Sunday, March 1, 2009

A New Beginning

As some of you know my Aunt Rose has been on a journey to adopt an older dog from a shelter or rescue group. She did have some things she really wanted in a dog, such as personality, house trained, crate trained, preferably a terrier mixed breed such as an Airedale, Welsh, Wire hair. One that could be protective of her if necessary, but also gentle for her grandchildren. She also indicated a strong desire to have a dog that both she and the dog could go through a dog therapy program to possibly do hospital, Elder Care residential homes or children group visits.

Aunt Rose has filled out adoption applications, viewed numerous photos of pets through petfinder.com, shelters, etc. She has inquired about quite a few and made trips to meet them. But in her search the dogs for one reason or other did not fill the bill so to speak.

Until Maggie Mae.

Maggie Mae was adopted from a shelter by a family four years ago who due to a change in family circumstances was no longer able to keep Maggie, although they dearly loved and cared for her. They put an advertisement in an online classified column, listing a 5 year old gray wirehair Terrier mix free to a good home only.

The interesting part here is that after doing that, their computer internet service was disrupted, and only came on only long enough to get Aunt Rose's inquiry about Maggie complete with a contact cell phone number. Also Aunt Rose often has to work on the weekend and this weekend she was off and had no plans. Contact was made between the family and Aunt Rose who then made the 4 hour drive to meet Maggie.

It was love at first sight. My Aunt's words I think said it best when she said "I am positively smitten!" Maggie is one of the most social as well as inquisitive dogs I have ever met. She immediately took a liking to my Aunt (who wouldn't?). But more than that the family had a birthday party going on, visitors in and out, a baby at times pulling on Maggie's coat, two strangers in the house and Maggie was completely calm, taking everything in, with her tail constantly wagging and ears perked and listening to everyone around her.

And smart! You say "bang" and this dog plays dead! She rings a bell when she wants to go out! As well as sit, stay, down, shhh, shake, etc.

The family thanked my Aunt for "helping" with this situation and I believe the word "angel" was mentioned. Aunt Rose replied "No really, thank you! I feel like I am getting the better of the arrangement!" The family sent all of Maggie's supplies such as her bed, food, toys, dishes, leads, etc.

Maggie Mae hopped right up into the car. The very first night together, once the lights were out and all was quiet in the house, Maggie crept up and jumped up on my Aunt's bed to sleep beside her.

For all of us who have been watching this unfold, the general consensus is that this was a match made in heaven. This is not the end. This is just the beginning to a new chapter in both of their lives. I have encouraged my Aunt to set up her own blog to share her thoughts, stories and experience in adopting Maggie as well as the dog therapy program should she decide to do it. I think it would inspire others who are thinking of buying a puppy, to look at adopting an older dog instead as there are many such as Maggie who have been turned over to a shelter or humane society.

The pictures I have posted here really do not show how beautiful Maggie is inside or her beautiful curly bluish coat. Hopefully my cousin Kim will soon rectify that!


If you would like to encourage Aunt Rose to share her adventure, leave a comment and I will make sure that she gets each and every one of them!

UPDATE!: Aunt Rose now has a blog and you can read about their adventures at Two Hearts One Tail!

11 comments:

  1. Brought tears to my eyes, it did. Thank you to your aunt for knowing what she wanted and waiting until it showed up, but especially for giving a non-puppy a great home. I can't wait to hear more about their adventures, particularly in therapy dog-dom, because I think that's something Gretchen would enjoy.

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  2. So happy for both Aunt Rose and Maggie May - I think you mentioned a 'match made in heaven' and it certainly sounds like it.
    Please please Aunt Rose start a blog so we can follow your adventures. It is easier than you think and Tina will help!
    We would so love to hear more from you and Maggie Mae.
    Congratulations on finding each other.
    love and kisses
    Martha & Bailey xx

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  3. You know, Maggie and Aunt Rose are supposed to be together. Happy tears down here in Texas! I cannot wait to hear more of Maggie Mae's new journey. My little Ruby was waiting in my yard for me. I went to all the neighbors and put signs up @ vet offices. She simply appeared one day. I know God brought her to me. Just like Aunt Rose and Maggie Mae. I need to get more Kleenex...

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  4. What a great story! I'm so happy for Aunt Rose and Maggie Mae and I wish them many happy years together!

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  5. Sounds like a match made in Heaven! Hope they will give each other many years of happiness :o)
    Slobbers xx

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  6. How wonderful for an adult dog to get a second chance at happiness. We all send our very best to Aunt Rose and Maggie Mae.

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  7. Don't you just love when the perfect plan works out! Great story and I know they will have great adventures to share in the future. Wonderful post!! Please keep us informed of how things are going with the pair. :)

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  8. What a lovely story. I'm pretty sure Aunt Rose is singing "Wake Up Maggie" to her precious bundle of a dog. Yea to your aunt. g

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  9. I'm so glad your aunt and Maggie found each other, and my heart breaks for that family. You have a lovely touch with telling the story, too.

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  10. Doesn't GOD work in strange ways? I am so happy for your Aunt and also for Maggie. Happy BTT

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  11. Sounds like Maggie Mae and your aunt were destined to be together. I hope they have a fabulous life together.

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