Our sweet old girlie enjoyed her last treat today. Four sausages, at last count. She died like she lived – well fed and well loved.
She has gone to join all of the other beagles in heaven, where the mountains of meat loom large and the bunnies and deer are free for the chasin’.
Maxie was the best dog a family could ask for. We adopted her just over 9 years ago. The ladies who gave her to us were only fostering her and they didn’t know exactly how old she was. They said they were told she was around 6 or 7; however, they also warned us against getting ‘two dogs and a goat’, so I don’t know how much faith I put in what they had to say. 😉
Maxie gave us many, many good years and despite ailing health over the past few, she managed to secure herself a place in our hearts and minds forever.
She will be dearly missed.
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Despite rumours to the contrary, I do not have a direct line to the big guy. But, if I did, I would be placing a call today and it would go something like this.
Operator: Heaven’s Gate. How may I direct your call?
Me: Hi, may I speak to St. Francis of Assisi, please? You know, the Patron Saint of Animals guy?
Operator: Uhh…yes, I know who you mean. One moment, please. (pause) I believe he’s in the field throwing sticks, but I’ll find him for you.
(Sound of the phone being muffled: “Frank! Frank! Phone’s for you!”)
St. F: Hello? (sounding slightly out of breath)
Me: Hello, Saint, sir. Sorry to bother you. But my dog Maxie is on her way to your place and I just wanted to tell you a few things about her before she arrives.
St. F: Certainly, but…
Me: I’ve made a list of reasons why you should let her in. Can I read it to you?
St. F: Of course, but…
Me: OK. Here you go.
Top Ten Reasons Why Maxie Should be Admitted to the Land of Bacon and Free Range Bunnies
- Seriously…look at that face. Have you ever seen a cuter face in your whole life?
- Maxie could put a smile on our faces when nothing else could. My kids have come home from school angry, frustrated and in tears and immediately gone to the dog for a hug. She always responded by licking away their tears and reminding them that there was something else they could be doing, ie. getting her a treat.
- Maxie smelled like an angel…of course, that was only just after a bath. But even her stinkiness was part of her charm.
- She was the least fussy eater I have ever known. She ate everything from fresh baked donuts to dirty old lobster shells. Eating was both her job and her hobby.
- Maxie was also the most gentle dog…unless you were trying to take her food away. Rocky, the beagle up the street, learned that the hard way. (I know it was your food dish, Rocky, but you should have known better.)
- She taught my children how to love unconditionally. Even when she peed on their beds, ripped open their garbage, and ate their birthday cakes, they always forgave her.
- She taught us that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and colours…and species…and breeds.
- Maxie helped the local wildlife stay fit and healthy. The deer and the rabbits in the woods around our house got a regular workout when she was still able to run. One sniff and the howling would begin. If we opened the door (or she managed to push it open by throwing her substantial girth into it) she’d be off like a shot.
- In the end, she taught us, To everything there is a season. Translation? Eventually, we all have to say goodbye.
- Finally, not to appear biased or anything, but I’m pretty sure she was the best dog in the whole wide world.
(pause)
Me: So, what do you think St. Francis? Is that enough? Can you open the pearly gates and let my sweet girl into the land of unlimited bacon?
St. F: (chuckling) I’ve been trying to tell you that she’s already here. Who do you think I was throwing sticks for? Seriously…was there ever any doubt?
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“Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission — to be of service to them wherever they require it.” St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals
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