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Dear Readers and faithful friends,

After a number of years of wonderful blogging, this blog has effectively become dormant - except for occasional updates regarding my book, MAXDOG. I have left this blog as a legacy to my dog and a place of sanctuary where we can reflect upon his life. Take your time, peruse the pages spanning Max's 18 months in cyberspace. Feel refreshed and uplifted because his story is an amazing one of..."LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX!"
My activities have now moved on to my new blog entitled "LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX". Please join me there where you can read about my family and canine companions. I also invite you to visit MAXDOG's FANPAGE on FACEBOOK. You can follow the specific links by clicking below:

* 'LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX: click HERE
*MAXDOG'S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: click HERE
* MAXDOG, the book: click HERE

If you would like to follow me on a deeper, spiritual level, then I invite you to visit my more personal blog:

May God bless you and thank you for following me!
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

MAXDOG's CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE

Thursday, February 11, 2010

"UBUNTU" IN THE DOGGIE-BLOGGIE LAND

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!!
TOFFEE DOG here...


Hello there to all our fur-buddies across the world...

Mom said that since Max is ailing she is giving me a chance to do the bloggie-post for today. This is a particularly tough job! I am generally a high spirited little doggie and Mom has asked me to talk about something more serious today. But I’ll do it! Yes I will! TAMMY and I plan to keep this blog going no matter what!!!

FIRSTLY, here is a MAX UPDATE:




Quite frankly nothing much has changed in the past 24 hours!

My brother – MAXDOG – in his strong, spirited style takes his naps when and where he likes…


… and becomes his old sprightly self when he wants to be.


He even played a bit with TAMMY yesterday. I know he’s sick, but he’s comfortable and happy! I do think, however, that he is getting far too much chicken and rice in his bowl! Why Mom doesn’t put more in ours, I don’t know? TAMMY and I are considering telling Mom that we are sick too…maybe she’ll then fill our bowls with chicken and rice too?!?

In summary, however…MAX IS DOING WELL!



OKAY…TODAY’S POST…

This post is a bit philosophical, but I am sure that you will get the greater meaning of what we are saying today…

(Mom says that we must please all put on our philosophical hats!)

As you know, our blog tries to give our readers a taste of our beautiful country…

SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXDOG has been your TOUR GUIDE for some time now and if TAMMY and I are to eventually take over this blog, then we must try to do the same!

Did you know that the 11th February 1990 was the day that our ‘Madiba’

(NELSON MANDELA)

was released from prison?

Today is the 20th ANNIVERSARY of his release!


It was the day our SOUTH AFRICAN nation’s COLLECTIVE SPIRIT soared and started the process of our country becoming a full democracy.

Why am I telling you this?

Well, Mom says that the kind of “COLLECTIVE SPIRIT”, displayed on that day, 20 years ago, is very similar to what we are experiencing in bloggie-land at this very moment. People who hardly know each other are bonded in unity in our collective thoughts!


It’s quite ironic (and Mom likes irony!) because in SOUTH AFRICA there is a concept which many people embrace.

It is a concept called “UBUNTU” and it quite simply means….
“A person is only a person through other persons”

Well here’s the irony….

We think there is “UBUNTU” in bloggie-land!
Here is some of the proof...





Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Our Bishop in the Anglican church) offered a longer definition of ‘UBUNTU” in 1999. He says:

“A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed”.

(Those of you who have seen the movie, "INVICTUS" will already have an idea of this collective spirit in our country)


Whew, that’s quite heavy for a little dog like me!

But I can see that maybe us doggies have more “UBUNTU” than we know. Firstly, it is said that when we go to the Rainbow Bridge that we look out for those doggies and humans that we leave behind. Also, the messages of goodwill across the Doggie-Bloggie sphere seem to display this COLLECTIVE SPIRIT so beautifully. We are eternally grateful to be part of this amazing community.

Mom says that I must say THANK YOU again for all the UBUNTU displayed in blog-land…it is a beautiful thing to be part of!

So today, as SOUTH AFRICA celebrates the

20th ANNIVERSAY OF THE RELEASE OF NELSON MANDELA,

let us continue celebrating our DOGGIE-BLOGGIE SPIRIT OF ‘UBUNTU’.


What say you???

Mom says that I should also tell you about a wonderful email and suggestion which she recently received. "Fran" in New Zealand has said that we can share her email with you:...

"One thing that really helped me (and you may like to consider doing) is that I got a nice journal and put my favourite picture of my boy on the cover. Inside I handwrote (not typed, as I tend to change, reorder and revise things when I type) all the little “I remember when…”, your favourite treat was...”, “your favourite place to be patted was”, and about the funny things he did, the noises he made, holidays we had shared, his little rituals, etc and also how I felt about him, and how I was feeling at the time.

In the weeks and months (and even years) after loosing him he was so often in my thoughts (I’m convinced he’s left gold fur in my heart as it was everywhere else in the house!) and this was my way of processing what was in my head. My memories arrived in random order and my words were often written through many tears. They were the very little things that my numerous photos had missed. I didn’t (and still don’t) have a blog, but these little memoires are my private record of the things I don’t want to forget about him as I grow old. Even now I still add to this book, and it has become something (like photos) that I’d want to save in a fire. Initially I couldn’t’ read what I had without tears as I missed him so much, but almost four years on I can now read it with a smile on my face as my messy handwritten comments remind me I am so thankful for the time we shared – maybe it was not a long time but it really was a good time."

Well, Mom thinks this is fabulous advice, (Thank you, Fran!) so here are Mom's efforts to start:
"MAX's BOOK"...



Thank you, Fran, for your suggestion!

You write beautifully...how about starting a bloggie for your Riley?

I'm finishing off this post with a picture of another "Mom & Me" picture...

This is literally the Mother 'Hoepoe" and her chick who have taken up residence in Max's garden...

Thats all for today!
Lot's of licks and "Ubuntu" to you all

TOFFEE AND TAMMY IN SOUTH AFRICA

58 comments:

Sam said...

Thank you for sharing the concept of Ubuntu with us! I love hearing about other countries and this really seems fitting!

bea's blog said...

Hei from the North!!!!
What a beautiful post!!!
Thank you, thank you!!!
Always love to read your blog and we are happy to read not too bad news today about Max!!!
~.*.~
Beatrice and Gizmo

www.gizdog.blogspot.com

Hamish Westie said...

Hi Toffee and Tammy!
I, Hamish, am a bit to young to remember Mandela's release but Gail is telling me about how she remembers watching it live on TV in the apartment in Oklahoma where she was living at the time - a world away from both Scotland and South Africa. It seems the whole world was feeling that Ubuntu spirit at the time.
We recently set up 'Statcounter' for my blog, and the best bit is a map where you can see that people for all over the world have been looking at the blog.
Please do encourage Riley to start blogging too!
Cheers, H.

Huskee and Hershey said...

Fran's sugesstion is great and we are glad your mom made you a MAXDOG journal!!
One day, it will be filled up entirely with lots of photos, thoughts, feelings and most of all, love!

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

What a great job, Toffee and Tammy! We love your spirit! It is such a wonderfully rich post!

By the way, we have done a "Mom and Me" post today!

How Sam Sees It said...

I like the idea of ubuntu... It is a very deep thought. I need to remember the book for the future - creating Cisco's memory box helped me and I smile every time I walk by it and see her smiling face. The memories are deep, and mine, and I cherish all of them, good or bad.

We love you Maxdog!

Good job, Tammy!

Sam

D.K. Wall said...

Ubuntu. What a beautiful and inspiring thought. Thanks so much for sharing it and it does seem so proper as a way to describe the blog-world.

Angus said...

Your post this morning reminded me that Max and his family have lived through some glorious and uplifting times.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Ubuntu what a lovely word.. Mum and dad went to see a pre screening of the film Invicta last week and were moved to tears. Yes what we are experiencing now in blogland, is very like that.. Mum loves the book idea and says we should all do that.. Lovely post again today.. Thank you.. Glad Max is holding his own.. Hugs GJ xx

Martha said...

What a cool post! Nice to see Max doing well and enjoying this summer.
Our mum so well remembers when Nelson Mandela was released - what a hugely historic day! A true 'dancing in the street' day.

We agree the dog blogging community has Ubuntu! Enjoy your day and good idea about the book.
love
Martha & Bailey xxx

The Curious Cat said...

I hope Maxdog feels better soon? I just came over from another blog to wish you some cheerful words. I really enjoyed reading about UBUNTU and I completely agree with you. Anyway...sending you good wishes. Nice to meet you too! There are so many wonderful people out there in the blogosphere! xxx

kks said...

thanks for telling us about Ubuntu! i agree! and such sweet pictures of all the doggies...glad handsome max is doing well and getting spoiled...more than usual!! :)
beautiful journal and great idea!
xoxo

Unknown said...

Wonderful uplifting post - as usual! Love the photos, especially Max and Tammy on their walk together. Such a pair of Valentines. I remember when Mandela was released, it's hard to believe that 20 years have passed since then. (But then it's also hard to believe that 20 years ago it was only 1990!)

Ubuntu—it truly sums up our community!

Your pals,

Petey and his old Mom

houndstooth said...

I like Ubuntu and I think we shall try to practice it more often!

We want to thank you tour guides for sharing about the soccer tournament here. Mom has three boys in her class who watch soccer a lot with their families, since it is a big part of their culture, and Mom has been able to talk with them about it a little bit! Funny how tidbits of information can pop up in unexpected places!

Bunny

P.S. You did great, Toffee!

Scout and Freyja said...

What a lovely job you did today, sweetie. You may be small but you have a large and magnificent heart. Our momma ♥s the idea of the memory book. It would be so appropriate for remembering humans, too.

Know that today, over here in Michigan, US, we are hugging ALL of you and wrapping our hearts around Max in love and tenderness.

Jake of Florida said...

We too loved your post -- as we do all your posts -- and we hope you don't mind if we steal your photo of Mandela for our bloggie. Our mom -- older than dirt -- definitely remembers the day Mandela was released and how she marveled at his ability to have survived al those years.

One of her favorite authors was/is Alan Payton.

We do feel the love that permeates all our hearts through our dogs. If you follow current politics, you may be astonished at how ugly things have gotten. Our thought as to how dogs are different from politicians: the former often appeal to our baser instincts. Dogs always appear to our best instincts and make us better people for loving them.

Wirey love and hugs to Max and his posse!!

Your pals from South Florida,

Jake and Just Harry

Cloud the Wonder Dog said...

Another beautiful post, Caryl! My mom lives by the same philosophy as Ubuntu - that we are all connected and that we can't hurt another without hurting ourselves.

We really appreciate everything we've learned about your beautiful country, thank you again for sharing with us. Bishop Desmond Tutu spoke at my brother's university graduation ceremony in Ohio years ago.

What a wonderful suggestion the journal was, I'm so glad you started one! And thank you for the Hoepoe photo... how beautiful they are!

So glad Max is doing as well as he is!
Much love to you and your pack,

Kat and Cloud

Andrea said...

Sitka has an award for you at All Gods Creatures.
Continuing to pray for Maxx,
andrea

KB said...

I think that you personify Ubuntu. You are an astounding person, with your endless search for the good and pouring out of love to others (like me) who are going through smaller trials than you are.

I've always found that my dog is guide during the ending part of his or her life. My dogs have seemed to know what was happening and took the time to shower all of my family with love. I suspect that Max,and your other wonderful doggies, espcially Tammy, are helping guide you and keep your spirit strong.

A few lucky people on this earth (many of whom read your blog) have had a bond with a dog like you have with Max. It stays forever. And, it transforms you forever.

You, my friend, continue to amaze me. Today's philosophical post fully shows why.

Jacqueline said...

A lovely post=Toffee and Tammy did a wonderful job!...All of your babies are so beautiful...Keeping you all in our prayers=Ubuntu forever!

Anonymous said...

Hey Toffee and Tammy,
Y'all did a GReat job on the blog posting today. We are glad to know that the tour guide tradition so ably established by Max will be continuing.
We are also grateful to be a part of the DWB community in which the spirit Ubuntu prevails. The response of the community to Max and Chandler's situations, as well as to Harry's tragic loss was inspirational and heart warming. It was so thoughtful of y'all to leave Harry and his dad such a nice comment given what you yourselves are facing. We are all Knights of the Round Table; All For One and One For All.
Please give 13 sloppy lick kisses and hugs to Max from us and tell him that we keep him, your mom and your family in our hearts and prayers. We wish Max many more good days.
- TBH&K

Stella said...

While I didn't know the word or the meaning of Ubuntu, I do know and love Mandela! Thanks for a lovely post, one that we will continue to remember.

I am happy that Max continues along and our hopes and prayers are still with our boy!

Cheers and hugs,

Jo and Stella

Joy said...

Pleased to hear that MAX is holding his own. The others did a grrrreat job on the blog post. Sending warm, gentle hugs to MAX.

Ms. ~K said...

I remember Mandala's release well!
I remember thinking, "There is Hope!"
Tammy and Toffee, I know Max is proud of your effort to keep the blog going and you did an excellent job today!
And I've learned a new word today:
Ubuntu....thank you for sharing!
Hugs to you all,
Kit

Ina in Alaska said...

Yesterday as I was driving I was thinking about all the collective good will that is flowing through this blog and today's post by Toffee put it all into perspective. I love the journal idea. I am going to do a post soon about one of my late dogs, Porter, who wrenched my heart completely out of my chest when he crossed over the Bridge. You are making me think of my sweet boy. xoxoxo

RILEY AND STAR MY MALTESEKIDS said...

Hi Tammy,

It was so lovely to see your sweet little face first thing this morning and thanks so much for the update on Max. We are still praying for him and your mommy.

We love you guys and we have missed you so much!

We know your lives have been quite hectic lately with Max being ill and we understand completely.

We are still thinking only positive thoughts for Max. Give him some good licks for us and please don't be a stranger.

Luv,
Riley and Star.

Whimpurr said...

What a wonderful concept and post today! We also love the idea for Max's special book! What a beautiful and treasured keepsake that will be!

Anna the GSD said...

Wow Toffee! Great post!! You did a really good job. :)

I love the journal idea, what a great way for your mom to keep all the great memories of Mr. Max right there whenever she needs them!

If it snows here tomorrow, I'm going to make a special snow dog for Max! Hugs!

Mrs. JP said...

I like the journal idea and will help you remember all the good memories. Also, will be a tribute to Max and his wonderful ministry.
We're praying for more good days and good naps.

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Toffee and Tammy...you did totally amazing on this postie...!!! All three terriers bow in your direction....)

Thank you for sharing all the info on your country...we remember some of it!!

And thank you for the update on dear Max...

We're so thinking of you all...we adore the journal idea!!!

Kisses,

Laciegirlie and Scruff and Stan

the magic sleigh said...

Wooos to an Ubunto Universe!
Toffee and Tammy, what a beaWootiful job woo two did. I am most proud of woo!
Thanks for the update on Max Dog, we are sending loving sibe-vibes

Pee Ess- really cool looking birdies!

-Kira The No Snow Dog!

Golden Samantha said...

Thank you Toffee for explaining the concept of Ubuntu - I agree with you and think you did a great job! We are furry happy to hear Max is able to do what he wants when he feels like it! We send him tons of kisses and pats! The journal idea is pawsome - the beginnings of yours is just beautiful. Love seeing anything handwritten - not done much anymore and feels very authentic and special. And those birds in Max's garden are definitely pretty! Special birdies for a very special pup!
Sending a ton of golden vibes, hugs and love xoxoxoxoxox
Sammie

TheTart said...

Fabulous post!! Luv all the pics & message.

I just want to grab hold of those furry tails & feel them run through my hand ... Just like I do with the furries at my house. =^..^=

Smooches,
The Tart
; *

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Through it all, we still are lukhky enough to learn from all woo share!

Here's to UBUNTU

and woo
and woo
and woo

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

JacksDad said...

One of the most beautiful posts I have read anywhere in a long time.

I love the idea of both UBUNTU and the book!

Thinking of you...

Dog By Nature said...

UBUNTU is a beautiful thing! We have been away for so long and we are so sorry to hear of Max's condition. We are sure Max is getting more love than ever but please add in some extra hugs from us.
Stay strong and love forever.
M, S & Kona

Anonymous said...

Hey Max. What a Beautiful,beautiful post. I cryed all the way through it. Im real emotional as I have lost 4 babies in the last year.

I think the book is a great idea.

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

What an awesome post Toffee!!

We love the UBUNTO philosophy, thank you so much for sharing it with us!!!

Smileys and prayers!
Dory

Anonymous said...

Hi Tammy and Toffe, I think you did a wonderful job on the post!

I think that Fran in New Zealand has a wonderful idea, and your Max Journal is beautiful.

As far as the concept UBUNTU is concerned, I think we need to make it a World Wide Word

UBUNTU


Hugs, Tessa

Josie said...

Tofffe and Tammy, what a beautiful touching post. Thank you for sharing and explaining the concept of Ubuntu. I believe Josie and I have been practicing this without even knowing it. We will try to help spread more knowledge of this "Ubuntu". Please give Max some wet kisses from Josie. Tell Max Josie loves feeding his fish too.

We think Fran's idea of a Memory Book is so grand, especially a hand written one. Your's is so pretty.

And my mom is an avid bird watcher so she says a huge thank you for the photo of the Mother Hoepoe and her chick. Thank you for sharing your beautiful country with us. Much LOVE. Woof soon.

Max is in our hearts and prayers, as always.

sprinkles said...

Hello Toffee, nice to meet you! I'm a new follower so I don't know if you've posted before or not but I enjoyed meeting you! I saw a picture of you over in the sidebar on my first visit here and thought you were just so adorable!!!

You scared me when you were filling in for an ailing Max. I thought something really bad happened since yesterday's post. What a relief that you're just giving him a break!

I love the idea of a memory book!

Unknown said...

Dearest Toffee and Tammy, thank you so much for a wonderful Max update. He's comfortable and he even played a bit. Grrreatest news of my day :)
Thank you for posting about Mandela. My mom was shocked that it's been twenty years!
Kisses and love to the ambassadors of good news and Max and the rest of the family
Twinkie

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Thank you for such a beautiful post. Ubuntu to you too - there is such a wonderful feeling of that collective spirit in our land of blogs - it is very uplifting. Max looks good, glad to see that.

Woos, Phantom and Thunder

TwoSpecialWires said...

First of all, we are really glad to hear that Max is comfortable and showing his strong spirit. It makes us feel good to read that he is "doing well." We expect no less of him. What a warrior he is.

Secondly, we are pleased that "Fran of New Zealand" suggested what she did: the journal of your thoughts and memories of Max. Moma did the same thing with Kizzy, her first wire, whom she lost almost 20 years ago. And with Molly, her second wire, who died in Moma's arms two years ago today. Often through tears, but always with a smile in her heart, Moma pulls those notes out and rereads them from time to time. And when she does, it's as if both Kizzy and Molly are right here in the room. The memories are so strong and the love is no less than when they were alive, padding through the house. You will be soooo grateful for every single little thought or feeling that you jot down.

Stay strong. Enjoy every moment. And know that love continues to embrace you.

Jake and Fergi, MomaSally and NinaGirl xxxxoooo

Asta said...

Toffee and Tammy

you did a most wondewful job of posting today and explaing the meaning of Ubuntu. I do think we doggies know the twoo meaning of this and have fow a long time.
I'm happy max is still having good times and that jouwnal idea fwom Fwn is fantastic. Mommi wishes she would have done that wif my angel sissie nowa and angel bwuvvew Nicky.

We celebwate wif you
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Clive said...

That was such an uplifting and inspiring post! We love the idea of UBUNTU!

The NSLM's remembers well the day Nelson Mandela was released - she was in a tiny little pub in the wilds of the west of Ireland when news came over on the radio about his release. The whole pub celebrated and got drinks 'on the house' from the owner. It was a memorable day!

There is certainly an amazing UBUNTU in our doggie bloggie at the moment.

love from your pals
Clive and the NSLM

Valerie Cummings said...

Oh what a great post!!! We love Ubuntu!!!! Glad to hear about your high spirits and know we are holding Max close to our hearts EVERYDAY! Hugs Joey and Kealani

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Dear Tammy and Toffee
Thank you for explaining to me- the spirit of UBUNTU!
May it be with all of us forever.
I wanted to let you know that I care about you also Tammy and Toffee, and we will walk side by side - holding paws through all the ups and downs we will follow.
Please don't feel alone.
love
tweedles

Two French Bulldogs said...

We are so happy to hear Max the tour guide is not in any pain. The most important thing for him and his family. Tammy I bet you will make a great tour guide. Ask Max what are his secrets. Have a relaxing day
Benny & Lily

Lorenza said...

Hi, Toffee and Tammy!
You did a great job with your post!
Glad to know Max is happy.
Ubuntu sure is a pawesome concept!
My mom can't believe it has been 20 years since Mr. Mandela was released from prision! She remembers that day!
The idea of the book is great.
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

GonetoTheSnowDogs said...

We hope everything works out for Max! We are new to blogging and found your page today. We are now followers, and we hope you will follow us to!

*Hugs and Love* for Max!

KT and Easton said...

Awesome post, worthy of the dignified and brave fur-man called Max. Enjoy these good days. They are so precious. BTW, I think you meant "It was the day our SOUTH AFRICAN nation’s COLLECTIVE SPIRIT "soared" not "soured". Kinda threw me for a second. After reading the entire post, there is no doubt what was meant. Love being educated about Ubuntu. I had no idea. To think of us bloggers having/being Ubuntu is humbling and makes me proud. Thank you so much.

Hero said...

Oh, Max. My family and I have been so busy settling into our new home that I haven't gotten to visit your blog in a while. I didn't realize that you aren't feeling well and I regret that I haven't been here for you these past few weeks. Thank you for sharing the beautiful concept of Ubuntu with us. I hope you realize just how much of a mark you've left on all of our lives through your blog. We love you, Max, and we are here for you through it all!

Persephone and Buster said...

hey max... sending butt bopps and slurps your way and Ubuntu too you too... we're thinking of you in th little state of connecticut --
feel better dude.
theBUSTER , MS. Persephone & Ms. Blue too.

Yas said...

Beautiful philosophy and such a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing it with us Max. We're soo grateful that you are well! Stay healthy and strong!!

Cheers,
Maxx

kissa-bull said...

vewy bewootiful and philosophical post
and we just love seeing pikshures of max being happy
thank you for blogging today you did a pawsome job
pibble sugars
the houston pittie pack

ocmist said...

Yes, we have been listening to all the celebrations honoring Mr. Mandela and telling about the changes that his philosophy has brought about in this world, and we love the spirit of "Ubuntu" and have seen it in the outpouring of love for you, Tammy & Toffee... as well as for Max... For your whole family!

Max looks great in these pictures, and I'm sure you wouldn't REALLY try to take his food if he's a bit slow to eat...

The journal is an interesting idea... one that Mom is thinking about doing for OC...

Thanks again for sharing more about your beautiful country with us! The Corgi Country Crew

Donna said...

That is so awesome. Lots of hugs for u and Max and your familee. :)