Maggie’s Gift
The inoperable big black ball took Maggie swiftly.
My beautiful girl of the rich chocolate coat and soft, tender eyes. Set free from the big black ball by Dr. Ann’s gentle hands while my husband and I cradled her in our arms.
Maggie.
She of unconditional love and no demands. No expectations.
Only love.
Loving me every damn day of her life. Regardless of my mood. Regardless of how much attention I had paid to her the day before. Or the moment before.
She forgave my bitchy moods and the times when I was too wrapped up in stuff to take her for a walk or throw her tennis ball.
She forgave and forgot at the moment of my infraction. And eagerly and willingly accepted anything I gave. No matter how small the gesture or fleeting the moment.
Always there. Living in the moment. Ready to love me. To be with me. Just be. For no other reason than the sheer joy of being.
Unconditional love. Simple joy. Life for life’s sake. Untouched by worry or resentment or envy.
Thank you, Maggie. Thank for teaching me how to love and how to live.
March 27th, 2007 at 11:49 am
If i could see better, i might leave a comment. If thinking came easier than feeling, i might leave a comment. As it is, i will just sit here quietly for a moment.
March 27th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Feeling your strength. Thank you, Anne.
June 5th, 2007 at 11:48 am
I just discovered your blog, courtesy of Beyond Blue. The worst thing about dogs is that we outlive them. They are wonderful companions and good models in many ways. I am a member of a rescue group, mine being English Springer Spaniels. I have helped out by transporting others breeds and mixes as well. All dogs that I have had since the late 80’s whether purebreds or mixes have been rescues.
There are so many wonderful dogs that need homes. They were either lost, turned in by owners who couldn’t care for them anymore, turned in by owners whose teens didn’t spend time with them (those adults deserve medals), or the families of servicemen out of the country for extended stays.
My latest adoptee is Sam. I have had him for a year. He is 11 and still moves fantastically well. The only reason I know his age is because of the eyes getting the aging that occurs around age 10. He is a sweet, well-behaved boy with no bad habits. I didn’t plan on adopting him. I was fostering him, but he fit so well into the family of pets. I now have 3 springers and one cat, all of whom take care of each other.
I hope that when you are ready, that you can give a dog joy and love by adopting one that you relate to, or fostering, which takes a special kind of person.
Rick
June 5th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Bless you, Rick. I will certainly consider it strongly.