Goodbye Sweet Maggie Bear

[Aggie_Ama]

Last night we took Maggie to the rainbow bridge. It was terrible but her time. I thought with the kidney failure and this weekend neurological problems the vet thought might be a brain tumor it would be easier but we bawled like babies. A couple of the techs that were real attached to her came by to say goodbye and were so teary. I hate hugging but I welcomed our vet's hug after he had said she was gone. He told us we fought longer than most people and bought 4 great months by being willing to do the Subcu so long. He said without the care we were willing to do she wouldn't have fought so hard for us. It doesn't help to blame the overbreeding she was subjected to but I was so sad because she deserved more than 9 years.

I thanked DH for letting me bring a 4 year old dog into our lives. He thanked me for finding her. She was such a sweet soul, this is going to hurt awhile.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/AggieAma/MaggersBluebonnets.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/AggieAma/thegirls.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/AggieAma/Maggie-1.jpg

First day she arrived:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/AggieAma/HeidiMaggie014.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/AggieAma/maggiechristmas.jpg

[mayanorange]

So sorry to hear about your loss. She had a great life with you! Thank you for taking on an older adoption.

[7rider]

Oh, Amanda. I'm so sad to hear about Maggie. What a sweet face. Having just lost my Tasha, I know what you'r going through. {{{{hugs}}}}

[Becky]

*hugs* I'm sorry :(

[papaver]

I really feel for your loss. I'm sure she will be your gardian angel as from now.

[ASammy1]

I'm so sorry, but I'm sure you did what was best for her.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Ama))))))) I'm so sorry.

[skinimini]

I am so sorry for your loss. She was so beautiful and what a loving soul you were to adopt her. Having been in the same place, I can totally empathize. I'm sending hugs and heart-mending healing vibes your way.

[Blueberry]

Oh Amanda - I'm so very sorry. I think all of us who have followed you in this journey were dreading the day we would see this post. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

It will hurt - for a long time. Don't be hard on yourself right now - you will cry - sometimes when you least expect it. You will never forget, and it won't stop hurting, but gradually the happy memories will overtake the pain of losing her. You truly did everything you could have - including letting her go when it was her time.

Hugs to you both.

CA

[bouncybouncy]

My heart sank when I saw the thread title! But those pictures you took the time to take this last weekend are priceless!!! (***back them up if they are digital!!!)

Just another example of slow down and enjoy the time you have with your loved ones!!!

you like virtual hugs right? {{{hug}}}

[divingbiker]

You gave her a great life, and she was as lucky to have found you as you were to have found her. My sympathies.

[arielmoon]

((((HUGS)))) so sorry for your loss. They add so much love into our lives it is hard to let them go. How wonderful though, that she had a great life with you and that you were able to keep her from suffering.

[Tri Girl]

Amanda, I'm so sorry that Maggie Bear is gone. I am tearing up myself, and I didn't even know her sweet soul. Thinking of you and DH and Heidi, too. :(

[katluvr]

There are no words I can say...or anything that has not been said...to lessen your grief.
My heart, too, "sank" when I saw the thread title! I just looked at the pictures you posted yesterday!
I hope you know and feel you did everything you could and she felt very loved and fortunte to have "parents" like you!
My greatest sympathies.

[sundial]

Oh honey, I'm so sorry. (((((((Amanda and hubby)))))) It's so hard to let them go. :( :( :( Your tribute to her is beautiful and she will never be far from you. She may have taken a piece of your heart but she gave you wonderful memories in return.

[Pedal Wench]

So sorry - it never gets easy, but enjoy the memories of better times.

[maillotpois]

I'm so sorry. That is such a hard decision to make. Big hug to you both.

[salsabike]

Amanda, I'm sorry. We cried too, loud and hard, when we lost the Beeper. I'm glad you two had the chance to love Maggie the way you did. It's good stuff, but it's so hard at the same time.

[indigoiis]

I'm sorry for your loss... it sucks that our pets' lives are so comparatively short.

[ccnyc]

I'm so sorry about your beautiful Maggie Bear. You gave her a great life!

Carol

[aka_kim]

I'm so sorry. I was just enjoying those pictures of her among the bluebonnets last week. It's so great that you and DH gave her such a wonderful life. She knew she was loved.

[txred9876]

I didn't follow your other threads but when I saw the title I clicked on it and as I read I also teared up.

I have rescued many animals and I really had to think of my last one taking in a 4 year old st. bernard. I thought if we have him 5 years that will be a long time for him.

All Gods creatures are beautiful! Sorry to hear of your loss.

Tina

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You did a wonderful job.
It's terribly hard, but feel happy about how you showered her life with love and care. She was indeed a lucky doggie!

[mtbdarby]

Amanda and Hubby - so sorry to hear of Maggie Bears passing. My heart goes out to you in your time of grief. They truely do capture our hearts and fill our lives with love. Thank you for making her part of your family. Cherish the memories and all the adorable pictures. ((hugs))

[andtckrtoo]

I am so sorry for your loss! {{{{HUGS}}}}

[Jones]

I'm so sorry. I really enjoyed the pictures of her sweet little face.

[RoadRaven]

Do you know the song, Gulf Coast Highway? This song is one of my favourite love songs, though very sad in some ways. Whenever I put it on the stereo I want to cry, because it speaks of a huge huge love... and so simply and honestly.

In a round-about way, it makes me think of you and Maggie-Bear too... Here's some excerpts from the song/lyrics

Hugs for you at this sad, sad, time, but also happy Maggie and Heidi had such a stunning bluebonnet weekend which enabled these lovely pix, and you can remember her as happy. Hugs for Heidi too



She walked through springtime when I was home
The days were sweet, our nights were warm
---
And when she dies she says she'll catch some blackbird's wing
And she will fly away to heaven
Come some sweet blue bonnet spring
---
We kept our garden, we set the sun
This is the only place on Earth blue bonnets grow
And once a year they come and go
At this old house here by the road

[Karma007]

She is so precious!

[PamNY]

I'm so sorry. She had a wonderful life, and your dedicated love and care gave her a little extra. Thanks for sharing her story and her pictures with us. I hope happy memories ease some of the pain for you.

Pam

[ClockworkOrange]

Oh my goodness, I casually came on the site and when I saw the Thread, I have cried so many tears for you and your family.

I felt like I almost knew little Maggie Bear, I remember when you first told us about her illness.

You have super memories plus she is one little dog that will never be forgotten, I mean, how many dogs can claim international fame, that's more than most humans get.

I am so sorry.

Hugs

Sally

[Selkie]

Maggie fell through your heart, right into heaven.

Beloved golden retriever, Agnes & Maud, will show Maggie all the best places to play in heaven. Every once in awhile, Maggie's angel will bring her down to visit you.

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Fiona and Maeve send you fluffy hugs.

[smilingcat]

Hi Amanda,

You gave her a wonderful life. The pictures you posted of Maggie bear says it all. She had a happy wonderful home with you and your family. And oh how anyone can resist her beautiful smiles? She was all smiles. She is an angel.

I am sorry that she had to leave you so soon. I wish you well.

Take care

[badger]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure words can't describe the sorrow you feel. Take care.

[redrhodie]

I'm so sorry! I feel like I lost a friend. So many of us knew her through your sweet and sometimes sad posts. I'm glad she's out of pain.

I hope time passes quickly. Time is the only thing that makes it better.

[msincredible]

So sorry :( ((hugs))

[sbctwin]

Maggie Bear had wonderful human guardians in you and your husband. Your love for Maggie was evident in all the time you took to care for her. Those last pics you took will be cherished by you forever. I am sorry for your loss...

[lunacycles]

She was clearly beloved. She was very cute!!

So sorry for your loss.

[jesvetmed]

Amanda: We all felt like we knew Maggie. I'm so sorry that you have lost her. You did so much for her -- obviously she was loved much during her shortened time with you.

[malkin]

Awww. So sorry.

[GLC1968]

Amanda - I'm so sorry for your loss. You provided such dedicated care and love to Maggie Bear that there is no doubt she knew how much she meant to you guys. She will always be with you.

[Tuckervill]

I'm sharing your tears, Ama. She was a most excellent dog.

Karen

[crazycanuck]

Amanda, i'm sorry you had to say goodbye to your lovely Maggie Bear. I know you & your hubby worked hard for her.

Please remember, you're a good human :)

[melissam]

Aggie Ama, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure that many TE fur-babies have welcomed Maggie Bear over to the other side of the Rainbow Bridge and that they're having a huge party right now.

[emily_in_nc]

Amanda, I am so very sorry to hear this news. I know you are grateful for the extra weeks you had with Maggie Bear since she became so ill. This is one of the most difficult things we as humans have to face, losing our beloved pets. Nearly everyone here has been there with you, so we understand completely.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Amanda }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} :(

[solobiker]

I am so sorry for your loss. Maggie Bear had a wonderful life with you and your DH. My thoughts are with you. Thanks for sharing the pics.

[ilima]

I am very sorry for your loss. Those four-legged furry creatures really are members of the family.

She might not have had a very long time with you, but the time she did have was extraordinary.

[spindizzy]

They touch our hearts and we are never the same. (((((((Amanda)))))))

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks everyone, I have never had pets of my own until Heidi and then Maggie was brought to keep her company. We had pets growing up but these schnauzers are our kids. Most of my friends are petless so the support of the TE friends made me feel like it was okay to be so torn up.

My parents thought we were insane for the amount we spent hospitalizing her. My dad couldn't get why we didn't put her to sleep in December when she was blind, the Subcu was tiring for all of us and she had lost 7 lbs. But we got it and until Saturday she wagged her tail, put her paws up on your leg and told us she got it. Before she found us no one had done right by Maggie and she deserved it.

The vet even told us "She is starting to get the point where you have done everything you can and you could keep her going for a few more days with a lot of fluid but if she were mine I would try to let go." He told us multiple times how he didn't think she would get to April and she shocked him everytime we came back by. No regrets, only lots of love.

We kept her spiked collar, A&M sweater and will get her ashes back. Once her mountain laurel is planted we will bury them all by her tree. A beautiful tree that is so delicate yet strong enough to thrive in the heat of Texas. That is how I want to think of our little bear.

Thanks for letting me blab, I needed to put my thoughts somewhere.

[jobob]

You done good, kid. :cool:

[snapdragen]

Maggie was a lucky girl to have found you, and you were lucky to have found Maggie.

[Tokie]

Amanda - I've followed this all along, remembering all my the dog children I have had to let go. It shows the greatest love and humanity to give such special care to an ailing pet, and being able to let them go when it is time. She was blessed to be loved by you. Sending you hugs. tokie

[cosc]

Thanks for all your care you shown Maggie Bear and sharing her with TE.
I hope soon you will only remember the treasures that she left with you.

[tulip]

((((Amanda, DH, Heidi))))

[bmccasland]

Aw man. (((((Ama)))))) I'm sorry to hear the news, but you did your best for Maggie. Really you did. All the TE fur kids will be there at the Rainbow Bridge to greet her, it is an assorted lot so she'll have friends.

It's never easy, especially when you try so hard to get an animal well.

I've been there myself, and I really don't know what to say. I feel for you. sigh.

[sundial]

Once her mountain laurel is planted we will bury them all by her tree. A beautiful tree that is so delicate yet strong enough to thrive in the heat of Texas. That is how I want to think of our little bear.


What a beautiful, living tribute to your Maggie Bear.

[wackyjacky1]

Oh, Amanda, I'm so sorry! :( Try to take comfort in knowing that you gave her five happy, loving years that she wouldn't have otherwise had.

Sending you healing vibes from S.A.

[Aggie_Ama]

I went and got Maggie's ashes from the vet yesterday and had the most wonderful surprise. Before her cremation they took a cast of her paw and painted it. Unfortunately, they painted the background pink and Maggie just wasn't a pink girl but it is a priceless.

They also took her food and donated to the animal rescue for me, so Maggie can keep giving love just a bit longer. There was one final irony for us. We put Maggie to sleep on Aggie Muster. An annual celebration every April 21 to honor those who have left. We "softly call the muster and let the comrade answer here". It one of our most honored traditions.

We are planting her mountain laurel hopefully next weekend and in the fall I will plant some bluebonnets near it. But DH decided to keep the ashes in an urn so it will just be her tree and with any luck her patch of flowers will bloom next spring.

Raven- That song was priceless because Maggie loved the spring warmth. Even after she went blind she would plod around the backyard until you called her in or collected her to come in. It really sounds like our little bear. :)

Thanks everyone for the hugs and warm thoughts, it wasn't easy but we know it was right.

[nancielle]

I haven't been on-line for a while and was very saddened to see this post this morning. So sorry to learn of the loss of Maggie Bear. Your dedication to her was tremendous and as everyone else has mentioned, you and your husband let her know she was truly loved.

A colleague had to make the same sad decision a week before you did regarding her much beloved Malamute. JD, a very gentle soul, will be with Maggie and all of the other furbabies that TE has had to say goodbye to.

Much love and healing to you and your husband.

[Biker Jo]

I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs for you and your husband.