Sunday 15 March 2009

Maggie - happy and whole, at last

Mainly sunny, warm - lovely day. temps plus 4

We had to put Maggie down this morning. There was no decision to be made, it was clearly the only thing to do. So hard, but so right. And there's comfort in that. And now she's with Bonnie and Seamus, running on four legs. And thanking us, I know, for letting her go.

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Louise,
Oh no. I am so sorry you had to put Maggie down. It is such a difficult decision to make. I've been following her progress for months on your blog, and it really seemed she was improving. I know how much you and Michael loved her, so this must be a very sad day for you. We had to put our beloved Portugese Water Dog Rosie down last May. It was the only thing to do, and I still wept buckets. I still miss her terribly. My heart goes out to you both.
Marianne

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Marianne,

What a lovely, kind message. And while your own sorrow gives me no pleasure, there is comfort - real comfort - in knowing we're not alone. Thank you for telling me about Rosie. You're right, we are so sad. And exhausted. I think crying does that. But I also know I'll feel better, eventually. And Maggie will become not a painful spot, but a great big slobbering joyful memory.

Better days ahead.

Anonymous said...

o so sorry to hear about Maggie's 'farewell'. sitting here with tears in my eyes, watching the BC rain outside. the earth cries too. and then, inexplicably, it tries again -
brave earth,
brave you

MelodyG

Anonymous said...

I had a feeling this was coming after what you wrote yesterday. A blog is thought by many to be a one-sided conversation. You obviously don't take that view. Thank-you for sharing life's ups and downs. I hope that we readers can provide some small comfort to you in return. So sorry.

Anonymous said...

I too have lost 3 dogs in my life,
a greyhound, actually 2) one cocker,one collie. Kept their collar and leashes forever. When I see pictures of any of these type of dogs, my heart still cries.
I cannot have another dog, (walking a dog is a problem for me) so we settled for cats. Lovely creatures also, but just not quite the same. (It is the expression in the eyes of a dog, unique only to dogs)

My collie had a dogfriend, another collie, and when our dog died, this dogfriend kept coming around and around looking for his pal. That was also heartbreaking, how could I explain to him that his buddy was no longer with us.

But, as always, we rise above the grief and we remember, always remember the happy times with our doggie friends. You will too.

Anny

Hilary MacLeod said...

So sorry about Maggie. So glad she had her walk around the pond at the last, that a suggestion of spring had come and she smelled it on the air.

Fare well.

Hilary

frouch said...

Just don't know what to say. She was blessed to have you, and so were you, and this was a unique gift that had the chance to last for many years...

The three of you are in my thoughts.

Louise XXX

Anonymous said...

Dear Louise,

I'm so very sorry to hear about Maggie's passing. You may never do a more difficult thing in your life; surely, there won't be a more loving act than easing her on her way.

Reading the comments which have been left for you, I know I am not alone in remembering beloved dogs who have gone before us. Kindred spirits gather here.

I never imagined, after we lost our girl Dusty, that I could remember her without anything but a fierce ache and desperate longing for her company, but just today we laughed about something she used to do, and I felt a very familiar happiness. We talk of her every day, just as we talk of our parents and my sister and the other dogs and cats who have passed on. Although they're not here, they are woven into our lives and I am thankful for that.

Wishing you the comfort of time and sweet memories.

xxx Beth

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry. Deciding to put a beloved dog down is such a sad thing. We did it last summer with our loving Barley and still miss him. My children went with me to the vet and sat on the floor with him and he put his head down on my son's lap and we all wept. It was a small relief, though, to see the tension and pain drain away as it must have been with Maggie.

She may be gone, but the love abides . . .

Karen B.

Cece said...

You did the most generous and selfless thing you could do for her, and while I grieve with you, I rejoice too that you had her in your life, and she had you.

Cece

Anonymous said...

Dear Louise,
Unconditional love...we humans seldom see it, and when we do, it's a new magic every day. You did the selfless and loving thing, to give her relief and wholeness again, and in our minds we all see her running on four legs, happily.Thank you for sharing with us your love of Maggie and her love for you, and your grief.

There will be happy memories, as we all know. But we also know, grief has no boundaries or time frames either. We are sharing our shoulders to let you rest your head for a moment, and our arms for hugs. You need that now for sure. Dogs are much braver than we are, in so many ways...they teach us and show us love and bravery and fun and spirit, always. Even in memories. Someday you and Michael will laugh at a memory of Maggie...but it'll be bittersweet, always. And that's okay.

We remember our loved dogs, always. And in my heart and mind, they are happy and running and youthful always, now. And it's Springtime.

Love,
Bobbie

Anonymous said...

Dear Louise & Michael:
So very sad to hear about Maggie. Isn't it amazing when you think that she made it around the pond on Friday - almost like it was one of her last wishes. Losing a pet is one of the hardest things we humans have to face but the joys that they bring to us make it all worth it. What a blessing that you and Michael weren't traveling. Kind regards, Donna

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for you and Michael. Like Elizabeth, I suspected the worst when you wrote about how good Maggie felt a couple of days ago. They, as well as people, often rally before the end. But how happy you must have made her to take her on those walks around the lake. Be assured that you did the most loving and kindest thing you could possibly do. Her spirit will come back to visit you often in special, secret ways and odd moments. Treasure each as the gifts they are.

Tammy said...

Oh, Louise, I AM so sorry for your loss. I know that is one of the hardest things to do as I've had to do the same more times than I care to think about. She sounded like such a wonderful friend/kid to you and Michael. How is Trudy doing? She'll need some special attention at this time as well. I agree with Jeanine's post above. My last cat "visits" me from time to time (I feel her frequently jump on the bed at night right before I drift off.) So know that Maggie is not far.

((((((HUGS))))))) Tammy in MO

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Melody,

How beautifully you put it, about the earth weeping. Thank you.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Elizabeth,

You have provided so much support - thank you. How comforting it is not to feel alone. To have people in all sorts of communities write and reach out. Like you. Thank you.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Anny,

What a lovely, and heartbreaking story of your collie. Thank you. And you're right - so important to remember the wonderful times. I remember Maggie's bright eyes, and giving us "high fives", and her love of sliced bananas - her favorite part of the day.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Hilary,

Yes - that suggestion of spring she got to sniff at the end...and her bounding around her beloved pond. We've decided to spread all the dogs' ashes together, so they won't be alone - out by the pond.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Louise,

I know what you mean - it is hard to know what to say, but you found beautiful, perfect, words. Thank you.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Beth,

Reading your message just now I was. and am, reduced to tears. Fierce ache. That's how it feels. And one day, I know, with time we'll remember Maggie without it - but just happiness. thank you for your power of example.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Karen,

Oh, what a beautiful, peaceful image of your Barley. Yes, it was like that for Maggie, as Michael and I held her and whispered in her ear, 'I love you, Maggie.' And to feel her relax.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Cece,

thank you - and that is exactly what we need to hear, and to know.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Bobbie,

Thank you for your strong shoulder to cry on and your kind arms. Michael and I both feel them, and are so grateful. Such kind words.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Donna,

Oh, you're so right. Michael and OI kept saying that to each other yesterday. Thank God we were home.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Jeanine,

Again, your message had me in tears as I thought of Maggie visiting in quiet, secret moments. Moments, I suspect, that involve bananas.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dearest Tammy,

We accept your lovely hugs - and Trudy seems baffled, standing at attention whenever she hears anything, looking. Waiting, we think. Yes, she will need, and get, special attentiuon. Out around the pond today with the tennis balls and chuck-it.

Anonymous said...

After reading about Maggie, I went into our bedroom and stared at the handmade box containing the ashes of our good and sweet boy, Buttons, who crossed the rainbow bridge 5 years ago. I still can't think about him without tears, but more and more they're happy tears. These fur friends are never out of our hearts.

Hugs to you all.

Louise Penny Author said...

Dear Barb,

What a wonderful name. Buttons. Might have to name a Three Pines dog or cat that. People without animals think we're crazy. Who'd have thought I'd be taught humanity by an animal? But I was, and am. Tolerance, forgiveness, courage, fortitude, playfulness - certainly to eat real fast before anyone else can get it. And the importance of chasing balls. But enough about that.
What I didn't learn from the puppies I've learned from my garden.

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