Our first baby
Mar 24th, 2011
This past Sunday we had to put down our 11 year old dog, Matilda “Maddie” May. She got sick rather quickly and within a matter of a few days we knew there was no other option. Our entire family is heartbroken. So today I wanted to share with you the story of our first baby…
Scott and I had been dating a little more than a year when we (I) decided it was time to get a puppy. We went to the SPCA to look at an older dog when we saw 5 black pups in the Puppy Pen. Love at first site. She was the runt of a Great Dane/Boxer mix litter. On the way home with our new puppy we got got her a Checkers hamburger which she handily gobbled right down.
We were very proud parents and wasted no time in introducing her to both sets of her new grandparents. Everyone was instantly smitten with her huge floppy ears, gorgeous shiny fur and slightly crooked teeth.
Maddie in her prime. She was a true powerhouse. And, of course, her favorite activity was retrieving tennis balls. Luckily her grandparents were avid tennis players so there was never a shortage of balls or treats for that matter. She was an endlessly happy, spoiled girl who could sit, shake, and lay down on command but could NEVER be tamed on the damn leash. She took us for runs when all we wanted to do was walk.
Maddie’s favorite place – our bed. She slept with us until she was 8. This picture was taken when I was very pregnant with Tennison. I had no worries that Maddie would be a great protector of our pending addition. When Tennison made her arrival Maddie still slept in the bed but now at the foot instead of right between us. The newest baby was in her old spot. She understood the babies were our main priority now. No complaints from Maddie. Ever.
Maddie loved the kids so much. We called her the lifeguard because she hated when we were all in the pool. Absolutely no splashing, jumping or dunking allowed. She would bark like crazy and try to corral us all out.
This was Maddie on Saturday. For the last 2 years she had lived in our backyard and in our detached storage room. Everyone thought it was cruel that we didn’t let her in the house anymore but Maddie really preferred to be outside. Let’s face it, two screaming and crying toddlers aren’t very relaxing. Her last few nights, though, were spent inside with all of us around her spoiling her like crazy. On her last day we took her for a brief, labored walk. She laid in the sun while the kids adorned her with flowers. I hope she was happy.
Maddie, you were an amazing dog who will forever be missed and loved. Our first baby.
Related Posts
Written by Lea Barlow • 8 Comments
Tanya Thu, Mar 24, 10:29am