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03 June ~2008
It seems like a betrayal to put Maggie in her crate just before me and Ben head out the door for our walk. She doesnt understand, but she minds and goes in there quietly. It breaks my heart. Instead I started taking her crate out in the backyard in the shade of the trees, to put her in it well before me and Ben are ready to leave.I was worried she had a set back yesterday, because I saw her limping more, and then found a sore on her leg that had surgery. I called the vet and they told me to bring her right in.
When I got there the staff was upset and sullen. The Veterinarian Technician told me what was going on. A man had called and said his 9 year-old girl border collie was having trouble breathing. He rushed her in and the staff immediately began treating her. It was too late. She was mostly gone when she arrived, and their efforts to hold her here were unsuccessful.
The Vet Tech said it was hard for all of them, because she was a sweet girl, one of their favorite dogs that visit.
The Tech talked consulted the doctor to see if they should xray Maggie's leg, and the doctor said she wanted to see Maggie, and could I wait a while for them to fit me in. I went back out to the waiting room and sat down with my girl.
The man who owned the border collie had gone out to take a walk, because he was so upset. While I was in the waiting room he came back in and told the receptionist he would like to go home and get his wife, so she can see their dog.
A half hour later he returned with his wife and teenage daughter, in tears. After about twenty minutes they left, still in tears.
It was extremely sad. Their dog left so sudden, with so little warning.
What I saw was how much they loved their border collie, and what an effect these animals have on our lives.
There is no doubt that having them near us is a gift from the Creator, imparting simplicity, loyalty and unending love and joy to our chaotic lives.
Maggie just scraped her leg, perhaps coming in the dog door. She still can't go on walks, at least for several weeks. The way she accepts it is a lesson in patience. I can't wait for the day that my sweet girl can walk with me and Ben down to the Cottonwood grove again, to wade in the frog pond like she loves to do.
Ben will be eight next month, Maggie eight in December. They are the truest companions and best mountains dogs a man could ever have.
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