Monday, December 19, 2005

Maggie and the Gift of the Magi

Just like all good things, there was more to Maggie's story than we originally knew. Maggie came to us yesterday afternoon - and the sky was clear and the temperature was kind at 60+ degrees. She is not too sure about Matilda, but in time I think she'll be fine. As her family was getting ready to leave, Justin was sitting with Johnny on the porch - Maggie has decided Johnny was her master, and followed him right on the heels. Their story reminded me of teh Gift of the Magi, if you dont' remember it, here is a link.

Maggie was a gift to Johnny's son, Justin, from his fiance'. The fiance also had a poodle. When the gift was purchased it seemed like a great idea for them both to have a dog. But then life and reality took hold - they were just getting out of school, getting ready to be married and start their lives - and two pups and vet bills can be a real strain on finances when you are job hunting, so she decided she would rather have her fiance' than worry about vet bills, and put her beoved poodle up for adoption. He decided to do the same for Maggie. Johnny lives around other cattle farmers, so they had hoped to let Maggie come stay with his folks and then find somewhere close for her, but no luck. She adjusted quickly to farm life, sleeping outside with the other dogs, following Johnny around everywhere. Johnny thought about keeping her, but with the sacrifice Justin's fiance' made, that just didn't seem right.

So yesterday was the next chaper for them - letting Maggie go to a new house and freeing the college couple to begin their lives on more solid footing. It was tough on Johnny - who just sat on the porch saying his goodbyes while the women and I watched from the kitchen windows.

Maggie slept in with us last night, snuggled down in the comforter. As much as she was loved and valued - it was the least we could do to honor that.

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