Maggie

My dog Maggie passed away this week. She's been in my family for more than half my life, and finding out that she died was like finding out I'd lost a sibling, because in essence, that's what she was. She was the 5th Justesen child. Maggie had been sick for a while, and the vet said it would be easier to put her to sleep rather than wait for her to die because that way she wouldn't have to suffer as much. When my dad called last night to let me know, I cried and cried. And I haven't cried in a while, so I had a lot to let out. But because she's been a part of my family for 13 years, I decided I needed to give her a little photo tribute. Maggie was the best dog in the world. She fit into our family perfectly, and most of my memories of growing up involve her in some way, whether it was being angry at her for chewing up my socks or taking a nap next to her on the floor. Maggie had a knack for knowing when someone in the family was sad and just needed a buddy. I have many memories of her just coming and putting her head on my lap. Every good thing you hear about dogs, Maggie was it. Rest in peace, Maggie. I love you.

"A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbol means nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his." John Grogan

"Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them." John Grogan

The poor dog, in life the firmest friend,
"The first to welcome, foremost to defend." Lord Byron

"His ears were often the first thing to catch my tears." Elizabeth Barrett Browning, referring to her cocker spaniel, Flush

"A dog is the only thing on this earth that loves you more than he loves himself." Josh Billings (Henry Wheeler Shaw)

"A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things-a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty." John Grogan