When we first got her she seemed shy, and a little sad. The folks at the Animal Shelter told us she was three, and had been shuffled around more than once; her name was Maggie. To which we added Maggie May, Black Maggie (because her hair was coal black), Maggie Doodle (because she was a Labradoodle), and sometimes we just called her Mags.
It didn’t take Maggie Doodle long to adapt to her new environment, and in a short time any shyness, and sadness was replaced with what seemed a happy liveliness, and doggie contentment. Our home then was nestled in on 10 wooded acres above Rockford Bay on Lake Coeur d Alene. Maggie loved being outside; roaming and running through the trees. She reminded me of a racehorse stretching her legs full gait, knowing only one speed - fast! Especially when chasing after tennis balls Gary and I would throw. It would take her no time at all to find, and retrieve. Maggie would run and chase balls all day if we let her.
A stranger couldn’t sneak up on Maggie undetected, making her a great watchdog, and she knew several words, too: Outside, walk, ball, bed, Dad, dinner, treat, Cheerios, cheeseball. Cheerios became her favorite food, and thought it a fun game when I’d take a handful and throw them out back for her to search for, find, then eat.
We’ve always had dogs. Yes, often more than one dog at a time. Gary doted on them all. When he became ill with Alzheimer’s, he focused even more attention on Maggie. And she responded in kind, always wanting to please; staying by his side, alerting me if he was trying to get out of bed, or his red leather recliner chair. She would come to wherever I was at - the front room, bathroom or kitchen nudge my leg and turn back toward Gary, waiting for me to follow.
After my darling Gary passed away, Maggie May transferred all her loyalty, devotion, protective eye to me. I think she sensed my great sorrow at the loss of both my husband and my Mother, and we became even better pals, eating our meals together and watching TV. Mags liked watching TV a lot.
Sadly, the last few months Maggie’s health rapidly declined, her body wearing out, and needing my help to get up, to walk, go outside, lay down. Her once well toned, muscled body now like a rack of bones. Still, it has been a difficult decision. I felt as in some way with no Maggie here I’d be losing another little piece of Gary. It has only been with the loving help of dear friends (answered prayer) I was able to see it’s time to let sweet Maggie go. So, this morning with tears flooding my eyes, and friends standing near Dr. Jenny came to the house. I snuggled Maggie one last time and rubbed her ears. I held her face in my hands and kissed the top of her head. And said a final farewell to our ever faithful, loyal and loving Maggie Doodle.
I believe it’s true. All dogs go to Heaven. And as Maggie crosses that rainbow bridge to the other side, I’m pretty sure it’s my Gary Dobbs waiting there at the gate to welcome her through
*Heartfelt thanks to dear, and caring friends Denise, Jeanne, Sue, Debbie and Chuck. Dr. Jenny Linstron, and Clarkston Vet
