Max passed away nearly a month ago. Lori, my spouse, and I miss him terribly. There is an emptiness without his personality. He had a big personality. He was demanding, needy, loving beyond belief, and head of the doggie household. He left behind an empty bed, his scent, a collar, and many, many memories locked in the heads and hearts of his human companions.
Chloe and Magpie, our female dachshund and female Rottweiler/Coon Hound mix respectively, seem to be adjusting to Max' absence. For several weeks, Chloe would wonder around on our king size bed before bedtime sniffing around in a very determined way. Was she trying to find her big brother, Max? We believe so. Her earnestness touched both Lori and my hearts. There was nothing we could do to aid her. Eventually she settled down at night without the long sniff.
Max was a huge part of our daily routine. His disabilities required that we carry him about, help him do his "business" and get to water. We were available to him at all hours of the day that we were home. Neither Lori or I slept the entire night through, and were up helping him on average two or three. We loved him. We wanted to do it. He wasn't suffering. He just needed help to have a good quality of life. His loyalty to us for fifteen years deserved nothing less.Max passed quietly in the arms of his mothers. We wept for sadness that he was gone and for happiness that his time of suffering had been short and that he was at peace. We had promised him as much.
Goodbye sweet boy. You were a difficult personality. You defended your personal space while demanding love and attention. You and I fought some epic battles, yet you never let us remain angry, and your way of apologizing was unique and made me smile. I wish you peace my dearest dachshund.
Yesterday, we bought Chloe and Magpie new matching purple collars and matching leashes. They are a gesture of acceptance that Max was gone, and that the girls were now each other's source of strength.
Love always to you Max. See you in the morning.
