This has been a huge struggle to decide to come to this day…
I had thought I would wait until she didn’t want to eat…
But really, when I thought about that, why would I want her to be so
sick that she could no longer enjoy what she had left – food…
Her mobility was very limited(due to anemia from CRF)
She was getting more fluids but now absorbing them faster –
the fluids were diluting her blood but she needed them to live
her breathing was heavy at times – especially after fluids…
I had thoughts of maybe she could hang on until her 14th birthday in January…
or her 4th year Ampuversary in October….
foolish thoughts…selfish thoughts…
what did that matter?…
Maggie deserved to go out with what remaining dignity she had…
I owed her that…
Last night, Gina had a conversation with a psychic (and animal communicator). I was surprised
Gina “spoke” to her as she’s not a true believer of that kind of ‘stuff’. The psychic asked Gina if she
had kids. “No, said Gina, only furry one’s”…then the psychic said she felt really weak and tired…
asked Gina if she had a big dog, like a Bernese Mtn. Dog…black and white dog…Gina said, “no, but my sister does”..
“I am putting her down tomorrow”. The psychic then said “GOOD!”…then apologized for it coming out like that..
She said “tell your sister, it’s time, the dog is ready…she is very weak and tired, she doesn’t care where, just that she’s ready”
I’ve had my second thoughts about putting Maggie down…she’d have a good day and I’d think I made the wrong decision..
but this was a true sign that it was the right decision..
When I told Maggie I was sorry,
she licked away my tears as if to say “it’s OK, I’m ready”…
Maggie got steak – cooked up just for her – she was a true carnivore – loved her meat…
I am thankful to my sister, Gina, for putting my girl to rest…
I didn’t want some strange vet doing it…Maggie loved & trusted Aunt Gina…
It has been a very long and emotional day…then to drive into the yard and no Maggie to come home to…
Empty. I feel very empty.
I know we made the right decision but wow, what a tough day…Maggie went very peacefully..laying in the sun
on her bed she inherited from Dilly after she passed on, enjoying her steak before she became sleepy..
Here’s to your life Maggie – what a ride we had…
Gina gave me this today..I have visions of Maggie running free with four legs again just as fast as she used around the yard – I called them her “greyhound laps”…
Maggie, I love you…
One last visit with Gem..
Taking a break – Wildlife Refuge, Limestone, Maine October 2012 – she walked her heart out and had a blast!
A video of a happy time one month after her amputation – looking so strong!
and this video makes me smile with her “agileness” and her so happy!
her agility career – a highlight to both of us…such GREAT times…
She earned the following titles in agility from 2001-2008:
and the run the following Spring that finished her NATCH-S
and she did some APDT Rally Obedience as a Tripawd earning:
RL1, RL2, RL3,RLVX2 and
APDT Awards Of Excellence-LV, L1, L2, L3
and she competed in Wag It Games as a Tripawd earning:
WAG2S Heart Dog, WAG2O Heart Dog, WAG1SNIFF Heart Dog
Maggie was the inspiration for the “Heart Dog Program” in Wag It Games!
And of course, it wasn’t just about competing – when I watch these, it
makes me really realize how sick and weak she was at the end…
picture taken in Belfast, Maine – one of our favorite spots…on top of Hedgehog Mountain, Portage, Maine – a much younger, four legged Mags
picture taken in Searsport, Maine
picture taken at my Dad’s camp along the Umcolcus stream – Maggie was hunting squirrels 🙂Maggie showing her agileness in the weave poles – September 2005 in Westfield, MAMaggie was a beautiful jumper!this photo taken August 2013Puppy time – look at my ears! aren’t I cute?snowshoeing Feb 2009Norm – her “Papa” May 2011 – ‘working for treats!’Denny Pond – first time in a kayak since being a tripawdNorm & Maggie – Denny Pondmy beautiful girl…
Tried to do a few little “normal” things with Maggie this summer – her Dog Ball training was never finished…
My girl being as strong as she could be with her continued weakness due to the kidney disease…
I will go on, I’ll find the strength, life measures quality, not its length. One long embrace before you leave, share one last look, before I grieve. There are others, that much is true, but they be they, and they aren’t you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought, will remember well all you’ve taught.
Your place I’ll hold, you will be missed, the coat I stroked, the nose I kissed,. And as you journey to your final rest, take with you this…..I loved you best.
Author Unknown
LOVE YOU MAGGIE!!!
Author: maggie
Maggie was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma on her left knee. She had amputation done on October 20, 2009. Four days after surgery she had a low grade fever and was off her food for two weeks! Trying times.. I am grateful and so pleased with how she is progressing now.
View all posts by maggie
33 thoughts on “Maggie – January 2000 – August 24, 2013”
Oh, Tracy, I am so very sorry to hear this. I don’t have to tell you what an inspiration Maggie was to so many people in this community. Although it does not compare to your pain, this is a huge loss for us and we grieve with you during this sad time. Wishing you all the peace and strength in the world in the difficult weeks to come.
Lisa
Oh Tracy, my heart breaks for you. Maggie was and always will be an amazing girl. She was an inspiration – an inspawration. You both were such a huge help when Butchey started his journey as a tripawd. I can’t thank you both enough.
The world lost an amazing dog today. Although she may not be laying next to you anymore, she is still part of you, her paw prints on your heart and your soul and I know you will carry her and her memory with you for the rest of your days.
Hugs to you. Rest well Maggie, rest well and then run free.
Love,
Nancy and the Goofs
I am so sorry for your loss of Maggie. From your pictures, it looks like she had a very wonderful life with you. I too lost my baby girl on Tuesday, so I understand how very difficult this decision is and the pain of not having them near us any longer. My thoughts are sincerely with you.
What a ride indeed! Maggie was an amazing girl. I so wish I had been able to meet her. But I feel like I knew her pretty well from her blog. I’m so sorry you have lost your girl. She was so strong, and she fought a long, hard battle. She was the epitome of a Tripawd Warrior Princess! I know you will miss your girl, but I’m so glad you chose to share her with everyone here. I think a lot of new and recovering Tripawds wouldn’t have been the same without reading Maggie’s story. Sending healing thoughts to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Maggie was an awesome dog. May her spirit shine bright.
Safe journey to Maggie’s beautiful spirit.
Marla and Daisy
Tracy and Norm,
You’ve lost a family member, and now there is that emptiness. It will be too quiet and too clean, but it will get better.
Maggie has a huge group of admirers here, those of us who saw her when we first joined and were encouraged to take a chance because of this beautiful dog with those amazing ears! Maggie’s life had so much purpose and touched so many people.
Thank you for sharing your girl with us here. Thank you for the stories of dodging bear and moose, and slogging through wet woods to find some gorgeous lake mist, and running all those agility courses with 3 legs. Thank you for including Haley in all the updates and photos.
I am so sorry you will be missing Maggie, yet I know she epitomized the life well lived. I believe she was satisfied with what she had, and any of us would count ourselves lucky to live half the life she did. Thank you for loving her so.
Shari
Ms. Maggie it was a true pleasure to know you. I will never forget the silly look you would get on your face with the real Woodie. The kisses you would give me. The porcupine, skijoiring, agility clinics – and we can’t forget Tracy’s early agility equipment- you took all the adventures and Tracy’s games in stride whether on 3 or 4 legs. You loved to ‘dance’ and play games with Tracy and it showed.
Tracy I know she was your heart dog, someone special .. I know the pain you are feeling. And I know you will never replace Maggie but you will make new fur friends. Each will be different and special in their own little wa
Rest in peace Maggie and hang in there Tracy & Norm!
Tracy I am so sorry to hear Maggie is gone but I know she is feeling so much better now. Tears are running down my face as I looked at the photos but also I see what a wonderful full life she had. I am so glad Ann and I got to see her this fall .
Such a special soul she is. She will always be here in your heart . Hugs hugs hugs. Love you Tracy .
I am so sorry to hear about Maggie. Rip little girl. I am sorry I can’t add more right now as my heart is broken just like yours.
Michelle & Angel Sassy.
Maggie, we love you too and we are so very sorry to read this.
It’s hard to even describe how much of an impact you had on our community. Let me just say that it’s HUGE and it will not disappear with your earthly form. After all that you’ve done to help, to inspire and to bring happiness to so many, well, that kind of impact lasts for eternity.
Tracy thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being here through the years, for showing us what’s possible and for demonstrating that even for amazing agility dogs there IS life after amputation. It’s hard to imagine the grief you are feeling right now, but we hope the thought of how much you helped people here at Tripawds will bring comfort to you at this heartbreaking time.
Please know you are in our thoughts. We will miss Maggie so much.
Tracy,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Maggie was such a wonderful, beautiful part of this community that I cannot even begin to imagine how much joy she brought into your lives. She lived a wonderful life and is now watching over you. My sincere condolences and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
All my love,
Erica
We loved you best…….xoxoxo Maggie. Until we meet again.. .
I am so sorry for your loss, Tracy. Yours was one of the first blogs I read when I first came to this group. Maggie was an inspiration to so many of us. She embodied everything a warrior princess should be. Please know we grieve with you tonight. I know how much you hurt. Just know that we are here for you.
Jenna
I don’t have words! Hug!
So very sorry to hear the news.. No words can express how or what to feel.. but know you did the kindness that we can’t even do for our selves.. She is now free to run and be whole and is now waiting with so many other good 4 footed friends… Run Maggie Run….
“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.” Cheryl Zuccaro
I am so sorry to hear of Maggie’s passing. But, wow, what an amazing life full of adventures that you were able to give her! Rest easy now, Maggie.
Big hugs,
Jessica & Athena
I am very sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful girl, and you shared a magical bond. What a life she had with you! I wish you peace and healing and the comfort of your very special memories.
Liz and Roxie
Tracy, my heart breaks for you. What a beautiful girl Maggie was, and what a spirit. I am so sorry for your loss.
What is there to say. Our Maggie’s paths were so different yet so much the same. What a privilege to see eye brows turn grey, but saying goodbye hurts just as much. Peace to you and the rest of your pack on this most difficult night.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tracy, my dear little sister, I have no words only tears. Maggie joins our one-in-a-million group. Life gives us great sorrow to help define those great joys our dogs and horses give as gifts with no reciprocity attached–just plain devotion and willingness–heart that gives our lives meaning and purpose.
p
Losing a furry family member is a pain that goes very deep and very long. Maggie is joining some furry friends that have passed in just the last many months. We all experience the sorrow but we also all have great and happy memories of times spent with those furry family members. You and Maggie made some truly great accomplishments that will be with you always. Let those memories give you solace. The sorrows of life do make the in between times and the happy times that much more remarkable. You were both a true inspiration to many .
Tracy, I am so so sorry to hear this news. My heart is breaking for you and with you. Your beautiful blog post brings tears to my eyes knowing how difficult this decision was. I’m so glad that you got confirmation that this is what Maggie wanted. I always enjoyed reading your posts and stories about Maggie and all that she could accomplish. You were always the proud mom and for good reason – Maggie Moo was simply amazing. Honestly, I always thought that Maggie would live forever – she overcame such odds for such a long time. But she will live on forever, in our hearts now. I feel very honored that I got to know your Maggie Moo. I’m sure all of our Angels up there, including my Angel Mackenzie, are looking out for her and showing her the way. And I know she’s looking down at you too and letting you know that she’s ok. My heart goes out to you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that you were blessed with the gift of Maggie. How incredibly wonderful for both of you.
Kami and Angel Mackenzie
I’m so sorry to hear about Maggie. She is now running and playing with all the other dogs waiting for her family to travel across that bridge with her. I only just met Maggie a few weeks ago when I joined and was inspired by her story. You all are a true inspiration for the rest of us. A friend, and vet, recently told me that we are only here to take care of them. That’s our sole purpose in life and you have done a splendid job. Thank you for the journey and for sharing your wonderful girl with us.
Tracy, I am so sorry for your loss of Maggie. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. I will always hold dear those many memories of our trips together and the fun times that we shared. I loved watching you two work and play together – there was always such a connection that is so unusual to see. You go on ahead, Maggie – you have left behind a great legacy. You have earned your freedom and you will be missed. Hugs..
I am so sorry for your loss. We are so blessed to have unconditional love from our buddies, Maggie continued to show you hers by her final kiss to you. Be proud of yourself that you gave back to Maggie by making the loving decision before it was the needed decision. May we all have your strength when we are faced with a similar decision.
Tracy…. thank you for sharing.. Maggie’s life. What a wonderful bunch of pictures to show us how much zest for life Maggie had.. she certainly loved being here.. it looks like she had a great time!
The bridge just because more beautiful with her arrival!
I really can’t say anything else that everyone else has not already said.. so I will just say…. DITTO!
You were both so blessed to have each other.. and you are still blessed to have her in your heart!
Tracy-
What a beautiful tribute to Maggie and thank you for sharing this with us. I sawthe post over the weekend, but wasn’t able to tell you how sorry I am until Iwa sback home. She will remain an inspiration to all tripwds for many years and all you learned will be passed on to help someone else.
Keep those happy memories close. Maggie will be with you always and watching over you.
Luanne and Shooter
That is a beautiful story with such a sad ending. Maggie was an inspiration to all tripawds.. I’ve even considered trying to train Barret for agility based on your blogs and videos. We might just have to now as a tribute to your wonderful girl.
What a beautiful tribute to Maggie. I am so sorry that Maggie needed to pass on from this life. She clearly had a wonderful life, you and her were so very lucky to have each other. Thank you for sharing her and her life with us all. She will continue to be an inspiration to 3 and 4-legged dogs everywhere.
Thank you everyone for your comments…they mean the world to me!!!! Hard to believe a dog can effect one’s life so much…well, maybe not….
Love you Maggie. Love you very much.
Tracy
I am so sorry about Maggie! Our best friends do not live long enough. Maggie’s tribute is beautiful! Maggie was amazing and had an amazing life.
My heart goes out to you.
Liliana
Tracy, I know it’s been a few months since you had to make the hard decision for your Maggie, but I wanted you to know that your words reached out to someone today. I had to put my own CKD dog (our still young 11-year old cocker spaniel, Memphis) down this last Saturday (10/5/13). She only lasted 4 months from diagnosis and it was, as you’ve said, a rollercoaster every minute of every day during that time. You think she’s doing better, “almost” eating, “almost” going for a walk, almost…almost…almost, and then the next day or the next hour, she’s back off her food or water again, shaking in a distant room, the toxins riddling her poor little body. Memphis was so patient with all the sub-q fluids, the syringed food and fluids down her throat to try and keep some nutrients inside her, only to lose what little she held inside from diarrhea or vomiting, a 3-day IV fluid therapy that proved utterly useless, and finally my last ditch, Hail Mary attempt to slowdown the deterioration with some online kidney tonics that were supposed to help purge her system of toxins (thank goodness, she only had to endure that a few days–didn’t do anything but burn her already sore mouth, throat & stomach). Anyway, I was struggling again today (as I have every minute since we made the decision) with “was it too soon?” Your blog and your experience reminded me that it wasn’t. I will probably return to your blog again some time soon, maybe even next hour when I’m once again wracked with grief and remorse, but in the end it will comfort me to know that we–you, me, and all of us canine CKD “parents”–ultimately make the hard decision to provide our babies their final relief and say goodbye. So thank you for taking the time to write down and share your experience with your Maggie. Please take care.
Dear Erica,
I’m so incredibly sorry that your dog, Memphis, had to go thru kidney failure. The ups and downs and mostly downs, are just horrible, as you fully explain. Please know that you did all you could do for your pup…I guess guilt is probably part of the grieving process…I’m still struggling with that even after almost two months now. I miss Maggie so much. I read somewhere could you imagine how much it would hurt if dogs lived longer.. I suppose that is true. The pain I feel after living with Maggie for 13 years and 8 months is incredible. One of my hopes with Maggie’s blog, has always been in hopes to help those in need with first being a tripawd and cancer and then it turned to kidney failure issues. Maggie was my first dog, maybe that is why this hurts so much, I don’t know… I hope you heal fast in your grieving process, Erica. That process I haven’t quite mastered yet. If you want to talk more, you can email me at agilecowdogs@yahoo.com or here on Maggie’s blog. Maybe we can help each other get thru this. Many hugs to you, I’m so sorry for your loss of your Memphis 🙁
Oh, Tracy, I am so very sorry to hear this. I don’t have to tell you what an inspiration Maggie was to so many people in this community. Although it does not compare to your pain, this is a huge loss for us and we grieve with you during this sad time. Wishing you all the peace and strength in the world in the difficult weeks to come.
Lisa
Oh Tracy, my heart breaks for you. Maggie was and always will be an amazing girl. She was an inspiration – an inspawration. You both were such a huge help when Butchey started his journey as a tripawd. I can’t thank you both enough.
The world lost an amazing dog today. Although she may not be laying next to you anymore, she is still part of you, her paw prints on your heart and your soul and I know you will carry her and her memory with you for the rest of your days.
Hugs to you. Rest well Maggie, rest well and then run free.
Love,
Nancy and the Goofs
I am so sorry for your loss of Maggie. From your pictures, it looks like she had a very wonderful life with you. I too lost my baby girl on Tuesday, so I understand how very difficult this decision is and the pain of not having them near us any longer. My thoughts are sincerely with you.
What a ride indeed! Maggie was an amazing girl. I so wish I had been able to meet her. But I feel like I knew her pretty well from her blog. I’m so sorry you have lost your girl. She was so strong, and she fought a long, hard battle. She was the epitome of a Tripawd Warrior Princess! I know you will miss your girl, but I’m so glad you chose to share her with everyone here. I think a lot of new and recovering Tripawds wouldn’t have been the same without reading Maggie’s story. Sending healing thoughts to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Maggie was an awesome dog. May her spirit shine bright.
Safe journey to Maggie’s beautiful spirit.
Marla and Daisy
Tracy and Norm,
You’ve lost a family member, and now there is that emptiness. It will be too quiet and too clean, but it will get better.
Maggie has a huge group of admirers here, those of us who saw her when we first joined and were encouraged to take a chance because of this beautiful dog with those amazing ears! Maggie’s life had so much purpose and touched so many people.
Thank you for sharing your girl with us here. Thank you for the stories of dodging bear and moose, and slogging through wet woods to find some gorgeous lake mist, and running all those agility courses with 3 legs. Thank you for including Haley in all the updates and photos.
I am so sorry you will be missing Maggie, yet I know she epitomized the life well lived. I believe she was satisfied with what she had, and any of us would count ourselves lucky to live half the life she did. Thank you for loving her so.
Shari
Ms. Maggie it was a true pleasure to know you. I will never forget the silly look you would get on your face with the real Woodie. The kisses you would give me. The porcupine, skijoiring, agility clinics – and we can’t forget Tracy’s early agility equipment- you took all the adventures and Tracy’s games in stride whether on 3 or 4 legs. You loved to ‘dance’ and play games with Tracy and it showed.
Tracy I know she was your heart dog, someone special .. I know the pain you are feeling. And I know you will never replace Maggie but you will make new fur friends. Each will be different and special in their own little wa
Rest in peace Maggie and hang in there Tracy & Norm!
Tracy I am so sorry to hear Maggie is gone but I know she is feeling so much better now. Tears are running down my face as I looked at the photos but also I see what a wonderful full life she had. I am so glad Ann and I got to see her this fall .
Such a special soul she is. She will always be here in your heart . Hugs hugs hugs. Love you Tracy .
I am so sorry to hear about Maggie. Rip little girl. I am sorry I can’t add more right now as my heart is broken just like yours.
Michelle & Angel Sassy.
Maggie, we love you too and we are so very sorry to read this.
It’s hard to even describe how much of an impact you had on our community. Let me just say that it’s HUGE and it will not disappear with your earthly form. After all that you’ve done to help, to inspire and to bring happiness to so many, well, that kind of impact lasts for eternity.
Tracy thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being here through the years, for showing us what’s possible and for demonstrating that even for amazing agility dogs there IS life after amputation. It’s hard to imagine the grief you are feeling right now, but we hope the thought of how much you helped people here at Tripawds will bring comfort to you at this heartbreaking time.
Please know you are in our thoughts. We will miss Maggie so much.
Tracy,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Maggie was such a wonderful, beautiful part of this community that I cannot even begin to imagine how much joy she brought into your lives. She lived a wonderful life and is now watching over you. My sincere condolences and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
All my love,
Erica
We loved you best…….xoxoxo Maggie. Until we meet again.. .
I am so sorry for your loss, Tracy. Yours was one of the first blogs I read when I first came to this group. Maggie was an inspiration to so many of us. She embodied everything a warrior princess should be. Please know we grieve with you tonight. I know how much you hurt. Just know that we are here for you.
Jenna
I don’t have words! Hug!
So very sorry to hear the news.. No words can express how or what to feel.. but know you did the kindness that we can’t even do for our selves.. She is now free to run and be whole and is now waiting with so many other good 4 footed friends… Run Maggie Run….
“It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.” Cheryl Zuccaro
I am so sorry to hear of Maggie’s passing. But, wow, what an amazing life full of adventures that you were able to give her! Rest easy now, Maggie.
Big hugs,
Jessica & Athena
I am very sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful girl, and you shared a magical bond. What a life she had with you! I wish you peace and healing and the comfort of your very special memories.
Liz and Roxie
Tracy, my heart breaks for you. What a beautiful girl Maggie was, and what a spirit. I am so sorry for your loss.
What is there to say. Our Maggie’s paths were so different yet so much the same. What a privilege to see eye brows turn grey, but saying goodbye hurts just as much. Peace to you and the rest of your pack on this most difficult night.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tracy, my dear little sister, I have no words only tears. Maggie joins our one-in-a-million group. Life gives us great sorrow to help define those great joys our dogs and horses give as gifts with no reciprocity attached–just plain devotion and willingness–heart that gives our lives meaning and purpose.
p
Losing a furry family member is a pain that goes very deep and very long. Maggie is joining some furry friends that have passed in just the last many months. We all experience the sorrow but we also all have great and happy memories of times spent with those furry family members. You and Maggie made some truly great accomplishments that will be with you always. Let those memories give you solace. The sorrows of life do make the in between times and the happy times that much more remarkable. You were both a true inspiration to many .
Tracy, I am so so sorry to hear this news. My heart is breaking for you and with you. Your beautiful blog post brings tears to my eyes knowing how difficult this decision was. I’m so glad that you got confirmation that this is what Maggie wanted. I always enjoyed reading your posts and stories about Maggie and all that she could accomplish. You were always the proud mom and for good reason – Maggie Moo was simply amazing. Honestly, I always thought that Maggie would live forever – she overcame such odds for such a long time. But she will live on forever, in our hearts now. I feel very honored that I got to know your Maggie Moo. I’m sure all of our Angels up there, including my Angel Mackenzie, are looking out for her and showing her the way. And I know she’s looking down at you too and letting you know that she’s ok. My heart goes out to you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that you were blessed with the gift of Maggie. How incredibly wonderful for both of you.
Kami and Angel Mackenzie
I’m so sorry to hear about Maggie. She is now running and playing with all the other dogs waiting for her family to travel across that bridge with her. I only just met Maggie a few weeks ago when I joined and was inspired by her story. You all are a true inspiration for the rest of us. A friend, and vet, recently told me that we are only here to take care of them. That’s our sole purpose in life and you have done a splendid job. Thank you for the journey and for sharing your wonderful girl with us.
Tracy, I am so sorry for your loss of Maggie. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. I will always hold dear those many memories of our trips together and the fun times that we shared. I loved watching you two work and play together – there was always such a connection that is so unusual to see. You go on ahead, Maggie – you have left behind a great legacy. You have earned your freedom and you will be missed. Hugs..
I am so sorry for your loss. We are so blessed to have unconditional love from our buddies, Maggie continued to show you hers by her final kiss to you. Be proud of yourself that you gave back to Maggie by making the loving decision before it was the needed decision. May we all have your strength when we are faced with a similar decision.
Tracy…. thank you for sharing.. Maggie’s life. What a wonderful bunch of pictures to show us how much zest for life Maggie had.. she certainly loved being here.. it looks like she had a great time!
The bridge just because more beautiful with her arrival!
I really can’t say anything else that everyone else has not already said.. so I will just say…. DITTO!
You were both so blessed to have each other.. and you are still blessed to have her in your heart!
Tracy-
What a beautiful tribute to Maggie and thank you for sharing this with us. I sawthe post over the weekend, but wasn’t able to tell you how sorry I am until Iwa sback home. She will remain an inspiration to all tripwds for many years and all you learned will be passed on to help someone else.
Keep those happy memories close. Maggie will be with you always and watching over you.
Luanne and Shooter
That is a beautiful story with such a sad ending. Maggie was an inspiration to all tripawds.. I’ve even considered trying to train Barret for agility based on your blogs and videos. We might just have to now as a tribute to your wonderful girl.
What a beautiful tribute to Maggie. I am so sorry that Maggie needed to pass on from this life. She clearly had a wonderful life, you and her were so very lucky to have each other. Thank you for sharing her and her life with us all. She will continue to be an inspiration to 3 and 4-legged dogs everywhere.
Thank you everyone for your comments…they mean the world to me!!!! Hard to believe a dog can effect one’s life so much…well, maybe not….
Love you Maggie. Love you very much.
Tracy
I am so sorry about Maggie! Our best friends do not live long enough. Maggie’s tribute is beautiful! Maggie was amazing and had an amazing life.
My heart goes out to you.
Liliana
Tracy, I know it’s been a few months since you had to make the hard decision for your Maggie, but I wanted you to know that your words reached out to someone today. I had to put my own CKD dog (our still young 11-year old cocker spaniel, Memphis) down this last Saturday (10/5/13). She only lasted 4 months from diagnosis and it was, as you’ve said, a rollercoaster every minute of every day during that time. You think she’s doing better, “almost” eating, “almost” going for a walk, almost…almost…almost, and then the next day or the next hour, she’s back off her food or water again, shaking in a distant room, the toxins riddling her poor little body. Memphis was so patient with all the sub-q fluids, the syringed food and fluids down her throat to try and keep some nutrients inside her, only to lose what little she held inside from diarrhea or vomiting, a 3-day IV fluid therapy that proved utterly useless, and finally my last ditch, Hail Mary attempt to slowdown the deterioration with some online kidney tonics that were supposed to help purge her system of toxins (thank goodness, she only had to endure that a few days–didn’t do anything but burn her already sore mouth, throat & stomach). Anyway, I was struggling again today (as I have every minute since we made the decision) with “was it too soon?” Your blog and your experience reminded me that it wasn’t. I will probably return to your blog again some time soon, maybe even next hour when I’m once again wracked with grief and remorse, but in the end it will comfort me to know that we–you, me, and all of us canine CKD “parents”–ultimately make the hard decision to provide our babies their final relief and say goodbye. So thank you for taking the time to write down and share your experience with your Maggie. Please take care.
Dear Erica,
I’m so incredibly sorry that your dog, Memphis, had to go thru kidney failure. The ups and downs and mostly downs, are just horrible, as you fully explain. Please know that you did all you could do for your pup…I guess guilt is probably part of the grieving process…I’m still struggling with that even after almost two months now. I miss Maggie so much. I read somewhere could you imagine how much it would hurt if dogs lived longer.. I suppose that is true. The pain I feel after living with Maggie for 13 years and 8 months is incredible. One of my hopes with Maggie’s blog, has always been in hopes to help those in need with first being a tripawd and cancer and then it turned to kidney failure issues. Maggie was my first dog, maybe that is why this hurts so much, I don’t know… I hope you heal fast in your grieving process, Erica. That process I haven’t quite mastered yet. If you want to talk more, you can email me at agilecowdogs@yahoo.com or here on Maggie’s blog. Maybe we can help each other get thru this. Many hugs to you, I’m so sorry for your loss of your Memphis 🙁
Tracy