My Dog Maggie
April 28, 1999 - September 3, 2005 I know people say that all dogs are special, but Maggie was really, really special to her family and all those who came to know her over her 6 years and 4 months on this Earth. Perhaps it was her two near death experiences (first when she bloated as a puppy in the summer of 1999 and then when she began wasting away in the spring of 2004 from an auto-immune disease), or maybe it was because she was just so gosh darn, cotton pickin' cute.
Maggie could light up just about anybody's day, and did so frequently. Sitting outside of a Caribou Coffee (whether in MN or VA), Maggie would regularly attract attention from dozens of passers by, each and every one wanting to know the same three things:
- What's her name;
- How much does she weigh; and
- How much does she eat?
It was hard for anyone to walk by without stopping to say hello, pat her head, and remark about how big her paws were. Toddlers especially would ooh and ahh with delight as Mom or Dad gently guided their fingers over Maggie's soft-as-teddy-bear fur. Young women were remarkably open about their weight ("Wow! She weighs three pounds more than me!"). And I can't begin to count the number of times I heard, "We grew up with St. Bernards and used to jump on their backs and ride them all over the farm..."
Yes, Maggie had quite the life. Wikipedia describes 'The Life of Riley' as an ideal life of carefree, bountiful, yet humble living. If anyone lived the life of riley, it was Maggie. She spent untold thousands of hours at her Dad's feet, looking up every 10-15 minutes for a tummy rub and for someone to tell her how pretty she was. At different times in her life she had Winston (her younger half-brother), Saxon (a Chartreaux cat and Maggie's constant companion) and Dhara (a Burmese cat), to keep her company when no humans were around.
When Mom wasn't around, Maggie would put her front paws up on the bed and wait for Dad to lift up the rear. Then she and Saxon and Dad would cuddle for 10-15 minutes, until Maggie decided the bed was too hot and too soft for a long-haired St. Bernard. No matter though, the next night she'd be back to do it all over again.
In addition to being a wonderful, wonderful companion, Maggie's claims to fame included being a calendar girl for the Greater Twin Cities St. Bernard Club Calendar, posing with Dad for a front page photo in Finance & Commerce, and regular admiration and treats from MN Supreme Court Justice Alan Page during his morning runs around Lake of the Isles.
I've posted photos of Maggie throughout her life below. I invite you to add your own Maggie comments and stories. To do so, send me an email, or simply click on the 'comment' link below each posting.
Maggie will be sorely missed by her family (including Saxon, Dhara, and Winston), friends, neighbors, vet clinic staff, and more. Still, we were blessed to have her with us for as long as we did, and look forward to seeing her again at The Rainbow Bridge.
We love you, Maggie!
Eric, Laura, Saxon, and Dhara
posted by Eric P. Strauss @ 9/04/2005 12:37:00 AM
51 comments
51 Comments:
Eric,
Maggie was a real favorite of ours....walking around the lake and getting admiration and a treat from Alan Page... all the great comments from passers-by and drivers-by... everyone was crazy about her... our nurses giving a shower for her... Maggie sitting at the window sill waiting for us to come home... Maggie getting in bed with Steph in the old days... Maggie play fighting with Winston at the dog park... Maggie in costume Hershey kiss without nuts... Maggie the "good citizen"... Maggie and her friend Saxon... Maggie standing while puppy Winston is walking under her... Maggie's everpresent affectionate nature toward us all... we all loved her... we won't forget her...she brought something new and wonderful into all our lives.
Love, Dad
What a wonderful way to honour a member of the family.
Eric,
Maggie was very lucky to have you as her dad in many, many ways, but certainly in this incredible tribute to her that you have made.
She was one of a kind, the most gentle, loving, affectionate dog that I and lots of other people had ever met. She had enough love and adoration to make everyone feel special. She knew how to lift people's spirits just by nudging her head on your lap or gazing up at you with her big, kind eyes or planting herself on your feet so you couldn't move. She lifted my spirits on numerous occasions when nothing and no one else could.
Winston loved to frolic with her at the dog park and got excited whenever we mentioned her name. He was really looking forward to seeing her next weekend and we're both so sorry that they won't get to romp around like the old days again. There are a lot of great memories and images of the two of them together, when he was a puppy and how they always seemed to be lying or sitting in the same position. And of course, if it weren't for Maggie, we never would have had the fortune of having Winston in our lives. The two are very special.
Maggie meant an awful lot to me and to Winston and we will really, really miss her.
Maggie was a real highlight in our life. She and Eric were devoted to each other, and it was because of Maggie that Winston came into our lives. Eric, your blog in memory of Maggie is a beautiful tribute to a life that gave such pleasure and happiness to so many others. I can't compete with Dad's comments--he is more eloquent than I am--but we all miss Maggie
Hi Eric. I was so sorry to hear about Maggie - your folks told us last night - and then of course we received your e-mail today. She will be missed by everyone she touched - and I will tell everyone at the clinic. She was a real fighter - but obviously this was disease beyond her abilities to fight. I'm sure there will be a large hole in your lives - but many wonderful memories.
Joanne Schulman
Eric,
We are truly sorry to hear this sad news. Quite frankly it is shocking. I had taken a liking to her too! We know Maggie meant alot to you and we feel your pain.
Ed and Sue
Dear Eric and Laura,
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Maggie. I know from experience how much her passing hurts. I have pictures of Uncle Wally and me with Maggie and Winston that I will treasure. Uncle Wally will welcome her in heaven and give her a hug. You have my sympathy.
Love,
Aunt Bernie
Eric,
I’m so sorry you lost Maggie. She was a fantastic dog and it’s too bad her life was so short.
Mike Ellsworth
Eric and Laura, Saxon and Dhara~
I am so sorry to hear about Maggie. I read through the entire blog, and had a good cry. I hope you managed to get some sleep last night. I will send more of a message at a later time. Take care.
Love,
Valerie
Eric: I’m so sorry for your loss. During this terrible week of calamity, it is so important to bring community, friends and family close. I know first hand how important companion animals are to us and it sounds like Maggie was a good partner to all of you. My parent’s Airedale dog, Barkley, died last year form an auto immune disease.
Take care,
Catherine
Sorry to hear about that Eric. Amazing blog. It’s crystal clear how much Maggie meant to you.
Dave
Dear Eric and Laura,
Thank you for sharing your family with us. Lynda and I send our sympathies and heartfelt wishes for healing. We love, know and understand the meaning of being in life with four leggeds, winged ones, the swimmers and the two leggeds also.
Take care and walk in peace and beauty,
Merle & Lynda Borchers
Dear Eric,
You have been in my thoughts since yesterday when Chad called me
tearfully to tell me the very sad news of your precious dog, Maggie. I am so sorry. I have fond memories of her at parties in my yard and football viewing
in my living room. I know she bought you such love and joy, and you will miss her forever. I read your entire blog, and so enjoyed the photos of Maggie. What a
beautiful sweetheart she was.
She had quite a full life in her six years and four months. Please give my love to Laura. Next time you are in town, I hope to see you.
My love to you all,
Judy Spencer-Reichwald
Dear Eric & Laura,
We were so very sad to hear of Maggie's passing. She was such a little spit-fire as a baby and had lots of heart. We were so pleased that you chose her to be your "little girl", and know she had the best of lives with you. Please know that we understand your pain as we have been there ourselves. Maggie will always be in your heart as that is what this breed seems to be able to do.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Robbie & TIm Hiltz
Blue Collar St. Bernards
Eric, I'm so sorry to hear this sad news! Maggie was just a baby when I first met you...a HUGE baby! :) She was such a sweet big girl. Our thoughts are with you and Larua!
Hugs - Jen, Ryan, and Evie (and Java and Buster)
Eric and Laura,
I am so sorry to hear about Maggie! Just last week - Wednesday morning
- Eric left one of those accidental three minute messages on my phone. I always like to listen to the whole thing to see if I can pick up clues about what Eric was doing at the time that just the right buttons were pushed to get me eaves-dropping on your life. On Wednesday, you were talking to Maggie offering her some treats, telling her how good and pretty she was in your enthusiastic baby-talk style. I remember thinking how some pet owners are so sweet and loving only for show - when there are other people around to observe. I remember thinking how genuine your affection is for Maggie and has nothing to do with who was watching or listening.
The blog is beautiful and made me smile. I know you will miss her a lot.
AG
Eric and Laura,
My heart broke when I heard that maggie passed away. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to take care of her while you guys were out of town. I remember the day that I got to work and realized that maggie was hospitalized. I got right down on the floor, opened her door, called out her name and all I saw was her fluffy tail wagging and I got a big maggie kiss. My best memory of her will alway's be when each and every time I walked in your home, maggie was standing there wagging her tail and going nuts! That's what I will always remember about her. She will be missed like crazy at Parkway and for me personally, She will always remain in my heart forever and ever. So to the both of you, thank you. You all mean a great deal to me. I will miss her so much.
Thinking of you.
Cindy N.
Eric,
I got your email and am really sorry to hear about Maggie. I think you and I have similar feelings towards our pets and I can't imagine how hard it is to
lose a part of the family. The pictures are great, stories are even better and I'm sure the memories, which are the best, will last you a lifetime.
Rick
Hi Eric,
Both Leigh and I were very sorry to hear about Maggie this weekend. I know that you and Maggie have been through a lot together and it is hard to lose such a close friend. Your email and Maggie's website were both really nice.
Let us know if there is anything we can do to help. We will be thinking about you,
Love Craig
Sorry, Eric and Laura...
That is so sad. I remember Maggie from Chad's football parties. She was
sweet and luvable. We are sorry to hear about your loss...
Darren and Susan
Eric and Laura,
Sorry for your loss. Hurts so much, doesn't it?
We're thinking of you.
ML, AL, SL and TL
Dear Eric and Laura - please accept Jerry's and my sympathy. As you know through the years we've had dogs and our last one, Pepper, a sweet mongrel was my
best companion. I could talk to her and her head would go from one side to another and she
knew just what I was talking about. So. believe me , I know what it's like to lose a loving pet
and I will grieve with you.
Love as always,
Berti and Jerry
Big dogs leave extra-big holes in your heart when they're gone. Sorry to hear about Maggie.
Sandee Erickson
Eric,
Charity and I are so sorry to hear about Maggie. She was such a sweetheart! Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help!
-Sam
Eric - I am very sad and so sorry to hear about your family's loss. Maggie was a sweetheart and I know she will be greatly missed. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please let Sam and I know if we can help out in any way.
Charity
Hi Eric,
I am truly sorry to hear about Maggie.
John
Dear Eric and Laura,
Just spoke with your mom and heard about Maggie. We are soooo very sorry to hear the news. We know how heartbreaking it is to get that phone call (we had a similar experience with Pebbles). Coincidentally, Lori, since she has been in fairly regular touch with Steph, told me yesterday that Maggie had just had another major weight loss. Anyway, it's tough to go through this, but you should find comfort in how well you took care of her, trained her and made her into such a great pet that we will all miss.
Hope other things in your lives are going well. Know you've been busy getting settled in your new house. Look forward to seeing you at Thanksgiving, if not before!
Love,
Rubyanna and Rich
Dear Laura and Eric,
We were so sorry to hear about Maggie. She was so fun and brought so many smiles to everyone she saw and licked!!! I remember one time Steph and I were walking her around the lake and she just stopped right in the middle of the path. Now, there was no moving Maggie if Maggie didn't want to move. Steph and I got quite a few laughs as Maggie just sat there until she wanted to continue our walk! Anyway, all that said, we know how much everyone loved Maggie and she loved everyone. Doug and I send out big hugs to both of you at this difficult time. Love ya tons,
Lori and Doug
Eric,
I'm so sorry to hear about Maggie- it doesn't seem like like that long ago that you got her! Losing pets is so hard, I hope you and Laura are hanging in there and remembering lots of good times and fond memories of her :-)
I enjoyed the blog too, she was very photogenic!
Miriam
Eric,
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a close pet is very difficult and seems to never to be replaced. My thoughts are with you and Laura.
Take care,
r
Hi Eric:
That must be real difficult!
She was a beautiful dog…the pictures online are a great memorial.
I feel for you because I have a strong relationship with a wonderful dog and that time will be sorrowful for me too.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers,
Todd
Sorry about maggie. The pictures are awesome, and make it easy to empathize with the loss for Eric and you, and all the people wanting to know her name, how much she weigh and how much she eats... I don't have a pet, so I depend on people sharing their pets at starbucks or on reston paths for me to pet :-) I was sad to read last year(?) that they won't raise any more saint bernards in the monastery, a little bit of tradition was lost there.
TS
The hardest thing about having a good dog is seeing him/her in pain or too sick, too hurt or too old to enjoy life. The second is losing him/her too soon. You have our sympathy.
Dick & Linda S.
Hi Eric,
Sorry to hear about Maggie. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures and memories of Maggie.
We missed seeing Maggie around Victoria Ponds
Best wishes to you and your family.
Warm regards,
Edwin and Lina
Eric and Laura,
Kellee and I are so sad to hear about Maggie. Our hearts go out to you.
Max
Eric,
I was surprised and saddened to receive your message tonight about Maggie’s passing Saturday morning. I can only imagine how difficult this is for you, Laura and the rest of your family. It was clear to anyone who had the pleasure of spending time with her in the presence of her parents or extended family, that Maggie had been a fully vested member of the Strauss family since her arrival.
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your friend,
Philip
p.s. Thank you for creating and sharing the blog about Maggie’s life. She was an impressive friend and companion; one never to be forgotten.
Eric & Laura,
Yen and I were very sad when we received your email. The site is a great tribute to her life.
Like Laura, I'm not much of a dog person, but Maggie sure did grow on me. I remember when she was teething and kept rubbing up against me. Next thing I knew, my white shorts were covered with her drool. It never washed off, but I didn't mind wearing them because I always got a chuckle everytime I put them on.
It's hard to describe, but she had so much presence when she was in a room, but at the same time she was as gentle as one could be. We'll miss her.
Our deepest sympathy,
Liem & Yen
Eric and Laura,
Kellee and I are so sad to hear about Maggie. Our hearts go out to you...
...Again, please accept our sympathy.
Max
Dear Eric and Laura,
I was so sorry to hear of Maggie's passing. From my own experience, the passing of a beloved pet who has shared so much of your life and has been with you during major events is a painful loss. Although I never met Maggie, I certainly have heard a great many wonderful things about her over the years from Leigh, Craig, George, and Mary as well as seen the smiles on your faces as you talked about her. One of the sweetest dog photos I have is of her and Winston in front of your parents fireplace.
Please know you are in my thoughts.
Fondly, Velura
Hi Eric -
So sorry to hear about Maggie. She was such a great dog she will definitely be missed!
Kirk
Laura and Eric,
I was so sorry to hear about Maggie from Linda. It's strange, but losing a pet is often harder than losing a human, maybe because of their innocence. Maggie was such a sweet dog and certainly is at peace. Please accept my condolences.
-Kristin
Eric,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved companion like Maggie is akin to losing a child. My thoughts are with you and Laura.
Yours,
Neil
"No greater companion, no better friend. Really sorry for your loss."
Eric & Laura,
So sorry to hear about Maggie. She was a great dog and we know you have lots of special memories of her. Love to you both.
Mike & Monica
"My best friend cosed his eyes last night, As his head lay in my hand. The doctors said he was in pain, And it was hard for him to stand.
The thoughts that scurried through my head, As I creadled him in my arms, Were of his younger puppy years, And oh... his many charms.
Today there was no gentle nudge, With an intense 'I love you' gaze, Only a heart that's filled with tears, Remembering our joy-filled days.
But an Angel just appeared to me, And said "You should cry no more. God also loves our canine friends. He's installed a doggy door!"
Dear Eric & Laura,
Sending you thoughts and wishes that the many special memories you hold in your heart will help you through this sad time.
Love and Sympathy,
Robbie & Tim Hiltz
"Never was a dog better cared for or loved."
Dear Eric,
You were the best Dad ever to Maggie. I'll miss her a lot, but I know you'll miss her even more. I'm sorry she was with us for only a short time.
Love,
Laura
Laura and Eric,
I was SO sorry to hear about Maggie. Only comfort? She was a great dog and had a great dog life.
Hugs,
Sarah
... and Louis sends lots of licks...
yo e,
im really sorry about maggie. it seems like yesterday when casper died. i know how you love dogs man. theres another lucky puppy out there just waiting to be adopted...
again my deepest condolences about maggie.
peace,
big al
Laura,
I am so sorry to hear about Maggie. That is so sad. She was such a sweet dog. How is Eric doing? How are you doing? I know she was a big part of his life and yours. The website is really a nice tribute to her.
Linda
Sorry to hear about your loss Eric and Laura!! Being the current owner of two lovely dogs and many others in the past, I appreciate your grief and loss. I only met Maggie once, she was so adorable. Best wishes.........
Jay
Eric & Laura,
We are so sorry to hear about Maggie's passing! I hope you are hanging in there. I feel so badly for you guys, very, very difficult... Will be thinking of you!
Julie
Hi Mr. and Mrs. Strauss,
Hope you are doing alright. I know this has been a tough time for you. Maggie was lucky to have you both as her "humans"... Once again, thank you for allowing me to be a part of Maggie's care. It truly was a privilege.
Take care and keep in touch,
A'ndrea V. S.
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