Until We Meet Again…

Yesterday, my family and I said goodbye to a very special friend.

Maggie, our 15 year old Siberian Husky went on to the Rainbow Bridge.

I still remember when Maggie was a puppy. We wanted a dog but didn’t know what type. We already had a Cocker Spaniel at home and we wanted her to have a playmate. My dad saw an add for a a family who was selling Siberian Husky puppies, so we drove over to check them out. In the south, we didn’t even know that people raised Husky’s here because of the heat. When we arrived at the sellers home, we saw several small puppies, running and playing in the yard. They also had a plastic swimming pool to jump in and out of. The dad of the puppies was on a chain in front of the fence and we were kind of scared – husky's look very intimidating! Even though he was pulling at his chain, all he wanted to do was play! The mom of the puppies was also incredibly friendly and we were instantly drawn in. My dad’s favorite was a little gray puppy who wanted nothing to do with any of us! My brother’s favorite was a solid black puppy with a few white patches – it also wanted nothing to do with us, it wanted to play! 

When I say that we didn’t pick Maggie, she picked us – I mean it.  I was crouched on the ground, trying to get one of the gray puppies to come to me when I felt two very wet paws on my leg. An adorable black and white puppy had just jumped out of the swimming pool and wanted to say hi. It was love at first sight and with little convincing, we were all sold on her – together we decided that she was the one. I remember she slept on my lap then entire way home.

Maggie grew up in a very loving home and was sad to see her friend Lacey (and Smoocher – even though they really weren’t friends) leave this earth. She enjoyed going on walks and loved to howl whenever we would sing to her. I will never forget her soft ears or her beautiful blue eyes.

I will miss my friend. She was with us for 15 years. We got her when I was 15 years old, so she’s been around for half of my lifetime. It will be hard to go to my parents house and not see her there, but I know she is not suffering anymore and that gives me comfort.

Our attempt at a Christmas family photo – she didn’t want to cooperate! Hah!

We kept in contact with her breeders throughout the years and we were told that both of Maggie’s parents passed away before the age of 10. We were lucky to have Maggie with us for as long as we did. She was such a good dog.

Now, Maggie is running free with Lacey at the Rainbow Bridge - I can just picture the two of them, playing with that silly plastic bowling ball 'till their hearts content. No more pain, no more suffering.

Until we meet again my friend, happy trails! You will be missed.

8/26/1997-2/13/2013

Source: Google Images

"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