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remembering maggie
Most of us don't have funerals for dogs. So, when Maggie passed away, we realized there were so few accepted ways to express our grief. And after receiving her ashes back, I still needed something of comfort. So, I started lighting a candle next to her photo and ashes every night.
And it seems to soothe something inside.
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maggie
the smiling dog
Maggie, our first dog, was known to everyone as the "smiling dog" as she had the toothiest grin ever seen on a dog. She was the light of our lives with boundless energy that seemed to be bigger than life itself. As she sprinted through our lives - uprooting every houseplant, eating our couch, flying high for Frisbees, and slithering into our bed at night to snuggle and sneak those sloppy, wet dog kisses across our faces - we knew we had the greatest dog ever.
But after 14 years of pure canine love, we had to come to terms with Maggie's failing health due to arthritis. As much as we tried to deny it, we knew we had to be brave and make the ultimate decision for her. We were fortunate to enjoy a final summer weekend feasting on steak, pork chops, bacon and ice cream. And, at the end of our weekend, she said she was ready; she had lived a full and happy life with us, but it was time for her to move on with the grace and dignity we were to give her as one last gift.
along came nelli
As my husband and I sat in our empty house for months, we doubted we could ever love another dog. But time passed, and while we knew we would always miss Maggie, our hearts began to feel ready for another canine adventure.
And along came Nelli, a 2-year old lab from Homeward Bound Rescue Organization in Minnesota.
It has been through Nelli that we realized Maggie gave us many gifts -teaching us the true meaning of unconditional love and the importance of giving it, not just once, but throughout your life.
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