Saturday, April 20, 2013

Our Maggie Girl

This evening, Mary and I had to make a decision that ripped our hearts out, we said goodbye to our Maggie Girl, our Italian Mastiff. Having just turned eight in March she suffered from kidney failure following a simple surgery to have her teeth cleaned.
Maggie was admitted to the local Vet hospital in hopes of flushing her system and for lack of a better term "jump start" her kidneys. thirty-six hours later she turned for the worse.
I sit here in tears typing this but in my own way it helps move the grieving process along, at least for me. I know she wouldn't want that, she never did like us being upset.  She was always the class clown with the goofy look or stare into space "not listening" when you wanted her to do something she didn't want to. She didn't approve of the cats occasional fighting and would always get up from her comfy bed and get the boys to neutral corners then return, plop down, and give a big sigh as if to say crisis averted now can I get some sleep.
Maggie has stood by Mary on a daily basis as my Bride battled with her health issues, often never leaving the room until I returned from work. She was faithful and loving and we will miss her everyday.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.


You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.


We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.


Take me to where to my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
 
I know in time you will agree

It is a kindness you do for me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we three -- these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears.


-- Unknown

12 comments:

Rob Schaffer said...

So sorry to hear this Gary. She was a great dog and companion for you and Mary.

Diggerdavid said...

Oh, friend! I know this pain and my heart goes out to you two! We are thinking of you tonight!

Gary said...

Thanks guys...we miss our girl. Each day it will get easier and maybe someday we give our hearts away to a new pup. For now it's the simple things that sting as the family routine is changed forever.

Dina said...

Dear Gary and Mary,
So sorry to hear about your girl. I remember the beautiful pictures Mary had on her desk of Maggie.
This was a lovely tribute to her.

Lin Ciotti said...

So sorry Gary and Mary.I went to church Saturday and said a rosery for her.You did the right thing you did not want her to suffer any more.Maggie is up in heaven with my Molly MO playing .

ddf said...

Some people might say it was only a dog. We know better.

sallie said...

So saddened to hear this. The post is so moving and our hearts go out to you to share your loss.

Unknown said...

Gary,

So sorry to read about Maggie. Animals sure have a way of showing us how special and precious life is. Dogs and cats are always forgiving and loving to us, more so than any human ever will. The pain shall pass but just remember all the good times you and your bride had with dear Maggie.

Gary said...

Thank you all so much for the thoughts and prayers. Some do think it's just a dog but as ddf stated, we know better. Sunday was a better day and today will be another day in he healing process.

Mary and I did decided to open our home to another dog, we're dog people it's what we love, We contacted a breeder in Maryland and signed up on the waiting list for an American Mastiff female bundle of trouble, it's helped with moving forward.

Maggie's black cat, inky, has wandered around calling out for her. He got to sleep with us tonight, at least he finally settled.

Victoria said...

This breaks my heart, Gary! You gave Maggie such a wonderful life and she was so blessed to have you as her human!

Frank Van Haste said...

Gary --

Sorry to hear that Maggie has Gone West. You were there for her at the end, doing the hardest thing when she needed you the most.

Hold onto the happy memories,

Frank

Steve said...

Wanted to send our thoughts once again - losing a pet is never easy. She lived eight great years with you two by her side, though!