In December of 2001 I went with my Mom and Guy to pick out our new puppy. Mom didn't like the puppy I picked out because she was "a whiner" but I got my way and Ms. Madison was soon ours. She was the cutest little thing I'd ever seen and she was instantly the star of the show.
Going to her new home!
Dexter didn't seem to mind having a tiny shadow and they became fast friends. Little did he know that she would be running things soon enough. She was small, but mighty!
Meeting her new friend, Dexter
Snug in her bed
High school graduation
If there was an important event going on, Madison was there. She not only woke me up for school each morning, but she kept me company before I went off to graduate from Eastbrook High. She greeted all of the guests at my open house, too. She was a busy girl.
High school graduation open house
Madison was the reason that I could not stay away from home in college. I missed her so much when I was in Florida that I transferred schools. (True story.) Madison was the symbol of home to me. She loved you no matter what was going on and was always so happy to see you.She was there when I got my dream car and took it for a spin to make sure it was a good fit before presenting it to me.
Madison even got me a car!
She made sure that Jackson was a dog person before giving her seal of approval on him joining my life.
Vetting Jackson- he passed
Madison was even kind enough to welcome Macy to the family even though this meant a lot of extra work for her, Macy needed a ton of guidance and was always stealing the ball from her in the middle of a ball game. Madison rarely complained because she was a saintly pooch. We called her the sherrif because she always kept every other dog in check.
Welcoming wedding guests
Always in charge...
Madison even dressed as a bride and came to our wedding reception (photos missing). She was not super pleased about the outfit, but she was happy to be there for another big day for me.
Enjoying life's little treasures: like an open window!
Madison, baby MacKenzie, Macy
Madison helped Mom and Guy with MacKenzie for a few days before she was gifted to us. I like to think that Madison told MacKenzie how important her job was going to be because she'd be filling in for Madison as I was all grownup now. Madison always made sure that we all knew, though, that she was my #1 pup. Whenever I visited she would just scream and bark and be ready for massive amounts of pets. She was the best.
When I got the call last weekend that it was time to say my goodbyes I cried. A lot. Then, Monday morning, I took the morning off of work and made the trip to Upland to do what I never wanted to do: say goodbye to my best friend.
I wrote the following tribute to her on Facebook:
This morning I'll say my final goodbye to pup who has been my best furry friend since high school. Madison was there through it all for 14 wonderful years. She was there for celebrations, important introductions (she took to Jackson right away which was a very important seal of approval!), and was my symbol of "home" no matter where I was. She loved me with the kind of devotion only a dog knows and I loved her, too. I will certainly miss hearing her bark at me in greeting whenever I stop at my parent's house. Madison taught MacKenzie all that she knows about being a great best friend so I'll take some comfort there, but I'll always miss my original furry best friend. Puppy prayers welcomed as Madison will soon begin her journey across the rainbow bridge.
Best friends.
I tried to focus on all of the good times we'd had together, but I just could not take it and cried nearly the entire time I visited. I love the face she's making when I'm petting her because Mom took the photo. Madison and Mom had an interesting relationship in that Mom took care of everything for her but was always #3 on her list behind Guy and me. I feel like in this photo she's giving the " do not bother me, I'm talking to Jenna" face to Mom. It makes me laugh because it is just so her. I guess she never forgot that Mom called her a whiner as a puppy and tried to take one of her siblings home!
A very sad goodbye
This is the last photo that I will ever take of Madison. I think you can see that her face is just the sweetest ever. I will miss that sweet pup so much.
Rest in peace, Ms. Madison.
I look forward to throwing the ball to you again one day.
I am sure she found Dexter as soon as she got to Heaven and started showing him how things should be done. She was, after all, the sheriff!
This makes me so sad. I'm so sorry; know you are in pain but she is running free of it! Definitely thinking of you, especially in the coming days of being with family but her missing from the action.
1 comment:
This makes me so sad. I'm so sorry; know you are in pain but she is running free of it! Definitely thinking of you, especially in the coming days of being with family but her missing from the action.
Post a Comment