"MAXDOG" is now available on Amazon.com!!
Click HERE for the 'Print-on-Demand' version
Click HERE for the Kindle (USA) version
Click HERE for the Kindle (UK) version
Caryl Moll's author page on Amazon, click HERE

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

Friday, March 12, 2010

"MKHULU...GRANDFATHER!"

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!!

"RUFFITWOOD DANCING SPRING"

(It's MAXDOG's 10th Birthday TODAY!!! )

Dear Friends

Thank you so much for all your wonderful wishes which have come my way today!

Its magical that we share our warmth across our globe.!.

(The power of the internet is magical!)

and I am so thankful!...and blessed!

Yes, today is a great occasion for me!

MAXDOG has defied the odds and reached this, his

34th DAY OF GRACE....

I want to celebrate this special day with him in my own special way!

When something is heavy on my heart, I pour it out in my poetry...

I have written a poem to commemorate this day. It is a short poem about the heart of a dog, in Africa, who reaches out to both me and the world.

As you know, South Africa has 13 official languages. The reason is that we are indeed a

RAINBOW NATION!

...with many languages, cultures, religious affiliations and colours.

So, it is apt that I use a few 'African words' in this poem too!

MAXDOG

is a dog of Africa...!










“MKHULU!”

Resonance of ancient , African rhythm:
In the heartbeat of my dog!:
“Mkhulu!” , ” Tsebo!” , “Plod on!”

The dawn of his fading light
carves my way to my Maker.
“Mkhulu!”, “Tsebo!”, “Wisdom!”

Pleading! Behind the Gold , my calls for more!
“Mkhulu! Tsebo! Don’t go!”

Snippets of Wisdom are spared for me...?
“Mkhulu!”, “Tsebo!”, “Diboko!”

...across the seas in lands unknown?
“Mkhulu!”, “Diboko!”, it is done!

A Golden light, always shining in the hearts of One!
“Mkhulu!” “Tsebo!”
“DIBOKO!”

Caryl Moll
12th March 2010
---xXx---


A NOTE OF EXPLANATION:

“MKHULU” = means Grandfather (Xhosa)

“DIBOKO” = means PRAISES (Sesotho)

“TSEBO” = means KNOWLEDGE or wisdom(Sesotho)

You might ask...

What's the significance of these three words?

Well...'TSEBO' (Knowledge) and 'DIBOKO' (Praises) are the African names which were given to my two daughters when they were babies.

"MKHULU"(Grandfather/Wisdom) is fast becoming the African name which I'd like to associate with MAXDOG!

These special three souls are my children!


"MKHULU"

With love and licks for a wonderful, happy and sunny weekend!


MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA

---xXx---

BREAKING NEWS!!!:...

"THE ADVENTURES OF MAXDOG" has been featured on the BBCWorld service as well as on "Blogworld" as part of the BBC series "The power of the internet". 12 minutes of video footage has been converted into a short 32second clip which you can see on the link:

BBC BLOGWORLD

(You may also leave a comment there if you wish!)

78 comments:

WFT Nobby said...

A beautiful poem Caryl. Your wonderful, expressive gifts once again have been put to such excellent use.
Thank you, and, again, Happy Birthday Max!
Gail.

Chester said...

Happy, Happy Birthday Max! May you receive many more days of grace. We love you and are glad to have met.
We also love seeing the pictures of your beautiful country.
A truly Golden post!

Chester and Mom ;0-)

Anya said...

♩ ♬ Happy Birthday to you ♪ ♫
♩ ♬ Happy Birthday to you ♪ ♫
♪ ♫ Happy Birthday Dear MAX ♬ ♪
♪ ♫ Happy Birthday to you ....
Yeahhhhhh :-)

(Thanks for the wonderful poem Caryl its "Wow" )

Hugs & Love
from
Kareltje and Anya :-)

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

Happy, Happy Birthday, Dear Max. We are so glad to be sharing this day with you, and send you all of our love from France.

We have already visited the BBC site and left a comment!

Woofs, Purrs and Hugs,
Tommy, Tama-Chan, Sei-Chan, Yuu-Chan, Bibi-Chan and #1

kks said...

happy birthday Maxdog!!!! you are famous! (we already knew that) loved the clip!
xoxo

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

You've written a beautiful and touching poem about a special Golden that has touched all of our hearts.

I've said this before and I think it bears repeating, "thank-you for sharing Max with all of us!" I wish him a Happy, Happy 10th Birthday!! (My apologies for yesterday, when I said "9," it was an early hour...) Enjoy your weekend together!!

Unknown said...

We're so glad you got your clip to be aired!
Happy birthday dear Max!!

Kasha The Dainty Great Dane said...

Happy Birthday MaxDog and thanks for sharing the lovely pictures and the poem with all of us. You have such an amazing mom Maxdog.

AARF Kasha the Dainty Great Dane

Ruby and Penny said...

Happy Birthday Max
May bones rain from the sky!!
Love Ruby & Penny

Piappies World said...

Happy barkday, Maxdog
Happy barkday Maxdog
Happy barkday happy barkday
Happy barkday Maxdog!

That's a really beautiful poem, Maxdog Mom. We pray that you be blessed with more happy days.

We love you!

-Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Scrappy & Bullet

Angel Tucker, Daisy and Leo said...

Happy birthay, sweet Max. We hope that you are happy and comfortable and have many more days of grace.

Tucker and Daisy

P.S. The cows in the pictures we posted last week are a mix of old and new. We posted the bigger ones last year, but the calves are from this year.

Jake of Florida said...

I love those African words -- they seem to have so much power and meaning.

And I loved, loved, loved seeing you and hearing your voice on the little BBC blog clip!!

Remember when Hillary Clinton said it takes a village to raise a child? Well here we are with our own village to raise our dogs (and in some way, ourselves!)

xx

Joan, Jake and Just Harry's mom

houndstooth said...

Happiest of Birthdays, Max! We're celebrating today in your honor.

Your mom's poem is just beautiful!

We're so excited for you as you get to be on the news! We never doubted you were a celebrity!

Bunny

Anonymous said...

Oh, gosh! I don't even have the words to tell you how Most Beautiful that poem is. Thank you for sharing it with us!

AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAX! I hope you have a wonderful, warm, cuddly day. You deserves it!

And yippee about the film! That is Most Exciting!

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

KB said...

Happy Birthday, dear beloved MaxDog!

What a beautiful and soulful poem that captured your spirit. Enjoy your special day with your human and dog family!

I loved the clip on BBC!

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Happy Bifday Maxdog! We are sending over our golden hugs and sloppy kisses to you. Sam & June

Caryl, that poem is beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us. YD

Ina in Alaska said...

Singing Happy Birthday with happy tears in our eyes in Anchorage Alaska, Max is strong! xoxo Ina, Toby, Ginger, Jeter and Halle

Mack and Mia said...

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAXDOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Momma is over here leaking after reading your moms wonderful and beautiful poem!

We really are so happy to have met you and are even happier that you are blessing us day after day.

Rest easy pal and have a pawsome day!!

Wags and Woofs,
Mack and Mia

Emma Rose said...

Happy Birthday Max, my friend!

Kisses,
Emma Rose

Stella said...

Happy Birthday, Max! We can thank your Mom too for the gift of her poetry and sharing you with us.

Happy 34th Day of Grace and Birthday blessings, Max!

Kisses,
Stella

Carmen S. said...

Heard through the grapevine that a special fur-coated angel has a birthday today, HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet Max, you are too cute:)

Angus said...

Have just seen the clip on BBC World. Absolutely wonderful. And Moliere ? The French playwright who said ' Reason is not what decides love'.

The WriggleButts said...

Happy 10th birthday, Max! And what a lovely poem.

Bajas, Virus & Hyssing

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY MAX!!

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

A furry furry Happy 10th purrday to you MaxDog!!

from your feline pal in Florida in the US...

purr on
Abby

SASS....Sammy Andy Shelly Sierra said...

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Max. We pray it will be a very special day for you. We continue to pray for you. xxxxxxxxxxxx

MySpecialDoggies said...

Happy 10th Birthday dear Max! Thanks to your Mom for such wonderful postings about you and your beautiful country! Thank you for sharing this wonderful doggie with us.
Hugs & kisses
Nadine, rescue doggie Apples & golden Neeli

Mrs. JP said...

Hey MAX, go over to our blog and see the birthday wishes from us to big ole you. We love you and your pack.
Hope you get especially special treats.
Lovely poem.

MurphyDog said...

Oh what a SPECIAL day!!

It is not just your Mom who is blessed to still have you in her life, all of us doggie blogpals are enjoying each and every day of your grace.

Happy Barkday Max!

wags, wiggles & birthday slobbers
Murphydog

pee esss. I hope you get lots of good foodables today!

Jacqueline said...

Happy, Happy Birthday, sweet Max!!...Those are lovely pictures and I hope you enjoy a wonderful day with your family...I left a comment on the BBC Blogworld page; I loved the video!...Wishing you many, many, many more days of peaceful grace...Blessings and love to you and your family always.

brooke said...

Happy 10th Birthday Maxdog!
We are all blessed by you and your mom!
We are so glad every day we see you enjoying another day of grace. And especially on a special day as your birthday!

McGillicutty said...

Mkhulu, me lad!!! What's shakin'? Happy Belated Barkday!!! I hope you had a great one, because you deserve the best indeed!!! And, now, your celebrity status is spreading?!!! OMD, how great is that?! Me Barkday is coming up on the 16th of this month. I was 30 minutes from being born on St. Paddy's Day!!!

Caryl, what a sweet poem! Me mom got leaky eyes again. You guys take care!!!

Irish Love,
McG

Molly the Airedale said...

Happy 10th birthday, Max!
We LOVED the video clip!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Moose said...

Hippo birdie two ewe Max! As always another lovely post and the poem was beautiful!! I can't believe your mom made it to the BBC! She did a great job representing our suburb of the internets.
Moose + Momma

Scout and Freyja said...

Happy bark-day, sweetness. We are so thrilled that you are with your momma to celebrate such a great milestone in your life.

Going on over to watch the movie! Do we need to take popcorn☺

Cloud the Wonder Dog said...

Happy Birthday, my dear sweet friend - MKHULU...Grandfather... it is so fitting. Your grace and your wisdom shine like the sun.
Max and Caryl, we are deeply honored to call you our friends.

All our love,
Cloud and Kat (mom)

PS. Congrats on being featured on "Blogworld!" It was so wonderful to hear your voice, and to see Max trotting around! :-)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, your the talk of the internet!

My Mind's Eye said...

Dear Max lots of celebrating today to honor your 34th day of Grace and your 10th birthday!!! Your pictures are beautiful today with you standing in the glow of the sun beams. Mom's poem is so very touching. Happy birtyday sweet boy,
Madi and Mom

Scout and Freyja said...

Max! Just checked. You now have 200 followers! WOO-HOO!

BRUTUS said...

What a momentous day! Hope it is your happiest birthday ever, Max!! You are a miracle :)

Just watched your BBC video, how fun it was to see your momma in living color! And of course you are a superstar yourself! It would be our honor to send a Flat Brutus to such a deserving guy, so have you momma send your address. Maybe the post will recognize what a special doggy you are and get it there ASAP!!

Michelle & Brutus

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

What a pawesome way to celebrate a furry furry furry special furiend!

Happy Barkday Wise Max!

We are honoured to be able to khome to your pawty of furiends from around the world!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie
PeeEssWoo: Now we are headed to chekhk the video!

Jans Funny Farm said...

We're so happy Max is able to celebrate his birthday with you today!

Happy Birthday, Max!

Thanks for sharing the photos and the poem.

KK said...

Happy birthday!!

kissa-bull said...

oh maxie poo happy happy barkday darling
even thougth we just met a couple of months ago we have grown to love you so much max and we pray for you everynite the whole pittie pack just adores you .
we send you extra slobbery pibble kisses wiff a strawberry on top just cause of your barkday ok??
mmmmuuuaaahhhh!!!!!!!

Pip said...

Happy birthday Max.
"MKHULU" is indeed very appropriate.
Congrats on the BBC- well deserved.

Enjoy your speshul day my friend.
TK

Joy said...

Happy Birthday, MAXdog, and I pray for many more! You are beautiful!

Golden Samantha said...

Oh what a special day, Max. We feel so fortunate too, to be able to wish you Happy Birthday on this 34th Day of Grace. Your Mama's poem is just exquisite - Caryl; you are incredibly gifted as a poet, writing for this amazingly special dog with an "old soul" - MKHULU. How we loved seeing your interview and vid clip - again, your Mum is so beautifully articulate - just love the printed quote about the Internet - what a voice! We love you so much dear Max - again, Happy, happy Birthday to you!
Big Hugs xoxxoxoxoxoxo,
Sammie

pibble said...

Max, you mom takes the most breathtaking photos! What a spectacular way, along with her heartfelt writings, to honor you on your birthday, you sweet, sweet boy. Hugs and kisses to you!

Dog Foster Mom said...

Happy Birthday Max!

Kate said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAXDOG

Koda MD

Amy & the house of cats said...

Happy Happy 10th Birthday Max!!

Ok, so now we must of course sing you our favorite birthday tune!!

What day is today?
It's Max's Birthday!
What a day for a Birthday!!
Let's all have some cake!!

We hope you have a wonderful, happy birthday Max!

And Caryl that is a wonderful poem for Max! We are still sending him tons of purrs and prayers!

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Happy birthday Max!!!!! We are so glad you are getting so many days of grace!

the booker man said...

happy birthday, dear mr. max!!!
what a wonderful poem.
*woof*
the booker man

The Army of Four said...

Happy birthday, Max!!!!!
Tail wags,
Storms

Dexter said...

Happy Birthday, Max! That was totally cool that you got on the BBC!

Slobbers,
Mango

The Life of Riley said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Life of Riley said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Life of Riley said...

Happy birthday Max. I'm so pleased your 34th day of grace has allowed you to celebrate your birthday with your mom, Tammy, Toffee, Tommy and all your blog friends from around the world.

A special poem about you and apperaing on the BBC website today - that's Pawsome. Mum and I loved seeing the video of you all.

Love Riley

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

What a lovely poem.. Happy Birthday Max...

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Happy Happy Birthday Max.

XOXO
The Rocky Creek Gang

Paco,Milo, Maya and mommy Simona said...

Happy happy happy birthday dear MAx!!!!
WE LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!

SquirrelQueen said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX!

Max, you are an inspiration to us all, we wish your many, many more days of grace. You are in our thoughts always.

Deborah said...

Hey Happy Birthday Max. It's Scotters birthday too! My Maine Coon Cat is Three years old today! Yeah, it's a good day!!!
xxoo
Deborah

PS I'm going to watch the video later, I have to run out for a while but I wanted to check in!

Unknown said...

Mkhulu birthday boy! Max was determined to celebrate his birthday. I love it! And the BBC thing came through. Wow I'll go check it out now. Happy birthday sweet Max. Make every day count! Mwah, we love you!!!
Twinkie and family

sprinkles said...

Happy Birthday Max!!!!!!

I'm so proud you made it to 34 days of grace! You make my heart smile. :)

Beautiful poem, Caryl!

I'm sooooo excited you're going to be featured on that BBC program! Thank you for providing the link. I finally downloaded the correct version of Flash Player so I can watch videos online again so I can't wait to see this.

Koobuss said...

Hi Max,

My name is Koobuss and I am a wire fox terrier.

I want to wish you a very happy 10th birthday and lots of good days ahead!


Love and Koobuss Kisses,
Koobie

Ruby Red Dog said...

Happy Birthday, Max! I'm just 2 days older than you. Your mum has a way with words, doesn't she? What a honor to have such a poem written for you.

Two French Bulldogs said...

Happee special birthday tour guide Max
Luv
Benny & Lily

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Happy Birthday, Max. We hope you had a wonderful day. We know it was certainly a love-filled day. Many wishes to you from all of us for much happiness.

Congrats on making it to the BBC. You and your Mom should be very proud.

And Mom, just one beautiful sweet poem.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Duffy said...

Happy Birthday, Max! All the very best on your special day. And you got to be on the BBC!!!! Woo woo!
Luv,
Duffy

Bocci said...

Happy Birthday, Max! You are a beautiful dog! And thanks so much for the gorgeous pictures. I would love to visit South Africa one day-it's a goal of my Parental Unit to visit somewhere on the continent!
I would be so thrilled if you would become a "Follower" of Bocci's Beefs at: www.boccibeefs.blogspot.com
So glad to see you're doing well!

Your buddy,
Bocci

Asta said...

Sweet Dawling Max
I am celebwating you and youw Biwfday evewy moment!!!
Thank you fow all you have given me
MKHULU, and 'TSEBO

DIBOKO to you and youw wondewful Moma.

Caryl, your poem is beautiful, it sings to my heart..thank you!!

I loved seeing you on the clip from the BBC..I'm so glad you were given the attention.
love and hugs to you
Ami

Smoochie kisses from ASTa

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Max ,
Your mama has such a beautiful way with words, and the poem she wrote for you is pawsomely touching.
The words are so true and ment for you my dear friend.
Thank you for allowing me to come to this special 10th birthday of yours.
Your one special pal.
Congratulations for the special being aired on BBCWorld service
love
tweedles

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

I tried to leave this yesterday but blogger was playing me up.. HAPPY HAPPY birthday.. I hope you had a brilliant one.. Your mum does the most lovely posts and this one was no exception. Hugs GJ xxx

Lorenza said...

Glad you had a nice day celebrating your big day, Max!
I love your mom's poem!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

the magic sleigh said...

Woooo Wooo WOoooos!
Happy Happy Happy Birthday to WOOOOO!
Loved the poem!
We watched the BBC video of famous fabulous woo!

-Kira The BeaWootiful

Anonymous said...

Hey Max and gang,
A very happy and cherished 10th birthday wish to you from all of us Bumpass Hounds and Kitties. Your life and wisdom are an inspiration to so many throughout the world. Your mom's poem is so appropriate given the relationship that you two share. We have watched the BBC video piece and wish only that it were longer. Your selection by the BBC reflects well on the BBC reputation for integrity and purposeful documentary. We are thankful that you have reached ten and only wish you 10 years and 1 day and then 10 years and 2 day days through to 11 years. We still hold you close in our hearts, thoughts an prayer. We, like so many others worldwide, love you Max Dog.
- TBH&K

ocmist said...

Woofs and Happy Birthday Corgi dances to you, dear Max! We are so happy for you to have gotten a chance to be on the BBC because we KNOW what a great representative of good things and blessings you are to those who see and learn about you and your Mom!

That poem was just totally awesome! Mom was so glad the translations were on there. She reread it several times to just let the deep meanings sink into her heart. Your Mom truly has a gift with words from whatever country she chooses to write from!

Linda, OC and the CCC