Tuesday, February 03, 2009

The Forgotten Child

Most people associate me with cats. I love cats. But I'm also an "animal person". Nothing bugs me more than someone saying, "I'm a dog person" or "I'm a cat person". Why can't you love ALL animals?

I'm using my blog today to introduce my forgotten little girl - "Maggie". Maggie is my baby. She's 10 years old and puts up with more crap than any dog should ever put up with. Her nose has been bloodied by frightened foster cats and she often takes a back seat to the many cats in the house.

When Maggie was a puppy, she could've given "Marley" a run for his money. She was the rowdiest puppy I had ever seen. I took her to obedience school, but the instructor told me "don't bother..." after the first class. I loved her anyway.


As the tan fur around Maggie's "beak" slowly turns white, it reminds me that I need to spend more time cherishing this sweet dog. She doesn't ask for much anymore - a ride in the car on the way to Starbucks, a walk on a beautiful day, and the milk from my cereal bowl.

Maggie will growl and bark wildly at squirrels and other dogs. If David pretends like he's hurting me, she will raise her lip ferociously. She's my little protector and when she was younger would wait patiently by the front door and wait for my daughter to come home from dates.

Maggie isn't a purebred anything. She's simply sweet and the most expressive dog I've ever seen. When her 14 year old partner dog "Riley" passed away from cancer a few years ago, Maggie stood vigil by the front door and waited for him.


So when folks tell me, "I'm not a dog person" - I want them to meet my Maggie. I love you, ya goofy girl :)

9 comments:

RHz said...

From one "animal person" to another, Maggie is beautiful.

Fred said...

That's a hilarious picture of Maggie in the office. It's like she's taking a short break for a stretch before she recommences messing up the room.

Anonymous said...

That was beautiful Beth... Teresa

House of the Discarded said...

Fred: I think that was Maggie's "yawn & stretch" innocent look! I swear, she pointed to the cats after I found the mess :)

Anonymous said...

I'm with you. I am not going to be pigeon-holed as a dog or cat person. I cannot imagine my life without at least a couple of both. Loved the picture of your son hugging her!

Anonymous said...

Do you ever play "guess her breeding"? I'm going with yellow lab and corgi, with a dash of (so-called) pit bull somewhere in the archives. With a 100% chance of adorableness.

House of the Discarded said...

Yes, Anonymous! I definitely guess her breeding all the time. The vet thinks she's a Basenji and a Dingo (!!) mix.

Anonymous said...

She looks a real sweetie. LOL, are you sure it wasn't the wind that blew the rubbish basket over..

whitesocks said...

Nothing like a mongrel doggie :)! That's all I"ve ever had -- and each one was an utter gem, the most intelligent and loving dogs ever. Thank you for getting out the word about mixes...its a shame how people want purebreds which just keeps the horrible breeder industry going, and that too in these days of pet overpopulation.

I don't believe in the dog/cat person thing either, and just love all animals. I'm curious -- are you vegetarian? It was because I realized theres no point loving cats and dogs and then supporting utterly cruel industrial farming that abuses other animals that I gave up meat some years ago.