"She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are her life, her love, and her leader. she will be yours,
faithful and true, to the last beat of her heart.
You owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion."
-- Unknown
I'm not sure I was worthy of Maddie's devotion but I am certainly thankful for every aspect of her life that she gave to us. Maddie helped us to form a family, to form a unit that would take care of her needs. She was the patriarch that set my sights towards the meaning of loyalty, devotion, friendship and the true "hood", brotherhood and sisterhood, that brings us together. Maddie could have possibly been the perfect dog, because she was with us, and because she let us be with her.
Maddie's life was a teaching life, she taught us to:
Like the garage
There might be good things in the trashcan
Never run into a glass door
Don't eat too much chocolate
Always eat the best parts of the ham, chicken and steak
One should always take care of their feet
Always find the best place to lay down
Don't run if you can bark and still get the same reaction
Smell everything
Make enough noise so people know where you are
Don't be afraid to mark your own territory
Fight for your partner
Don't let the cat see you sweat
Always enjoy a bath
Be thin enough to fit through a dog door but big enough so you are not easily picked up
Always know where your guardians are
Eat peanut butter when you can
Always clean your plate
Drink responsibly and delicately
Be responsive when wearing a hat or costume
Give out just enough kisses
If someone has the same color hair, stick with them
Make sounds when you enjoy yawning or a good ear rub
Take treats delicately
Always greet a stranger
No need to chase cats
Smile and breathe properly
Run through snow when you feel like it
Burst open a door once in a while
Be good
Love everyday and spend it like its your last, with a lot of gusto and pride
Love all, even the mailman
Maddie Bell 1994-2009
Best cuddler
