes of condolences. We are still missing Maggie very much especially since it was very sudden.

I've spent the past few days going to the door to let a dog out that isn't there, stepping over an imaginary dog while in the kitchen and lastly while watching tv or reading the newspaper finding myself petting what turns out to be a throw pillow. I figure I needed to get a dog soon or risk being committed. I went to a couple of shelters Saturday and looked online. One shelter was very clean and had a doxy advertised on Petfinder but as it turned out two other people had dibs on it. The other shelter is in the midst to be replaced but the old shelter is crowded the two beagles I was interested in were a little disheveled. They were strays that I think I could have worked out the kinks but I thought this early in the going I would see what other dogs may be available elsewhere. This morning I went online to Craigslist. The third ad down was for a mini-dachshund with the photo below. I emailed the other party our background and situation and received a reply right away. I had a good feeling about them and we arranged to meet. It turns out it was a young couple that the husband was busy trying to get his RN and the wife was very busy with her job as well. They felt they were not giving the dog enough attention it needed. The dog is 2 years old in trim shape and well groomed so whatever time they had was quality time.

We very quickly paid the rehoming fee they requested and took her home. Sophia is not Maggie but she already has a personality all her own and we are going to enjoy her for many, many years.

[Liz]

Hi Gregg - I am so sorry about Maggie but am so happy for you and especially Sophia, who has found a wonderful home. I think each animal we have is so unique, and they make us better people for having had them in our lives. They are such special parts of our lives and we can only be grateful for their unconditional love and affection. I can't ever believe that animals don't have souls.

I know I am going to have to face the inevitable someday soon, because my Spanky cat is 17 years old and beginning to have some geriatric cat issues, namely inappropriate vocalizing at 3 a.m., which would raise the dead, LOL! She has been through divorce, deaths of loved ones, and job changes with me; I won't know what to do without her. But I am so blessed to have her in my life...

Anyway, your sad story does have a happy ending. You'll never forget Maggie, but you have years of blessings ahead with Sophie. I know you will appreciate her special qualities...

[indyracefan]

Good for you grogg, and congrats on finding Sophie! I hope you both have many, many happy years together!

I know I am going to have to face the inevitable someday soon, because my Spanky cat is 17 years old and beginning to have some geriatric cat issues, namely inappropriate vocalizing at 3 a.m., which would raise the dead, LOL! She has been through divorce, deaths of loved ones, and job changes with me; I won't know what to do without her. But I am so blessed to have her in my life...

That story mirrors mine almost exactly. My cat Tiger is 14 and he's been through everything with me, marriage, divorce, several other relationships since, a tornado, three moves and several jobs. He has ALWAYS wanted to take part in whatever I'm doing and is always getting in my lap EVERY time I get on the computer (like right now). He was diagnosed with cancer back in August so my time with him is growing short although he's still healthy and acting as if nothing is seriously wrong up to this point. I also have another cat, Katimus who is 7 but it still won't be the same when I lose Tiger.