Maggie, my in-laws forever faithful dog, has taken her final bow.
She was 14 and just done with this world, so last weekend I took her in to the vet and said my final farewell.
We were watching her and Lexi while M&M were in Tennessee. Maggie could barely walk outside to take a leak, and even if she could get out there without being carried, she could barely squat. She wasn't eating. Or even moving other than to waddle to the water bowl.
So JB carried her out to the car in his arms one last time. A big ball of fur and bones.
"I used to carry you like this when you were a puppy," he said. And he set her gently on the front seat.
On the way to the vet I reminded Maggie what a great dog she was and what a great run she had. She was mostly deaf so I spoke loudly so that she could hear me. I commended her on her great faithfulness and obedience. And her varmint catching abilities. I told her that she would run again in heaven.
I couldn't carry on too much conversation because it wasn't safe to drive with tears flooding my eyes. It felt right to take her in; she was miserable. But it's still sad to say goodbye to an old friend.
I waited in the room at the vet's office for at least a half hour, stroking Maggie's fur and telling her how wonderful and good she was. I was able to keep it together for the whole procedure. I shed tears at the very end, but didn't sob.
And I was able to keep my sadness at bay until Friday, when I was taking Olivia to M&M's. "We're going to see Grandma Marian and Grandpa Mark," I told her.
O was silent and then said, "Maggie!!..."
"No baby, Maggie is not there anymore. She went to heaven."
"Yexi?... Maggie!! MAGGIE!!"
"Stop talking about Maggie, O," I squeaked out between my tears.
It was official. I was going to M&M's and for the first time Maggie would not be there.
Good-bye, Waggum McTaggums. You were a GREAT dog.
