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