It was your world that I was fortunate to exist in. I miss the mornings rubbing your eyes and your gentle nose nudge to let me know I wasn’t finished yet. No more saying your prayers at night, no more dinner time “let’s say grace”, and no more drool on my leg when I say “Amen”. I miss your snoring and noises while you sleep. I see a shadow of you belly up on your sofa. Sticks are piling up and my yard clean up crew isn’t here to help me.  Your fire pit movie night blinkie collar blinks no more.

Your baby pool is dry, your lion hasn’t roared, your Kermit hasn’t croaked. Your Booda sits where you last tossed it at my feet.  My routines have been turned inside out. No more tail wagging in circles, butt throwing side to side “welcome home, Mom” greeting when I walk through the door.  Your collar sits with no one to decorate, your golf balls haven’t been touched. No more guarding presence next to the shower, no more night time snuggles and morning massages to give.

I miss my stretching partner, my escort to the mailbox and my back seat driver.  I haven’t said “eat your breakfast”, “want some dinner”, “load ’em up”, or “I love you, Maddie-Boo” in 2 days. Your bed is empty, as is my heart.  No more greeting the neighbors with the biggest stick you could find.  No more watching you sniff the same old tree, no more barks at the back door saying “doorbell!” and no more closet doors to open and squirrels to retrieve.

My office assistant is gone, my grill mate has left me.  Morning coffee just isn’t the same.

No more silent glares to let me know it’s time to get up or go outside. Your life was full of friends, both puppies and humans. No more phone calls asking if you could come over to play for the day. My house is empty, yet full of the love you left.  My world was made the day you entered my life.  My face lit up and my smiles were big each time someone asked, “How’s Maddie?”.

No more watching you jump off docks, swim in the pool, raft surfing and climbing the ladder to get out.

You had more friends than you ever knew, some never actually met you.  Your life, personality and love of all things in the world were evident to all who saw your pictures. People you never met have shed tears for you.  You left a mark in this world like no other before.  Your pictures and videos are reminders of your amazing life and love you had for all and the world.

Your final resting place is here with me among the trees, the sticks you carried, the path we walked, with Moose snuggled next to you.  You are in heaven now surrounded by those who have gone before you.  All your friends are with you. All of you are happy, healthy and will play together forever.  Your pool is open forever now, your raft is always afloat. The sun will shine always for you, your water bowl will forever be full.

Your last breath, your last heart beat… the most precious moment in my life.  There will never be another you.  “She was special” said by so many. Rest easy, my baby girl.

I love you, Maddie-Boo.