Monday, September 28, 2009

MOMMY'S MONDAY

MAX- JUNE 2003 - SEPTEMBER 2009

I am a walking country song right now. I lost my job, then I lost my dog. Thank goodness my husbands faithfulness is only 2nd to my Lord's. Warning... get the tissues out before reading any further.

Friday I was laid off from my job. However, most of you can understand, it was NOTHING compared to the breaking of my heart knowing Max's time was coming soon. So I know it was a blessing from God to allow me time to mourn my sweet baby, where work would not have allowed such a thing (not paid, at least). So Saturday the whole pack went for a short walk together. Then Sunday morning, out of routine, I decided to do a short sniff just in the front yards of neighbors. Max's back legs seemed to be weaker and he almost fell when stepping down 2 porch steps. And they shook the whole time we were out. Of course that dang tail never stopped wagging. As I watched him the rest of the day he kept panting, which the internet says can be sign of pain. Then he has been going off to his safe place to sleep by himself, even during the day when we are all around. Doing the best to understand, I have to take that as his way of telling me, it is time.

This morning I took him for our regular sniffies. A little slower. Then I allowed him to cross the bridge with me again. Of course that brought plenty of tears, which Max didnt understand. We got a chance to lay down together and I loved him as if there were no tomorrow-- knowing there was NO tomorrow!

Later today we took him together to cross Rainbow Bridge. We were able to lay down with him and pet and hold him the whole time and tell him to watch for us to come join him someday. So it is with a broken heart that I will now say... Good bye Max. I love and miss you so much!

Love Mama!!!

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...

41 comments:

MainecoonMa said...

Mindy I am sooooo sorry & my heart aches for you! I will go home tonite & give my kittys extra hugs and tell them all about their cousin Max, who is now w/THEIR big brother Max. You were the BEST mom for him and he was sooooo lucky to have you! I know how hard this was for you and we can only hang on to their GREAT memories and know we will see them ALL again just over the rainbow :)
Hang in there,
sister Shelly, nephew Murfee and neice Maizee

Anonymous said...

OH we are sooo sad to hear this news. We are only recent followers of Max's story but we have come to love him just the same. We know your hearts are broken and we want you to know we are praying for Max and his safe journey over the Rainbow Bridge and we pray for you to have a healing of your hearts over your great loss. Please when you have a moment visit the TRIBUTE tab on my bloggie- you will see that we too have been in your footsteps and do know the pain and sorrow. Please let us know if we can do anything...
Licks,
Kylie and Mommy Ali
(Isn't the worst when they just keep wagging??)

Unknown said...

Oh, we knew this post was coming but it still breaks out hearts. We have been following all your posts recently and we think that you are right - Max was telling you that he was ready to cross the Bridge. What a brave boy he was - and you too. We know that nothing we say can heal your hurt but just wanted to let you know that we're thinking of you.

Hsin-Yi & Honey the Great Dane

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Kylie sent me...

I'm sorry fur your loss...it has been a tough week fur our furiends and their furamilies...

Woo did show him the greatest proof of your love fur him by letting him go...

Tank woo fur sharing these last days...

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Her Mom

addie said...

...tears...

Our hearts are breaking for you and your family.

Our friend Kylie sent us over. We are sorry that we didn't get to know your beautiful boy very well. It is clear that he was well loved and lived a wonderful life.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie, Lucie, Hailey and Staci

Raising Addie said...

That post above is from us. Sorry, I was logged under our other account.

Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie, Lucie, Hailey and Staci

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We didn't know Max but he was very loved. We are so sorry for your loss. We lost one of our pack this summer and we know how hard it can be. But Max is in a better place now and loves you for setting him free of pain.

Hugs, the OP Pack

BRUTUS said...

Max's Mama-

So sad to read this post so soon. We never knew your blog before Max was sick, it seems like things happened so fast. We just lost one of our own pack recently, and so understand what you must be going through.

It sounds like you came to Max's aide when he needed you most. So lovely that you were able to say goodbye... My heart still aches for my Duncan, and now all over again for you. Thanks for sharing the rainbow bridge story - I knew what it was, but never read the story before. What a beautiful image.

Godspeed, Max.

Love & Frenchie Kisses-
Michelle & Brutus

Puggle Preston said...

Hi My name is Preston. My friend Miss Kylie sent us here. Mommy and I are so sorry for your loss. Your story made mommy cry like a baby. She hugged me so tightly. We didn't get the chance to know Max earlier but we know he had a wonderful life and was very well-loved. I want to send my kisses to Max's family and let you know that you are in our thoughts.

Hugs and kisses,
Preston
www.prestonthepuggle.com

Moose said...

Oh Mindy and pack, I am so sorry and heartbroken for you! I knew his time was short but it seems too short still. I admire your strength that allowed you to help him through this so gracefully. I hope that when I have to go through this I can be so strong and brave.
Hugs and kisses to you all
Dana
p.s. I am sorry to hear about your job. I imagine you could use some time at home to get through this but wish you luck when you are ready to work again. Hang in there.

Scout and Freyja said...

Words cannot express the deep sorrow I feel for Max's family as I read of his passing. It seems that I am destined to cry for days right now having lost a good dog friend, Domi, on Saturday. Evidently Saturday must have been the day that the special dogs chose to leave us and go to the Bridge.

Your heart must be in immense pain and I am so very sorry. Please know that I know your pain first-hand and know that I will go through it again and again because I cannot and will not live my life without animals in my home.

Dexter said...

Goodbye Max. We are so sad and our thoughts are with your family now.

Mango Momma

Maxmom said...

We are sorry that we didn't know you before this happened. We have arrived from Mango's blog. We send our warmest healing and comforting wishes to you on your loss.
Licks
MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA

Randi said...

Oh the tears they flow & the heart it aches...we are so sorry to hear about Max's crossing to Rainbow Bridge...its 4:17am here in San Diego & the tears are flowing...We are comforted knowing that Max was loved & that you found strength in all the love he gave to you...We will look to the skies today & know that Max is looking down on all of us...reminding us to aways keep our tails wagging no matter what..

You are in our hearts & prayers during this difficult time...

Much love & licks,
Randi the Lab/Newf & her mom

Martha said...

We were sorry to hear about Max over at Mango's blog.
We know all too well how awful it is to lose a much loved family member.
Max looks like the most gentle of dogs - we are glad he lived and died so loved.
love
Martha & Bailey xxx

Woodrow, Luna, MJ Campanella said...

We are so sorry to hear about Max's crossing - but thank you for helping him during this hard time - it is the hardest but most noble thing to do for our kids.

We have lit a candle for his safe passage - and send our love to your family

Woodrow - Sweetie - MJ

Amber and Nala said...

Mindy,

I am so sorry...I can barely see to type through the tears but I can't even imagine what you must be feeling. We loved getting to know Max here on the blog, and he was such a sweet boy! I know he is running and having fun again with no aches and pains. We are thinking of you and hoping your hearts feel better soon. Give sasha a kiss from us.

Love,
Nala & Amber

The Oceanside Animals said...

Sorry to hear about your job, and most especially sorry to hear about Max.

Astrid Keel said...

Mango sent us...

we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Max was beautiful. May he run free of pain with his friends on Rainbow Bridge.

Anonymous said...

Mango let me know about Max.

Im soooo sorry to hear this. Candle lit and prayers on the way!

Marjie said...

We have loved and lost 2 mastiffs, and our third grows older. I am so sorry for your lost.

The WriggleButts said...

We're so sorry for your loss. :( Run free sweet Max.

Ane, Bajas & Virus

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

What a lovely tribute to what I am sure was a lovely animal. I am so glad that Mango sent us over.

Our prayers of healing are with you

Beth, Dory and Bilbo

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Mango sent us over. We just want to pay our respects and tell you that we understand your pain.

Anonymous said...

Goodbye dearest Max. I am so sad you are gone. it is heartening to know you're waiting without pain on the other side of the bridge.
I am so sorry you guys had to say an early goodbye to your beautiful boy. You are really brave and strong and I hope you are not suffering too much.
Thanks for your best wishes for Mr Darcy, Sasha. I am so sorry that you lost your brother. It heartens me to know that if things don't go well for MR Darcy today, that Max will be looking out for him on the other side of the bridge.

love and hugs,
Darcy's Mumma

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

We are so sorry to hear the news. Although we have never met our heart goes out to the ones left behind..
Run free Max...

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Asta said...

You were so right to warn us..Mommi is awash in teaws.
I'm sowwy I nevew had a chance to know youw sweet Handsome Max.
I know you loved him wif all youw heawt and I hope he is wunning pain fwee wif those long bootiful Dane legs of his ovew the bwidge.
Mommi and I send you ouw sowwowful love fow youw loss
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Molly the Airedale said...

We didn't know Max but our hearts are breaking for you. We are so very, very sorry.

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Chelsea + Shiloh said...

Thinking of you Mindy.. he was an awesome boy, we're so sorry and sending prayers.... hugs from the girls and I...x

Shmoo said...

Mango sent us. Our deepest condolences on your loss, he was loved, and lives on in your hearts, until you meet again, across the rainbow bridge.

Meeshka and the gimpy gang

The PR Gang said...

We're so sorry. Try to take comfort in the fact that Max is pain free now. Our hearts are heavy....

Sophie, Roxy & Lilly

River said...

We are so so sorry that you have lost your Max. And sorry that you lost your job. We wish you the best and send hugs and beagle love.

love & wags,
River, mom & crew

Hoover said...

Mango sent me.

There are no words.

My heart hurts for you.

Hoover BPD (Battery Powered Dog)

Unknown said...

Mango shared the news... your country song can also include that your dog may be lost but he can always found in your heart. Run free Max
norwood

Life With Dogs said...

Incredibly sorry to hear this news. Six years is not enough time, but it sounds like you made it count.

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We are very sorry to hear about Max. He was a good boy. Sending you purrs and soft woofs.

Tiki & Kesey

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Oh Mindy...Mango sent us over....we are so sorry to hear the news of your beloved Max passing to the bridge.

It is so very very hard to lose a dog...they mean the world to us and we grieve with you now.

We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers...we know that Max is runnin' free like a young pup without pain...you gave him the best gift of all...love...

Terrier love,

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley

doyle and mollie said...

my mom can see the keyboard thru her tears right now we are soooo awfully sorry about max!!

Oskar said...

My mom person is having very big tears from her eyes. We are so very sorry that you lost your handsome Max.

We are sending schnauzer love & people prayers.

MurphyDog said...

Dear Mindy & Family,

I have been away from the computer for the last few days, as my dear Aunt passed away last Saturday.

I am so sorry to hear about Max. Please know you gave him the greatest gift of all, and that it was done with complete and utter selflessness and love. You'll never forget him, but in time the pain will soften a bit.

Thinking about you during this difficult time
Debbie (Murphydog's mom)

Allison Walton said...

Oh, mama, we are so sorry. We are late to see this news, and our hearts are breaking and mommee's eyes are leaking. We knew that Max only had a short time with us left, but that doesn't make his leaving any easier. Our thoughts and prayers and paws are with you as you learn to go through life without your big, precious boy.

Wuv,
Gus and Waldo
and Allison