A Tail of a Mischevious Mutt.
Hello friends from Paris,
My view of the Eiffel Tower at dusk. This may be my favorite city in the world.
It has been a tough week, but I am now in my happy place-Paris. This weekend, we said goodbye to our sweet dog, Maggie, after 14 years together. Ed, Jack, Allie, and I spent the weekend with her. We played games, went on long, slow walks, and spoiled her with steak and peanut butter. Although it was incredibly difficult, it felt like the right time, if there can ever be a right time. Maggie was struggling with arthritis and cancer; I am not sure which was the worst affliction. Of course, she never complained and always managed to still find joy in her daily slow walks with Ed. She still loved to come to the studio almost every day to keep us company and let us know when it was 4 pm. She loved all of our BD team and easily managed to get treats from everyone.
Maggie twirled into a red chair.
I want to share the story of how Maggie found us. Allie was 8 years old, and she was on a quest to find us a dog. She scoured the Humane Society as well as a local shelter, PAWS. She was determined to get a dog and started with the option close. She created the “Cutest” dog contest of about 8 dogs and told us to cast our vote. Turns out we all voted for Maggie (formerly known as Bahama) from PAWS. (Allie later confessed to changing her vote, so that it would be unanimous!). Since we were all in alignment on the “cutest” dog, we needed to meet her, right? So we went as a family, (and brought the neighbors) to meet this cute dog. We met several dogs that day in an outdoor pen, but Maggie won us over with her incredible energy and a tail that spun around like a helicopter. Ed and I didn’t understand what had happened, but we took this cute dog home. On the way home, as we were talking about possible names for her, one of the neighbors suggested “Magnolia” since we found her in Atlanta. We loved this name! We would later shorten it to Maggie unless she was in trouble. She was often in trouble.
Intent on a ball chase with Allie.
So many stories that I could share about Maggie. Like the time that she ate the chocolate easter Advent calendar, or almost an entire big bag of dog food, or getting up on the dining table and looking at us while eating a rotisserie chicken, or the worst time when we had to take her to get her stomach pumped because she managed to “find” an entire bag of chocolate covered espresso beans! Maggie loved chocolate as much as the rest of our family.
Ed and Maggie on the sofa. (This sofa represents the 4th sofa in this location during Maggie’s life.)
The ways our pets integrate themselves into our families are truly remarkable. They often have quirky energy, that also provides unconditional love and support. They seem to know when we are sad, angry or anxious, and then simply are there with us, to help us get through it. My wise friend, Rusty, (a dog whisperer) says that our animals teach us how to just “BE”. Whether it is lying in the sun, patiently waiting for a walk, or going bananas over something like a squirrel, they are content with just living life as it comes to them.
As our family mourns, we will try to patiently “BE” with all of our feelings. Yet, through all of these feelings of loss and heartache, my heart also feels full. Maggie was with us for 14 years. She made our lives better, and we did the same for her.
In front of one of the many beautiful doors of Paris. I can see this color palette in my future: stormy blue, burnt orange, and a touch of red!
I am writing this week’s blog from a cafe in Paris. Pretty great, right? We arrived yesterday. Next week, I will share more about what I have seen. For now, I will say “Adieu”. Thank you for letting me share my tribute to my beloved, Maggie. May she rest in peace, (with lots of chocolate!)
Love,
Stephanie