07/06/2024
Life has a way of interrupting ... we lost one of our best friends this week on the same day Joan and I celebrated our 28 year Anniversary...love beyond description collided with heartbreak as we guided our incredible pack leader Maud on her next journey over the rainbow bridge. She was with us a very short 12 years. She will be forever remembered and greatly missed.
That 1st visit in August 2012 to Loveable Labradoodles in Atascadero, we met Becky and saw so many beautiful puppies. We planned on getting a puppy after the 1st of the year. As we were ready to leave a 10 week old puppy walked around the corner...my eyes met hers and it was love at 1st sight! Becky said we couldn't have her, she was going to be part of her breeding program...that's how we became guardians (totally by accident). It took a little convincing for Joan to agree but by the time we got home it was a done deal. We would bring home Maud in a few weeks and live, love, laugh and cry through all the journeys life brought us.
What a 12 years it was. She took to us like a duck to water...she loved her backyard and her 'stuffed babies' which she carried with her everywhere. I took her everywhere, market, restaurants, long walks in the 'hood. The beach was fun but she did not like getting wet past her ankles...no swimming for her. She slept with us, so easily trained but definitely showed she would be leading our pack early on...the bond was instantaneous.
Her 3 litters born 12/13, 6/14, 12/14 were easy for her; she was a wonderful Mom...a total of 28 puppies are out in the world who carry her essence...how lucky are those who have them are...she gave us Murphy. She never stopped 'mothering' him. He followed her everywhere; this adjustment will be very difficult for him.
Maud was the leader of our pack from the beginning, Maud was #1, Joan a close #1.5 and Murphy and I fell into the follow the leaders category. I had 2 'bosses'!
I do not have the words to express my grief, joy and love at this moment. How luck I was to have this special connection with Maud. Unconditional love and acceptance..thank you Maud for all you brought to our lives and all you gave to everyone you met. You were truly a special entity whose memory will be with us forever. Please watch over us as we continue our journey. We love you and miss you so very much!
A shoutout and thank you to Becky Puckett for the trust you had in us and the opportunity to bring such positive energy into our home...Maud was and will always be a part of our hearts...there will never be another Maud!
Finally, to Ohana Pet Hospital in Ventura...Drs. Nicci and Megan, thank you for all you have given to Maud's healthcare throughout the years. The Ohana staff are all incredible providers who, from Maud's 1st year through July 3, 2024, gave our family their best efforts. Thank you so much for having our backs. We love you all!
