Maggie Dog

Yesterday my parent's dog Maggie had to be put to sleep.

She was 15 1/2 years old and had been part of our family

since she was 4 months old.

She was always loving and patient, and let all 7 grandkids ( as well as many neighborhood kids) pet her, hug her, sit on her, cuddle her and explore her ears, toes, tail, etc.,

She even tolerated silly costumes on St. Patrick's Day,

and pulled off the Irish look pretty well.

And just like all the other grandkids,

Ella and Zoe took to her

as soon as they became aware of her.

Ella (8 months) admiring Maggie from afar . . . 

 . . .  and up close.

Zoe (13 months) . . . 

. . .  and both girls.

It makes me sad to think of my parent's home without Maggie being there, but it truly was her time, and she actually lasted much longer than anyone (including the vet) expected.

Two years ago this Labor Day Tom, the girls and I made a special trip to Buffalo because it seemed Maggie was close to the end at that time.

Labor Day 2007

My Dad with his dog, Maggie.

But apparently Maggie had other plans,

and we were lucky to enjoy two more years with her.

Summer 2008

Christmas 2008

Winter 2009

Spring 2009

So now Maggie has her own garden in Mom and Dad's backyard.

And we have many memories from having that easy-going,

ivory-colored, super-sweet and sometimes stinky Maggie Dog

in our family for so many years.

She was a really great dog and we're going to miss her.