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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, April 1, 2010

THE BEAUTY OF EARLY MORNING BONDING...

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!!
 
After two days of rain our dog's desperation for a walk got the better of us and we succumbed to a night-time walk...
 



For "Wet" reasons, THE KING was left behind...


It was made up to him afterwards.... (he insisted!)

(He will always be a LAP-KING!)

A good floor cuddle was handed out to everyone else...



---xXx---

Sometimes I just stare, in wonder and awe,
at this beauiful creature which has landed in my life...
 and I think:...

"How did it happen that he was handed to me?"
"What did I do to possibly deserve him?"

He is quieter nowadays...more serene, but more beautiful than ever!
Somehow, as he's slowly drifting away from life and succumbing to his illness, I am also closer to him than ever before!

In the early morning as I awaken, I call his name and wonder if he's made it through the night.  It's the gentle acknowledging 'thump' of his tail that brings on my own sigh of relief. 
I am so grateful that it virtually brings me to tears.

As I wonder how well he actually is on this brand new day, I pat the bed and call him...

"Max!?"..."Maxi!?"...

Eventually I can hear him slowly standing up at the foot of my bed and then I feel the disturbance of the covers as he quietly crawls up onto the bed. 
Soon he's sneaked up and firmly tucked his body against my side. 

His fur is soft and warm as I lie and stroke him.
I have always marvelled at his golden eyelashes but I can see his eyelids are heavy with the fog of slumber as he settles into a regular breathing pattern.
He soon drifts off to sleep.
I cover him over with the edge of the duvet and quietly whisper:...

"Good morning Max! This is your 54th Day of Grace! "


Wishing all my furry friends a thoughtful, thankful and wonderful Thursday!

Don't forget to hug your companion!


58 comments:

Angus said...

Great to see Max and family out and about after the downpour. Toffee as always is priceless.

doyle and mollie said...

maxmom we love your words, so honest so loving we too hold our breath everytime we see a new post from you, infact when we wake up to... maxdog you rock man 56 days you've made me woof to super strength
loves and licks!

Huskee and Hershey said...

Hi Max (and Mom too!!),

Sorry we haven't been around much lately, but you are never far from our thoughts!

We went through your previous posts and saw the lovely gift from your friends. We LOVE LOVE LOVE the portrait of your handsome face... It is a MAX-TERPIECE indeed!

Hope your 54th day of grace is filled with much love and happiness. :)

(pssst.. our mom wants us to let King Toffee know that he looks adorable in the pic..)

Happy Easter!

Unknown said...

Dear Maxmom, this beautiful post brought tears to my eyes.
I don't know how Max came to you, but all I do know is that he found the best possible place he can call home and the most amazing mom on the planet. You are so lucky to have him and he is lucky to have you too. Enjoy your last days together. May they be more and more beautiful.

Scout and Freyja said...

I, too, often wonder bout the blessing I have received in my life. Good children with solid marriages and the cutest kids ever!

When it comes to my animals - no question - each and everyone of them is a gift from God. It's kind of exciting to know that my dogs and I were made by the same man. Cool!

Dog are so tolerant and patient - especially when we first being them home to live with us - especially if we are in the novice class concerning how to train them.

Sending many good thoughts an little kisses to your pack.

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

And big hugs to all of you too!

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

Just keep enjoying each day ... for Max and yourself.

((((((hugs)))))) for yoo, and healing purrs for Max.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

You make my day everytime I see a post.. This one once again made tears.. What a loving beautiful post.. Hugs GJ xx

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I call moments like you described with Maxdog as "perfect moments" because life seems to stand still and you are in a moment that you will never forget.

Rufus and Indie said...

That was a wonderful post!
Very beautiful! We can't forget to hug them everyday!

Lots of kisses
Rufus and Indie

My Mind's Eye said...

Max and Mom...happy 54th day.
Mom you are truly gifted with words...I so admire your strength...which I expect comes from Max...you two are one.
Beautiful post.
Madi and Mom

the magic sleigh said...

Woooos Max Dog! Your words today are so special they made Mum leak again. Yours is the first blog we check everyday,and the last every night...
You and your Mom are so lucky to have found each other and even more lucky to have found the friends and support woo both have.
~husky kisses for your 54th day of Grace~
-Kira TheBeaWootiful

Amber-Mae said...

Hey Max & gang! It's been raining a lot over here too so it's difficult for us to go for our walkies. How have you been?

Love licks & Hugs,
Solid Gold Dancer

Unknown said...

Hi Max - I have been going for a lot of night time walks recently too! Not because it's raining but because it's cooler! PLus all these interesting creatures come out after dark - like possums and lizards - it makes the walk so much mroe exciting!

So happy to see you still enjoying life and going for walks!

Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! MAX ... after the rain n night time walk is always FUN. Always happy to see you. Have a wonderful day. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Anonymous said...

Happy 54th Day of Grace, Max the Magnificent! Your momma's words made me give my mom some extra luvings this morning. I thinks we should all appreciate every day with the ones we luvs as much as your momma appreciates her days with you!

Wiggles & Wags!
Mayzie

Pip said...

Toffee looks like he's in jail behind the gate.
Happy 54 Max, may it be a joyous day for you and your pack!
TK

houndstooth said...

We had rain one day last week, and you'd have thought that we invented it as a cruel torture for dogs! I'm sure Max and Tammy were thrilled to finally get their walk.

I love those little I love you rituals!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

A stroll in the night air is always so invigorating. And who wouldn't love a lap snuggle - lucky Toffee!!!

Mom always wondered when she came down in the morning what she would find with Dakota and that wonderful thumping tail sound always brought a big sigh of relief. Lovely and lovable Mas - God bless him

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Jacqueline said...

Lovely to see you guys enjoyed the evening walk...Your post made me cry today; you brought me back 5+ years to the days of my Nikki's illness=I went through the very same thing with her, the same actions and feelings in her last weeks with me...It never leaves you=you feel close to them forever; you are sharing a powerful, precious time together...Blessings and light to you all, comfort and peace.

Ina in Alaska said...

Wishing peaceful rest and sweet dreams to the Magnificent Maxdog. and Mom too. xoxo

KB said...

You describe the feelings so perfectly. I have the same morning ritual with my K. It's wonderful. I'll hug her for you today. Thanks for the inspiration. Enjoy the day with Max!

How Sam Sees It said...

We wish you many more days of grace. The early morning snuggles are the best, aren't they?

Sam

Piappies World said...

Hello Max!

Another great day with you and your loved ones. Truly a blessing to have you. As we observe Holy Week here in the Philippines, we say a special prayer for you tonight and always.

-Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar & the Piappies

Cloud the Wonder Dog said...

Max, my mom thinks things like that about me. We are both so grateful to be in each others lives.
I can see you are growing more and more beautiful with each day of grace. As the body becomes more transparent, your sweet spirit shines even brighter.
We love you!

Cloud and his mom

Sheila and Bob said...

Happy Easter Max.

We are so happy that you continue to receive your days of grace.

"May the Lord Bless you and Keep you, may he make his face shine on you and give you peace"


Hamish & Sophie

Anna the GSD said...

Toffee, you're pretty smart, belly rubs are the BEST!!

Mr. Max, snuggling in bed in the morning is one of my favorite things too. I love to make it as HARD as possible to make mom get out of bed in the mornings making her late for work, but its worth every minute!! Hugs and kisses!

brooke said...

Happy 54th Day of grace Maxdog!
King Toffee certainly is the king with lap time belly rubs!

Happy April to you all!

Golden Samantha said...

Happy 54th Day of Grace, Sweet Max. LOVE hearing about the morning snuggles with Mom - nothing like it - you just look so cozy and beautiful there - and that's the truth, which you paw so incredibly beautifully!
Huge Hugs and Love xoxoxo
Sammie and Mom

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

Here's to another pawesome day fur woo and fur us!

Thanks fur sharing
again
and
again
and
yet again!

Hugz to YOU!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Mack and Mia said...

Your momma words are so sweet and so powerful. Our momma is over here leaking at her desk in the middle of the work day!

Happy 54th day of grace handsome boy! There is really so much love out in the world for you Max dog, you can't even imagine...

Always thinking of you dear boy. rest easy.

Wags and Woofs,
Mack and Mia

LadyFi said...

Such beautiful words that bring tears to the eye.

May the grace continue.

Molly the Airedale said...

The tears are slowing rolling down mom's cheeks.
We love you, Max!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Anonymous said...

Happy 54th Day of Grace Maxdog!

You are LOVED by more people and pups that you can imagine! Us included!

Hugs and kisses, Tessa

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

Another beautiful post Max's mom!
Max & Tammy, we don't normally go fur night walks, we go in the late evening just before sunset.

Sam & June

Two French Bulldogs said...

aaahhh...bonding is good
Benny & Lily

Lorenza said...

I love your post.
I wish you all a happy and relaxing day!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

the booker man said...

snuggling under the covers with my pups is one of my most cherished things, too. enjoy your special time with maxdog. :)

the booker man's mama

meowmeowmans said...

Another beautiful and touching post. Happy 54th Day of Grace to all of you. We love you!

BRUTUS said...

No shortage of hugs here! And extra ones leftover to share with you (((( )))))
Have a great day, Max!

Snorts-
Brutus the Frenchie

KT and Easton said...

Gooooooo Max, keep churning, we are watching and send loves for you to enjoy the closeness of your life everyday. Appears to us you are doing that just fine!!

Best sloppy kisses (from Lady) and belly rubs - KT

sprinkles said...

Another beautiful post! I often wonder what I ever did to deserve my little ones too!

I appreciate them so much more now. My friends are busy shopping, going to movies, going out to dinner, etc. Things that I can't do because I don't have $. So the only constant in my life right now is my little chi's. They are there for me every single day and they love me just the way I am. And I love them just the way they are too!

I know they won't be around forever and I don't want to think of a time when they aren't here. Much too sad. And I'll be just as sad when it's Max's time too.

The Life of Riley said...

Thank you for reminding us to appreciate every special doggie-human moment.

My mum just gave me an extra big hug after reading your post - and said we are thinking of you and sending you and your mom even bigger hugs through cyber-space on your 54th day of grace.

Luv Riley

Mrs. JP said...

I'm praising God for you MAX and for your Mom especially for writing this wonderful post. We like floor hugs. They all take full advantage of me being at their eye level.

Amy & the house of cats said...

Hi Maxdog and Maxmom and every other doggie! We are happy that this is day 54! We are like Jacqueline - this one made us tear up too. But we know that you are appreciating every moment you have with Max!

Sending purrs and prayers!!

DILLIGAF said...

Maximus Spittimus would like to point out that he is not barking at you 'cause he can't.

He has now met dogs and is pleased they know their place...;-)

Four Dinners
Aide de Camp
http://maximusspittimus.blogspot.com

Clive said...

Max

We love your Mom's post today! We are so happy that you are still having your early morning hugs in bed!

Every morning the NSLM creeps into his Mom's bed for a hug and I follow! We delay everything ... but it's so worth it! We keep thinking the NLSM will grow out of wanting to hug in bed every morning but its doesn't seem so ... and in fact we don't want him too! It's our favourite part of the day!

take care Max
love from
Clive

Unknown said...

Your description of waking up and checking to see if Max is okay...gripped us hard.
Cheers to another day!
Twinkie

Anonymous said...

Your writing is so beautiful. I feel good every time I visit your site. You and your babies bring a lot of joy to us out here.

54th day of grace. That sweet,sweet boy. I know your love for him has proably given him the will to live. Everyday you look forward to seeing him so I know he looks forward to his days with you.

Glad he's doing well. King Toffee looks so cute in that pic where he's on his back. Good pic.

D.K. Wall said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes, but in a very positive way. I am fortunate. The Herd are all currently healthy and you remind me that it will not always be that way. Today, I hug each of them, spend time snuggling with them, and thank them for gracing me with their presence. What a great present you have given me - the knowledge to enjoy what I have.

Keep fighting, Dear Max!

Ms. ~K said...

You and Max are lucky to have each other...
Enjoy and cherish each morning!
Hugs,
Kit

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Sometimes, I too wish that time could stand still.
I watched a sunrise and I wanted it to last forever- just like we wish Max could stay forever.
Your words are in my heart. I hear you talk and I feel your words.
Max knows your heart.
If only time stood still.
I send my kisses and love

love
tweedles

Teal'c said...

Hi Max and Maxmom - we just stopped by to wish you a Happy Easter! We are glad that everything is fine and Max is having a good time.
Slobbers Teal'c

Anya said...

Lovely touching words !!!

Have a

W_O_N_D_E_R_F_U_L

E_A_S_T_E_R

Kareltje =^.^=
Anya & Family

Cheyenne -Millie said...

We love this post. Mom gave us all special loves tonight. Especially Monty.

Dean Grey said...

(((HUGS))) to Max and his mom!

-Dean

Anonymous said...

Hey Everyone (Max, Tammy, Tommy, Toffee, Ms. Caryl and The Boss),
That's a GReat morning routine. Shelby wakes dad up in the morning by washing his face for him and then Abby and J.E.B. want morning belly rubs to get the blood circulating. Jubal wants more shuteye and Sophie wants her breakfast NOW!. Radar wants to go out and so does Jack. Max and Shiloh are down in the kennel singing to the neighborhood. Dad actually has to get up 1.5 hours before he has to leave the house in order to go through all of the animal chores; feedin g dogs and cats, deciding whether it's and in side crate day or an outside paddock and pen day cuz both him and mom might be gone for quite a while; mom doesn't have classes on Friday this semester and dad get every other Friday off as well. Fortunately we don't have to go for walks because we can run to hearts content in the paddock; the Newfs don't need much exercise so a little time out of their pen and in the paddock while we're eating is sufficient.
We are always concerned about Max's welfare and comfort and always keep him close top our hearts and in our prayers. We hope you all are well today and for many days to come.
- TBH&K

Anonymous said...

Hi dear Max. Guess what? This is your daughter, Jody, from Brakpan. You and my Mom, Polly, are my heroes. I have to tell you that my human Mom, Daphne, has told me all about you. She thinks you are the very best Golden Retriever ever! Be strong, Dad, and hang in there as long as possible. You sre so special, and by being so brave you are giving hope and lots of tailwags to all the other dogs out there who are also ill, with this horrible disease called cancer.
With lots of licks from your 'little' girl, Jody (and my two children who live with me, Shilo and Loftus)