May 10th, 2007
Sad Day for the Boedies
Today at 4:30, we have to put our first “child” Maggie down 
We are so sad I can’t even describe it.
For the past 9 years Maggie has been our hiking companion (practically dragged me and Dan up Barr Trail to the summit of Pikes Peak), our exercise buddy, our watch dog when Dan was gone travelling, and playmate for Jason and Keira.
Here’s Maggie hiking Barr Trail with me and Dan.
In March, Maggie tore her achilles tendon on her right leg. We took her to the vet and to the surgeon to see what our options were. The surgeon told us she had a good tear and with that surgery, there was an 80% success rate. She’d have to be in a hard cast for 2 months and not allowed off a leash - no running, no jumping, no anything - anyone who knows Maggie knows that’s not possible. She forgets how old she is and takes off running like she’s 2! If she did happen to take off running or even get up really fast, she would most likely break the cast, tear the sutures, and that would be it. After the 2 months, she’d be in a soft cast for another month. So for the next 3 months, an entire summer, she’d be immobile. No walks, no playing, no running. And after the recovery, still no playing ball or jumping. That is not the life for Maggie. She’s previously had elbow surgery and knee surgery and as a result has bad arthritis. She is allergic to remadyl (doggie pain meds) and can’t take them. So pretty much she’s always in some kind of pain, and after this surgery will be in even more constant pain.
Last night we told Jason and Keira and it was awful. Jason drew about 40 pictures of Maggie, all the way down to a piece of her fur! He spent the entire evening checking out every part of her and hugging her - making sure he wouldn’t forget anything. Keira just kept saying she wanted to go to bed - it was only 6:00 - and that she didn’t want Maggie to die. We all cried and Dan and I had to answer questions that we didn’t want to about what happens to dogs that are put to sleep. We told them that ultimately, she would get to be up in Heaven with “Old Grandpa” (Great Grandpa Hodapp) and play ball with Grandpa and his dog Spot without being in pain and be really happy again.
So today is our last day with Maggie - and it sucks.
Here’s Maggie taking a break on our hike up Mt. Cutler Trail last August.
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OH, Jodie, I am so sorry! I know it hurts.
That is terribly sad. Not just for Maggie, Dan and you, but the kid’s reactions and emotions make it that much tougher.
Sorry to hear this about Maggie.
The saddest point comes down the line when you are just on some random car ride and you start thinking about the dog and one of them reads it on your face and says, “I miss ——’. We still get that two years after our ‘old dog’ crossed the ‘rainbow bridge.’ Chokes you up every time.
Our funny story of the day to lighten the mood… (it is our 10-year anniversary today) - at breakfast we tell the kids it has been 10 years since we got married.
Kid #1: “I don’t want you to die.”
Hi. I’m so sad too. I am sorry to hear your news. Its a tough day for all of you. I pray for you and your family and mags.
Happy, painless, fetching in soft green grass, Mags. We’ll miss you.
Love you guys! Jenn
I can’t believe after reading you note how much I have cried off and on all day. Maggie was very special. I am so sorry that this had to happen.
I wish only for peace in your life and I love all of you.
Mom #2
I think I’ll hug my dogs before bed. Very very sad.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know what your pain is like and it’s hard for those who have never had a pet to understand. You will always have wonderful, happy memories of her. There are no words to describe how sorry I am for you, but I am certainly crying tears as I feel just a teeny, tiny piece of the pain you feel. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Jodie,
Maggie was a wonderful dog. Taking her pain and quality of life into consideration shows just how much all of you loved her.
She will be missed.
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