Sunday, May 16, 2010

Feel Good Moments from Saturday

More than anything, I wish the news for Maguire was better. There's not been any improvement. I think we've even lost a little bit of ground. I can tell that the dogs are also feeling our stress too. Yesterday there was an unusual fight between CarrieAnne and Sheba over who knows what. We never have dog-fights; the two of them are pals and have great fun and adventures together. They are also the most "high spirited and high strung" in the group, next to Charlie of course. I just think they were feeling the tension.

On Saturday I tried to look for and found some "feel good moments for the day." I did find some, and here are a few of them...

To start, I went to a shop and found this little character for my garden. Something about him appealed to me. I think because it made me think of a saying that I love, "It is said it will happen when pigs fly."

I drove past our old house and took this picture. Ours was the one on the end. It made me feel good that we're no longer living here with all the dogs in a townhouse that we had out grown.

I then drove up the street to what we used to call "the forbidden field" because of the sign on the gate. It's a fenced in ball field where we used to love to bring the dogs because they could safely run off lead. We had ten years of fun and good times there!
When I got home we found this little fellow in the yard.
Later we found this little tike literally on our door. I had to grin because it had dog-hair stuck to it. But then everything around here has dog hair on it.
He wasn't really that big...
Of course my best "feel good moment" is being able to have Maguire with us. Yesterday I used my last bit of hope and we decided to tackle putting him in the wheelchair again. It didn't work. For some reason, he just doesn't want to stand up in it, or hardly at all for that matter. When we were taking him out of it, I noticed that one of his back legs is swollen. I've no idea what that means, but I think it's another indication that he's not going recover. Someone commented and my vet as well "mentioned quality of life." Maguire is a dog that always loves to go for walks and roll in the grass. He's a dog that doesn't give up new stuffed toys to any of the other dogs. He's a dog that at mealtime gets his most excited. He's no longer doing any of that or enjoying any of those simple things. We know the time is very close to let him go to a place where he can enjoy those things again and wait for us. These decisions as you all well know, do not come quickly and are not made easily. But there seems to be a new found peace and calm around us and in my heart. I think it's what I've been looking and waiting for.

If you have a moment, and would like to read
Maguire's story of rescue, here is the link:

40 comments:

  1. i'm so sorry to hear about Maguire....i know these decisions don't come easily and i too was hopeful that Maguire was having a temporary situation...have strength and peace knowing that you have done the best for this handsome guy and will continue to do so...
    love the hair on the little frog....
    xoxo
    you have opened your home and heart to these wonderful, beautiful animals...who give us so much joy! when these times come, the grief is so profound....the anticipation can be excruciating, followed by peace knowing we have done the very best for our beloved friends...give Maguire a kiss from his wisconsin fans....we will meet one day, and all be reunited....

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  2. Kim, That peace comes from knowing that you have done all you can for Maguire - and his sweet demeanor is proof of that.

    Now comes the hard part - truly letting go for the final time, but I can say that is almost a blessing - when you know your wonderful companion is no longer in pain. As you know this your heart is aching so bad you think it will burst, but it doesn't. The strange thing about grief is that it gives us the strength to do what must be done.

    I continue to surround you and your pack with my prayers.

    Lynn

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  3. I guess Maguire is slowly letting go. I don't know how old he is, but life has a beginning and an end. God knows the time and the reason, he'll provide the comfort. I'm so sorry. May He bless you in the next few days....

    Liz

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  4. So sorry the wheel chair isn't going to work. I know the beautiful Maguire is in pain. I'm not real good at this, but quality IS better than quantity and it does seem to be time to give him peace. I wish he would rally round, for his sake as well as yours. I know you don't want to see him suffer. You have such a big heart, tuck him in a safe place there and you will have him with you always.

    Tearfully Yours.....

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  5. My heart is breaking for you. We will keep you and Maguire in our prayers and heart.

    Sam

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  6. Giving our animals the gift of passing when it is clearly time is one of the greatest thing we can do for them. It is also one of the hardest. My heart goes out to you, Kim, in this difficult time. In time, you will find peace in knowing that you did the right thing.

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  7. What hard times these are for you, Kim. I hope another "feel good moment" can come from knowing you have done your absolute best for Maguire, and that your love and care for him have made his life since he joined your family so much better. I'll be thinking of you both.

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  8. Kim,
    My heart aches for you as you go through this difficult time (again)...You are a wonderful "dog mom" and have given so much to so many pups.
    Please know that I am sending comforting thoughts to you and Maguire.
    Hugs to you,
    Kit

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  9. I'm so sad to read about Maguire. I'm sending you lots of hugs and blessings.

    Shirl x

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  10. We'd hoped for better news. He has a wonderful characterful face that reflects the happiness of his second life with you. Strength and tenderness come together at this stage which helps when making that most difficult decision .

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  11. We are so sorry that Maguire is not showing improvement.
    We do know how tough the decisions that you need to make are.
    In reading the post on how Maguire came into your life it sounds as though he need he was where he wanted to be and you knew that also.
    We feel Maguire will make it be know when he is ready for his journey to the Bridge.
    Their are no wrong or right decisions, the decisions must be in your heart.
    We send you love, comfort & peace.


    Hamish & Sophie's
    Mom & Dad
    Sheila & Bob

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  12. I ache for you with such a difficult decision to consider. I read your post from January - I didn't know he had gone through surgery for such an awful cyst in his neck. You've bent over backwards for dear Maguire - we love him to pieces through your blog and wish he could feel our cyber pats and kisses through the screen. No matter what or when you make a decision, we are with you, sending our loving thoughts and Sam her golden vibes. So sorry that Carrie anne and Sheba had a fight - hope their animosity cools down. Your pig is wonderful and the frog is amazing. Yes... so familiar with dog hair on everything. We will stay tuned, thinking of you so much.
    Big Hugs and love from us here,
    xoxoxo
    Sammie, Miche and Bill

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  13. I read your Maguire post again from Jan. He is so lucky to have been part of your pack. He has told you many times how happy is is to be there. Now its time to look for another sign from your boy. Be strong.

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  14. I'm so happy I saw you followed my blog this morning so I could meet you.

    You have my heart for dogs! Bless you for doing all you can to give this angel a good life. I know your decisions are hard ones.

    Less than 3 weeks ago we had to make a decision to put our Henry-boy down. It about ripped our hearts out. Then we had to fight like mad to make sure our golden didn't die from diabetes.

    Tough decisions. Every day is a struggle for us. Like you, we want to try all we can for our golden. They are worth the time and effort.

    Thank you for making a difference in a fur-baby's life.

    I now follow and look forward to more posts.

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  15. Kim, it is very apparent that you love Maguire very much, and he adores you. Your relationship together is unstoppable, and it is something all dog owners should strive for. I have no doubt in my mind that you will make the right decision at the right time.

    As Dr. Suess said, "Don't cry because its over, Smile because it happened."

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  16. Had a little chuckle at the frog/dog hair thing.So familiar! Those pesky little hairs get into everything...which reminds me I must give Bella a good brush tonight! As for Maguire..I know with Bonny(our first golden),I only had to look in her eyes,and they were telling me she had had enough and it was time to let her go.

    Bellaboo x

    Bellaboo :0)

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  17. your life is a rollercoaster sometimes with these older dogs!

    hugs
    x

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  18. Kim,
    It must be so hard on you and Carl because you rescue these beautiful dogs when they are actually getting old.
    You are left giving them the love they should have had all along and also the upkeep as they age.
    It breaks my heart that you have to go through the loss so much, but hopefully you can find comfort in knowing that all your blogger friends admire all that you do.
    Sending HUGS your way.

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  19. Such a tough mental place. My golden, Sophie is 14. There have been four times in the past couple of years that I had made my peace with her leaving. But, each time, after her being despondent and sick, she somehow rallied. I am so grateful. Give maquire a little while longer. If he doesn't get better, and as you know, he will look at you and you will know. I know you have seen many miracles with your babies. Maybe, another one?
    Hugs and kisses to all,
    Sophie's Mom

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  20. So sorry to read about your heart aches!! I hope you are able to find more great moments minus the stress!

    Elizabeth & Luna

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  21. Oh Kim, I am so sorry that this decision is facing you. It is such a hard and courageous decision to make. Our fingers and paws are crossed for all of you.

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  22. Thanks for sharing your feel good moments!

    I love the garden statue -

    As for Maguire, we are sorry to read of his condition - I think you have your answer -

    We'll be thinking of all of you -

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra & Phyll

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  23. Kim, I am so sorry you are facing such a tough decision. My heart and prayers are with you! xx

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  24. I saw a cute flying pig in a charity shop - I think I'll pop back & get it as yours made me smile.
    Poor Maguire - Bless him. I've made the final Vet's apointment for Sam on Tuesday afternoon.

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  25. oh dear I do not envy your decision, but at the end of the day, it's what's best for Maguire. I said a prayer from him yesterday at church and will say one for him now.

    Gill in Canada

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  26. Kim, my thoughts are with you and all of your clan there.

    Old dogs tear at the heart strings in more ways than one. They are some of the best great moments ever...

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  27. Hi Kim
    I'm so sorry that this decision is awaiting you. Sending Maguire good thoughts and best wishes.

    You'll know when the time is right - perhaps now is not the time to let him go.

    Hugs & licks
    Nadine, Apples & Neeli

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  28. These kind of decisions are NEVER easy...everyone who owns a doggie has to go thru it. I(Sophie) came into my daddy's lives after 4 dogless years and I know they are beyond themselves, so I will love them and make the best of it.

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  29. Sending warm thoughts,
    xo Catherine

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  30. thanks for the info on my tooth, I pray and hope that's all that is wrong with it. It's still pretty sensitive though, so fingers crossed it gets better.

    Gill in Canada

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  31. Thank you Kim. I'm more upset than I thought I'd be as I was being calm & practical about it. But I'm sad today

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  32. Sam's asleep now Kim - he looked so peaceful. The Vet was very gentle.

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  33. We love him and we've never met him, so can only imagine how heart breaking it is :( We send you lots of love and hugs, and a smooch on Maguire's nose.

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  34. Hello Kim
    Just popped in to see how Maguire is - but no news from you on that score. Do hope all is well and that nothing has grieved you over the past few days.
    I'm slowly returning to life - will miss Leroy for a long time, Kiera has become very clingy and I can't move without her being there by my side
    Take care
    Cathy

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  35. Ohhhhh, that PIG! Lol! Awesome! I'll have to look for something like that!

    Your dogs look lovely. And I hope things are okay in your neck of the woods.

    It's hard, having old dogs. I used to think I could be like you (before I "met" you), but after putting two dogs down in one year I changed my mind.

    Gwen is constantly rolling her back feet. I don't know how much you've read back on my blog, but it seems to be a "race" between her hips, enlarged heart, and cushings. I suspect her hips will poop out before anything else does.

    So, I guess I'm saying I can relate. And, I want to say you are doing wonderful things for these dogs. Hang in there. I know it's tough.

    Best,

    -C

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  36. Hello Kim...I've always been the one who refuses to accept the worse case scenerio and always expecting a miracle to take place but it seems you know Maquire better than your faithful readers do and you know what is best for him. He seems to be sending you a message and you are listening which is the hardest thing for pet owners to realize. In my line of work, I see plenty of owners who just cannot let go of their pets even though it is obvious the pet wants to leave this life but the owners can't find the strength to face the truth. Thankfully you have concluded the best thing for Maquire and are willing to let go. You are in my thoughts as always.

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  37. Hi Kim...I have an award for you xxx

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  38. You have had a really tough time with the dogs recently, so we will be thinking of you. By the way, obviously it wasn't perfect for all your Goldens, but I think your old house looks very cute! :-)

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  39. Will you let me come in for just a moment? As I walked up to your house the wind was quiet. Not even a breeze. I peeked inside and saw you thinking. I thought I saw a candle flickering.
    I kinda know what your heart is telling you.
    Can I just come in for a minute to give you a hug? Sorry I could not come around for a few days.
    I know your heart is heavy
    love
    tweedles

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  40. We haven't heard from you in a few days. Don't know it that's good or bad. I was gonna offer you an award, but it seems Amy has beat me to it. Hope Maguire is resting well either way.
    ~Randy

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!