Maddie's Last Blog

Every once in a while
someone comes into your life and gifts you with perfect love.
That someone, for us, was Maddie.

If ever there was a being who embodied all that is good and kind and wonderful...
it was she.


Last night we gave Maddie our final gift of kindness...
we helped her to heaven...where all dogs go.
The time had come for her when living was more difficult than leaving.
We were so lucky to have an additional three months with her...
since losing the function in her back legs in November.

We are filled with deep sorrow,
and yet our hearts are full of wonderful memories.

She was the gentlest soul I have ever known...
mothering Ginger and MaryAnn when we first brought them home.




Life will never quite be the same without her.

We are so grateful to Dr. Becky, who gave her a peaceful passing
in our home, with all of us loving her and holding her.

Comments

So sorry for your loss. I know you have been dreading the day when you would have to say goodbye to your darling Maddie. But how lovely that you were able hold her and say farewell at home. I have loved reading all your stories about Maddie, and it was always obvious how much she was loved by you, your family and her other four legged friends. What a lucky doggie she was!

Kathy
daisy g said…
Oh, I'm so sorry for your deep loss. No doubt she will be watching over you and warming your heart.
Peter said…
My heart goes out to you. I have been there more times than I like to think. But you are right, it is the last kindness we can do for those we love.
Anonymous said…
Oh Bev, I knew that Maddie's passing was coming, but it still doesn't help to know, does it? I am so happy for her that she came to live with you and your family. She won the dog lottery. Now she is free of her body, and her lovely spirit lives on. I will miss seeing her in your blog. Please know that those of us who follow you, really do feel your sadness. With much love, from Coal City, IL.
Sharon said…
These pictures of Maddie are priceless! Her sweet and gentle spirit are so visible in her beautiful face. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

jaz@octoberfarm said…
oh bev....i am so sorry to hear this. the day that all of us pet owners dread. maddie was such a wonderful girl. i am sure your heart is broken. thank heavens for dr. becky! you are all in my thoughts! joyce
Candice said…
My heart goes out to you and your family, Bev. Having recently lost two of our furry family members within two months of each other I know the sorrow you feel. She gave you perfect love, but knowing how you love every soul on your farm with all your heart, she was well loved her entire life. Sadie & Hickory have welcomed her in heaven with happy, wagging tails and she is no longer in pain.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much she meant to you and how much she was loved and will be missed. Maddie was a wonderful friend to you.
Michle said…
So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace peace Maddie.
Lynne said…
Tears in my eyes and heart . . . yet you knew when it was the time, peace arrived, love remains.
Jill said…
Oh Bev. I am so sorry. It is never easy to say goodbye. We lost our sweet Princess, last year and it still hurts. Glad that her passing was peaceful.
Sandy said…
I'm so sorry to hear about Maddie. She was a beautiful dog inside and out. Every time I saw a picture of her I just wanted to hug her. Such a sweetie and I will miss seeing her beautiful soul grace the pages of your blog. I grieve with you.
Anonymous said…
My heart aches for you in your loss of such a wonderful relationship with Maddie. I have an old man adopted dog who I know will not be around that much longer, but we continue along life's path a bit longer. I must relate a strange awakening very early this morning (FL time). I came out of a deep sleep with thoughts of your dog racing thru my mind. And now I read of his last page in his book. Knowing you to be a strong and down to earth woman, I just sends hugs and healing to your soul. Suzanne
Rebekah said…
I am so sorry for your loss... May the Lord of all comfort surround you in His peace, and may sweet memories of good times with Maddie get you through the next few days.
Rebekah
Patsy from Illinois said…
Oh Bev, I am so sorry about dear sweet Maddie. I don't post comments often but needed to today. What a blessing you had in her and know that she is just a whisper away.
Rain said…
Oh Beverly ..... So very sorry for your loss........
She was such a beautiful love.....
Anke said…
Oh Bev, I am so, so very sorry for your loss. I hope all the happy memories you have of her will ease the pain of letting her go.
JudiB said…
The 3 months that I remember you were not sure you would get. For all your followers Maddie was the calm easy going sweet girl that seemed to take every thing in her own stride. So many pictures and memories! Thank you for sharing yourr wonderful girl with us. I will miss your Maddie as well.
Anonymous said…
I'm so very sorry.

Julia
Carla said…
The greatest gift for certain. One of the very hardest things we dog lovers do. I'm so sorry for the loss of such a great girl in your life. :(
This N That said…
So,so sad..I'm crying right along with you..She was a gift..
Junebug said…
As I sit here with tears rolling down my cheeks I am amazed at how a doggie I've never met has touch me through this computer screen. I'm so sorry for your loss and this time I truly wish I could reach out with that HUG!!
Oh how sad. I pass to you my deepest sympathies. What a beautiful animal she was.
colleen said…
My heart is aching for you this morning :'( I had a feeling we would be getting this message sooner that we ever wanted. She was such a sweetie. I hope you will continue to post pictures of her from time to time...just seeing them makes me smile and don't want to forget that look. RIP Maddie, and be assured we all loved you.
:-( The pain of losing them is like the wind taken out of our sails, a heart break not easily described.. but the love so worth the loss. I'm sorry to hear of her passing.. you gave her a beautiful life.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for letting your followers know. We feel your sorrow and understand completely. Our thoughts are with you.
Margy said…
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. I know the pain in your heart to well. You did the best thing for Maddie and that is all that matters. There comes a time when we can't be selfish to keep them with us just a little longer. Prayers coming your way.
Gayle from Oklahoma said…
Rest in peace sweet Maddie. She was such a sweet soul. I'm so sorry for your loss, you've suffered so many it seems over the last year. Prayers for peace for you, I know how much you'll miss her.
Anonymous said…
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Isn't it something how dogs are supposed to be 'just animals', but they actually end up reaching into the souls of our families to become another member.
Dee said…
So very sorry for the loss of Maddie - I know she was part of the family and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My condolences on your loss. It's so hard to let a friend go.
stitcher said…
How wonderful you got to experience such a loyal friend, and her loving ways. Having lost many pets in my lifetime, I feel your pain. That is the only downside of having them, but oh how they enrich our lives.
Blessings, Carol
Bless you for seeing Maddie off on her journey to heaven. She was obviously a much loved member of your family. I am so sorry.
Pat said…
My heart is so sad and I will surely miss seeing her on the blog. I know she is in a happy place free of pain and I picture her running free and seeing old friends. I loved the pics today with Ginger and Maryann...so cute. My sympathies to you and your family.
I feel for your grief--but am excited to hear that you believe that Maddie is in Heaven--few feel that way--
I do strongly believe that if an animal was truly loved here on earth that animal awaits with others we love in heaven for when we will join them to be loved by them once again!
Hugs, di and kitty-miss gracie
NanaNor's said…
Dear Beverly, It is so hard on us when one of our beloved companions crosses over. My heart hurts for you and yours, but I know that memories-in the days ahead-will bring you smiles. Maggie would tell you thanks for setting her free and that she'll be waiting for you! I left a comment on I think FB, that my daughter's Newfie mix is nearly 12 and I wonder how long she'll have him-seems like he is pretty old for this breed. May you find peace, comfort and grace as you adjust to life without your girl.
Hugs,
Noreen
jerilanders said…
I'm tearing up just reading this,.I can relate to the love of a good dog.. more a family member than anything. She was a wonderful lady. I know she is romping like a pup along with all the other good doggies in Heaven.
Kristen said…
So sorry for your loss, and know you made a tough, but compassionate decision. Never having met Maddie except via your blog, I still found myself tearing up when I read it.
Peace
Anonymous said…
I know what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It sounds like she was a beautiful, kind, loving friend that did indeed leave you with a lot of special memories.
Anonymous said…
My heart goes out to you, very sad for your loss of beautiful Maddie.
Summer F.
Thefarmerswife said…
So terribly sorry for your loss.
Country Gal said…
Oh I am soo sorry for your loss . We will all miss Maddie .
Anonymous said…
So so sorry. Everyone who reads and enjoys your blog will miss her terribly. Terri C
Marcia said…
I am so sorry. She had a wonderful life with your family.
Shelley said…
Dear Bev,
I teared up this morning at Maddie's passing but was too sad to comment. So many of us who follow you have had to say goodbye to our Dear Ones and it is never easy, even when we know we are good stewards to our animals when they aren't enjoying their lives anymore. I will miss Maddie too and I feel very sad to see her go from among your wonderful menagerie.
Anonymous said…
Usually I am just a lurker, but today I want to offer my condolences on the loss of your Maddie. The animal members of our families give so much just by being themselves.
Unknown said…
Oh my stars. Our love for our pets is unconditional and pure. Maddie was one of a kind. Know that my heart goes out to your family during this difficult time.
happyone said…
I am so sorry about Maddie. Such a sad thing but it is the kindest thing to do. Maybe she has met up with my Sammy and they are having a grand old time.
LauraBell said…
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

Author Unknown

So sorry for your loss, she was loved by many of us who only met her here.
LauraBell said…
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

Author Unknown

So sorry for your loss, she was loved by many who only met her here.
Anonymous said…
so sorry about Maddie, you gave her a wonderful life.

Annie v
She was a wonderful friend, I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Susannah said…
Bev, I am so sorry to read about Maddie. We have been through this before....it is heart wrenching. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I know you loved your wonderful dog.

Susannah
mrscravitz said…
Oh I am SO SO VERY SORRY! My heart breaks! Your Maddie dog looked so much like my Taumee dog. Today is a very sad day. Another blog I follow, also lost their beloved dog too! NOT A GOOD WEEKEND! Hugs and love sent your way! (grabbing more tissues)......So very sorry!
Suzan said…
My heart goes out to you!! I know that Maddie had a wonderful and loving life!! So much more than some humans.
I just hope that I know when it is time for our Augie!! He's now 12 and is acting like an old man.
And YES!!! All dogs DO go to heaven and they wait for us :-}}