Maddie

[wdfifteen]

“Lord, you play a hard game
You know, we follow every rule.
Then you take the one thing,
that we thought we’d never lose.”



May, 2009 starting our relationship.

Madison came into this world on March 12, 2009. She came into my life eight weeks later and changed me forever. When I first saw her she was playing with her littermates, she stopped and ran to me, talking all the way. We knew immediately that we wanted to share our lives together. I changed her name right away - officially to “Madison” but she responds to Mads, Maddie, and Madison Marie.
In those minutes she showed a trait that would stay with her all her life. Madison talked – a lot. She has a unique “Arwoo woo woo” sound that she vocalized at every opportunity, and just about anything could be an opportunity. The talking could be annoying at times, and I would tell her to be quiet. I would give anything to hear it again.

For our first few months together I could not get enough of her. We were together constantly. We went to puppy school, then to obedience school, and we learned how to be perfect companions. I watched with joy at her every new skill and new adventure as she grew and matured. Over the years I came to take for granted those things I love most about her. It’s as though I thought we would last forever.









Then - multiple organ failure.

Now, in her last few weeks with me I again cannot get enough of her. We are again inseparable, and I watch with joy when she can run, eat a full meal, or raise her head for me to pet her. The things that I took for granted are unspeakably precious again. I want to be with her all the time and I savor every last moment we share.



Maddie, May 2022 - not feeling well at all.

Epilog:

We knew we would have to say goodbye soon. We thought it would be difficult to decide the right time to let her go. In the end there was no question. She was so sick, her beautiful brown eyes had lost their gleam – we knew it was time. We took her to Dr. Lauren, who put a port in her right leg. She asked if we were ready. I petted her, Vicki held her for a bit, I kissed her, and it was time. The first injection put her to sleep in less than a minute. She was sleeping peacefully in my arms and I could feel her tired heart pounding against her ribs. Lauren gave her the second injection. The pounding in her chest stopped. Lauren listened to her and told us she was gone. It was 9:35 AM July 9, 2022.
Vicki and I sat with her for a few minutes, took turns holding her. Then it was time to leave her for the last time. A technician came in and picked her up. I kissed her on the head and called her my Sweetheart one last time – and she left us forever.

Good-bye my sweet girl. I hope you enjoyed our ride as much as I did.

[rwest]

I am so very sorry for your loss, I’ve only been through this once and it was the hardest thing I have had to do. Dogs are so perfect that losing them is heartbreaking.

I wish you peace in knowing you gave her the best life she could have had.

Rutager

[Roswell]

My condolences, wdfifteen. Dogs are one of the purest spirits on the face of the earth. i am so sorry for your loss.

[cabmandone]

Sorry Patrick. Never easy losing one of the family.

[Halm]

Your post was a terrific good-by to Maddie. Truly sorry for your loss.

[Steve Carlton]

Wonderful tribute. You gave her 13 great years and she returned the favor.

[rcooled]

Your last minutes with Maddie had me getting a bit misty. I've been there too and can relate to how you're feeling. Know that you gave her lots of love and a good life, and remember that she'll always live on in your memories. RIP Maddie...

[rfuerst911sc]

RIP to your beloved pet/family member . It is never an easy decision but I believe we owe it to them as a last sign of respect and love . Each passing day will be a little easier and the great memories will last forever .

[Seahawk]

I know one thing Maddie absolutely knew she had: Great humans and love.

Ok, two things.

Best.

[Baz]

[masraum]

We have a day like this coming. He's about to be 18, so it could be a while or any day.

[herr_oberst]

A celebration to a life well loved, and in the end, beautifully eulogized.

Thank you for sharing these wonderful, terrible words and pictures.

[KFC911]

What a beautiful tribute Patrick.... RIP Maddie.

It's never easy .... and those days just suck... we all know.

Best to you ... and please don't be a stranger.

Steve... you'll know when it's time... he'll let you know.

[drkshdw]

Beautiful tribute. Sounds like she had a wonderful life. They're never around long enough but enough to change us as people. Wouldn't have it any other way.

[Billiam 911 2.8]

Patrick,
Your post got the water works going for me. Maddie brought you and your family such joy. Last year I lost both my parents and three pets. When the tears of sorrow turn to warm feelings and memories, you will know she is still with you.

[sc_rufctr]

I feel bad for you Patrick. The little one is at rest now and welcome back.

[HobieMarty]

So sorry for your loss. It is difficult to say goodbye to our beloved 4 legged family members. Peace be with you and your family.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[KevinTodd]

Very sorry to hear about your Maddie. Wishing you peace and love, and the sense of healing that comes with spending a life well lived with your little friend. You sent her over the bridge with love in your heart, and she knows that.

[Skytrooper]

Thank you for giving her a life worth living. She loved you a dearly as your love for her. You grew together and were best friends. She's a beautiful girl.
I too, had the water works going reading your post. After the roller coaster we have been on with KC, I didn't think I had any tears left. I was wrong. Our pets are such a huge part of our lives. Maddie is in a place where she can run, jump, play, and talk...free of pain and age.

R.I.P. Maddie, thanks for being your humans ray of sunshine

[crustychief]

Sorry to hear of your loss, RIP Maddie.