Day 888

Today, I had the “opportunity” to put a round swing together for Fort Asher. ‘Assembly’ is not my forte, so I was mighty proud of my success… even if it took three or four times longer than it should have! When I had successfully accomplished the construction, Katie Asher and Maddie took the first few swings. Even Maddie liked it!

Speaking of Maddie (short for Madison) this dog has lived more than her allotted nine lives! For the first part of her life, we think she was part of a puppy mill. Finally surrendered from the “unknown,” she found her way to the Humane Society. That’s when she met our beloved Shirley. When our senior friend went to get a dog, she fell in love with Miss Maddie. Shirley lived on Madison Street, the dog’s name was Madison…she was coming home.

As the years flew by, both Maddie and Shirley kept counting the years. When Shirley could no longer independently stay next door to us, she had to leave Maddie behind. Since we were renting the home to our friend, I assured everyone that the pup would stay there until we figured everything out. I would feed her every day, let her in and out and spend quality time giving her the love she needed. Mac would go over and watch the news with Maddie, I would read magazines with her and other members of Shirley’s family would stop by to help clean out the house and give the pup a pat or two. Every time the door opened, Maddie got some love. Yet, she was lonely and mourning her loss of the lady who rescued her and loved her so very much.

When we finally sold the little home to daughter Katie, we told her that Maddie came with the house! Our daughter didn’t hesitate for a moment! “Well, of course she does!” was her reply.

The years have passed and Maddie lives on. We think she s about 15 or 16 by now, but she still loves being in charge of her home. She adores Katie and Asher with a passion seldom seen. Her gratitude is evident as she sleeps with her humans, has cozy beds and blankets in each room and gets more than enough love from her new family.

Seeing Maddie’s resilience is humbling. Humans would have a hard time walking her journey. We don’t know how long we will have her, but she is going to be loved more and more each and every day! Hopefully, she has WAY more than her allotted nine lives!