"MAXDOG" is now available on Amazon.com!!
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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

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

A TIME TO BE QUIET...

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!!

MAXMOM here... 


There is a time for everything,
And a season for every activity under heaven:

A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

---xXx---

“THE ADVENTURES OF MAXDOG”

...has always been about positivity:
 Sharing, Caring and Uplifting!

When dealing with a terminally ill dog, it is difficult to remain objective. Emotions are high and subjective and often reflect negativity no matter how hard one tries. I am aware that this blog has far and wide-reaching effects in cyberspace and really hope that when Max has finally left us, it will serve to remain true, in its entirety, to its constant vision of Sharing, Caring and Uplifting, even though it will then be stagnant.
This is to be Max's legacy.

I am feeling more and more, that it is coming to the time where I need to ‘be quiet’ in terms of this particular blog and its posts.... NOT to withdraw from the doggie-blogging community entirely, but simply to take time out to be close to my family and my dogs. I will however still be active on my personal blog.

I give you my commitment to advise you when Max eventually leaves us. I have no idea when that will be – we cannot predict these things. Either way, this is our time...
...to simply be quiet.

I hope you understand and will remember just how much I love and appreciate all my friends.
With love


The details of my personal blog:
"MAXMOM's BRIC-A-BRAC"

77 comments:

Lushorama said...

Thinking of you all...xxx

pibble said...

We're all with you and Max (and Tammy and Toffee and everyone) whether you're "on blog" or not. Max needs you most right now; be with him. Lots of love to you all.

Anya said...

Touching but beautiful words!!

I understand you 100 %
Take care ......
take all the time you need .....
Blogging takes to many time I know what you mean ;)
Its addictive !!
When I started with blogging
I made everyday a new post,
now only two posts weekly ;)
its enough ;)

Take car
Max & Mom

Hugs
Kareltje =^.^=
Anya :)

Unknown said...

Take all the time you need to be with your family. Your blog has had such a huge effect on all of us, and we will miss you lots. But we'll be sure to visit your personal blog at times.

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

Of course we understand. Sometimes, you just need to be there quietly with those you love. We'll keep our eye on your personal blog, and think of you all often. May Max's journey continue to be peaceful and filled with love.

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

Dexter said...

Of course we understand. You will be in our hearts and thoughts. Spend all the time you can with wonderful Max and the rest of the family.

Mango Momma

P.S. Portrait looks super!

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

oHHHHHHHHHHHHH DEAR CARYL AND MAX.....
We understand you....how we couldn't???
You left us tons of wonderful emotions.....we cried with you....we smiled with you.....we hoped with you.....we prayed with you...we created a special group of people jointed thanks to love for your Max....you have done miracle thanks to your love.....

Now you need time to stay with your Sweet Max and your family..
we'll be here for you always everywhere you'll be!!!!!!!

Hoping Max's journey could be still very long we send you all our Love!!!!
We'll keep you in our hearts....in our prayers and in all our thoughts!!!!!!!

Take care of you dear dear friends!!!!!

Furever friends!!!!

Paco,Milo & Maya and me!!!!!

MySpecialDoggies said...

Dear Caryl
You and Max are in our thoughts and prayers always. I know the feelings you're experiencing as I'm going through similar ones with Apples.
May God bless you and Max with more good times together.
Hugs & kisses,
Nadine, Apples & Neeli

Kea said...

Sending you all love and Light and wishing you Blessings and Peace.

houndstooth said...

Of course we understand! You need special time to be together and sometimes, sitting down to write about it can just be overwhelming. I still feel that way sometimes when I write about Treat or Hawk. We wish you much peace and happy memories to hold in your heart!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Maxmom...of course we understand! You must do what you feel is right for yourself and your family. Just know how much our hearts are with yours during this quiet time.

With love,
Amber - Mayzie's mom

My Mind's Eye said...

Max and Mom we most certainly do understand. As I've said many times, I have been amazed by your strength during Max's illness. I've seen two pets to the end and I know how very hard it is emotionally...thank you for sharing this very personal time with all of us. I've grown to love Max as if he were my own. Give him a hug from Madi and Mom

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Caryl, I know the peace, calm and quiet of this season, and the reverence that comes with it. Know that along with my prayers for Digby, they are also being said for you and your family.

KB said...

I understand the need for quiet now. I hope that you find peace in a quiet time with your family and especially MaxDog. We'll be thinking of you.

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

We totally understand. This is the time you need to be with your family and this is the time when Maxdog needs you.
We'll be thinking of you.

YD and the girls.

A MilShelb Mom said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers. The most important thing is to take care of you and your family and your furry babies.

the magic sleigh said...

We will always be here fur woo!
Husky Hugs and Kisses!

-Kira The BeaWootiful

How Sam Sees It said...

We understand. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Maxdog and the family. We wish you many more wonderful days together!

Sam

How Sam Sees It said...

We understand. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Maxdog and the family. We wish you many more wonderful days together!

Sam

Nika + PARKER said...

What a beautiful post that brings tears to my eyes. Wishing you all the strength, enjoy your time together and we ARE thinking of you and of course we understand!

Nika + Parker

Scout and Freyja said...

It is entirely understandable that you and your family are having a very difficult time with the decline of Max's health. I can't even begin to imagine how stressful it must be to take photos of someone you love dearly and to post each day to volumes of people who come to a blog to see whether or not your darling dog is still among the living.

You and Max have a very rough road ahead of you - and one that should remain private. Times to sit in the sun on the grass and to hold a head and stroke an ear and to receive a little kiss. Time to just lay together - bodies touching each other - and to feel each other breathe.

When we give birth that event is a very personal family event. When we die it should be that way as well.

My heart is with you. My prayers are with you. My immense sadness is with you. There will not be a minute that you and Max will be out of my heart and mind and prayers.

Sheila and Bob said...

We truly understand and offer you peace and comfort.
Hold close to these days and let Max, Tammy & Toffee and your whole family feel the love which Max has given you and you to him.
We will all be here, silently praying and holding all of you in our hearts.

Our only regret is that we wish we would have known Max and your family sooner

Take comfort in knowing we never really lose those we truly love because they always stay to watch over us as little angels.

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;

* they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
* they shall run and not be weary,
* they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40.28-31)

All Our Love,

Sheila & Bob,
Hamish & Rescue Sophie

RILEY AND STAR MY MALTESEKIDS said...

God bless you and Max and enjoy the quiet time with him. Every second is precious!

Come back to us when you are ready, we'll still be here.

We love you and appreciate your friendship so much and our prayers are always with you.

Love,
Riley and Star and mommy too.

Pip said...

Dearest Max,
It is a proud and powerful legacy, these lessons you have given to us, fueled by your mom's amazing prose.
We understand the need to 'be still'. To watch; to feel; to be no more or less- in a moment. Time transcendent.
As you move forward remember that the love goes with you on ribbons of light connecting your heart to ours. Always.
Love TK, Squashies and TK's mommy

Asta said...

While I'm sad to think that I will not see you every day, I so understand.
you need to be together, quietly savouring the days and hours together.
We are here for you always, and think of you with love and care.

Max , you awe in my heawt fuwwevew..thank you fow all you have taught me
smoochie kisses
ASTA and mommi

Piappies World said...

Dear Caryl & Max,

Whether we read a new post from you or not, we think of you and Max everyday. We will continue to join you in celebrating Max's days of grace.

It is true that your love for Max and his pack goes beyond your blog and each precious moment you have with Max is very important.

We will always be here...

Love lots,


-Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai, Wai-Max & the Piappies

Mrs. JP said...

We completely understand and agree. This is the time to focus on things close to you. Please know that we are still in prayer for your and Max's peace and comfort until you tell us not to.
We will be regulars wherever you post.
We are quiet here in the holler with you. Unless a truck goes by and then we must bark!!

JC said...

I am so sorry ...
I've been through this process and so know what it's all about.
May you all be at Peace ..
He's had a marvelous life.

Unknown said...

Dear Maxmom,
ur words were very moving.Can feel the pain u anticipate thinking of Max's Departure.
He is however very much here, here beautiful, soulful self.
Just enjoy these days with him.He definitely needs u now.
May u find the strenght to let him go when the time comes.

Andrea said...

Blessings, hugs, and prayers,
andrea

Jacqueline said...

My heart hurts for you, Caryl and Max and all your family; I realize time must be winding down in this sad journey and I am so sorry for the heartbreak you all are experiencing...You guys are in my prayers; blessings to Max and his extraordinary soul...When there are no words left, love remains.

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

We understand. Please know that while yoo are quiet, we are still thinking abowt Maxdog and yoo all ~ and sending yoo our love and purrs. We can understand yoor need for privacy and time owt completely. Take care. Give Maxdog our love for his big journey (whenever that will be).

Molly the Airedale said...

We understand and we love you all!

Maggie & Mitch

Golden Samantha said...

Beautifully and poignantly said and we completely understand. We will be thinking of you lots.
xoxoxoxo,
Sammie and family

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and MaxDog.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Kari said...

You are in our hearts and in our prayers. Our love to you.

Sally Ann and Andy said...

We understand. Be strong!
Sally Ann

Moose said...

I do understand and know that the rest of us bloggers are here to love and support however you choose to handle it. I think it is wonderful to cherish time together and we all know that blogging takes time.
I hope you find lots of comfort and peace with your pack and please give Max some love from Moose & I!

WFT Nobby said...

Peace to all of you at the Maxdog household.
Lots of love,
Gail and Bertie.

Ms. ~K said...

C,
I understand and respect your decision. You need to do what is best for you and Max.
You will all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, and remember, we will be here when you are ready.
Please give sweet Max a long, gentle hug, and whisper "I love you" in his ear for me.
Sending hugs to you as well,
Kit

Mack and Mia said...

Dear Max and Max Mom,
Please know that we are thinking of woo and your entire family. You are constantly in our thoughts and constantly in our prayers.
Rest easy dear friend. Enjoy each and every moment.

Hugs, smoochies, and lots of love to you!

Mack and Mia

Jans Funny Farm said...

Sometimes quiet is necessary. Enjoy your time together.

sprinkles said...

While I hate to see you go, I understand perfectly. Max comes first and that's how it should be.

I've come to love Max as if he were my own and will continue to pray for him.

kissa-bull said...

our candle will continue to light for sweet and brave max most every night without fail. we completely and truly understand that these are the most precious moments to be cherished wiff the maxdog. we send you slobbery, sugary pibble kisses from texas and you'll be in our thoughts most everyday

pibble wiggles
the houston pittie pack
pee.s
mommish want ush to tell you that she will be peemailing our addy to you shortly we are hoping to close on a house next friday may 7th all paws crossed.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

I understand completely. You need time together to savour your time.. Just know that you will be kept in our thoughts.. With love.. Hugs GJ xx

Anna the GSD said...

No explanation needed...just giving you giant hugs and puppy kisses!

The Life of Riley said...

Dear Caryl,

Mum and I understand your need for quietness here. This blog just as it is - with no more posts from Max - is such a wonderful legacy.

As you know, “The Adventures of Maxdog” has changed so many lives. Through this site Max has found friends all around the world who love and care for you both dearly, and through Max you have shared so much with us (about your country, your family and life in general), and lately posted when many of us wouldn’t have had the strength to. As anyone who has loved a terminally ill companion knows, it is hard to stay positive – and yet you have. You have made us smile and also brought tears to our eyes as we have followed Max’s journey with you, but now we also understand that it is time for you to change focus - to allow you to just be with Max and your family, and also to allow your own voice to develop (and say all the things that it needs to) in your personal blog.

Please give Max a big hug from us, thank him for his wonderful blog, and tell him that we love him.

As always, you and Max are in our thoughts,
Riley and Fran

Dog By Nature said...

Take care and cherish every moment.

Amy & the house of cats said...

Oh Maxmom, we totally understand! And know that even though you aren't posting, we will still be sending lots of purrs and prayers for Maxdog every day!

Clive said...

Dear Caryl

We understand totally. We'll be thinking of you all ....

lots of love
Fiona, Murray and family

Valerie Cummings said...

Caryl, We really understand, take the time you need and know in your heart you have us for a lifetime as friends. We will be there for you always. Please do me a favor, hold Max close,whisper in his ear, tell him how much Joey, Kealani, and Valerie love him today, tomorrow,and forever! Thank you for all of the joy you have brought to our lives You mean so much to us. Caryl call on us, your friends, we will be there for you. Hugs, Love, and Kisses, Joey, Kealani, and Valerie

Sierra Rose said...

Lovely post! Echoing our friends here, you'll be in our thoughts and prayers...cherish every moment... Blessings.

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose

Anonymous said...

Hey Max Dog and Max Mom,
We very much understand but we can't help but feel that you're slipping away from us and that there is nothing we can do about it; that is actually what is happening. It's as though this is goodbye and you're turning the corner and are going out of sight. We have known this day would soon be upon us but we have dreaded the thought. We, like you, have to be brave and raise our heads to a higher power. You have no idea how much of an affect you've had on so many other families around the globe. You've become a phenomenon of the bond that can develop between a man, or woman, and a dog. The expression that dog is man's best friend takes on new meaning in the light that has shone from your blog. In a way we are being let down easy and you are left to face the reality of the situation. You are NOT alone; we and your many followers will be with you through this to the end. We will all eventually share the feelings that you will face before we do. Our heartbreak and sorrow will be just as solemn and sincere. We too will have lost a friend. We will continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers. Max, you will always be with us as much as Rusty, Penny, Bear, Gordon, Chance and Cody from our very own family. You have scarred our hearts with your love and the mark will always be with us. We will one day all frolic together at The Rainbow Bridge. Max Dog, we love you. May all your days be in comfort and pain free; your mom loves you and will be with you through all that is yet to come. You are a most beloved family member. We will smile often in thinking of your blogging adventures, but now we are saddened by your illness. Goodbye Max Dog. Go with GOD.
- Homer J., Jubal, J.E.B., Sophie, Shelby, Jack, Abby, Max, Shiloh, Radar, Patti, Alex, Boru, Jenny and Gracie: your for ever friends The Bumpass Hounds and Kitties with Dad Bill and Mom AnnMarie.

Cindy said...

I just want to say thanks for letting us know that you need the quiet time. You can only imagine how upsetting it would be to all who love you,your family, and Max's blog if you just stopped writing without warning.

Thanks for all your posts. I will be following you on your personal blog.

Cindy

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I understand.
It is time to be quiet.
My heart is with you.
love
tweedles

meowmeowmans said...

Of course we understand. Sending love, purrs, licks and prayers your way.

Lorenza said...

I just want to tell you... I love Max, I love you, and I love all your family.
You will be in our thoughts everyday.
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Two French Bulldogs said...

We understand...what a nice post
Benny & Lily

Cheyenne -Millie said...

We understand... we will keep you in our thoughts.

Hoover said...

It must have been fate that brought my human back to the doggie bloggie world today.

We know the pain of losing a furry family member. You should take all the time together and do what you feel is right.

Know that we love you and wish you have the peace you so deserve.

Hoover BPD

the booker man said...

you need to do what's best for you and your family. we will all remain here thinking of you! i'll be checking in on your personal blog as well.

*hugs*
the booker man and asa's mama

Smushie Ranch said...

We'll be thinking of you.

All our love,
Shannon and the Gang

Yas said...

Great post Max!

Cheers,
Maxx

Angus said...

Thanks so much for your kind thoughts and support. It was such a help. Max - We know exactly what you mean.

It's really strange but as I write this I see that todays word verification to comment on your blog is 'ailing' - a word Digby has also come to understand.

Jake of Florida said...

Caryl,

You've shared so much of yourself and Max with us during these bittersweet days. You've brought us a new sensitivity to the meaning of life in the shadow of death -- and reaffirmation of the bond that unites us all in the love of our dogs -- this amazing interspecies family we've all helped create.

So yes, there is a time for everything. We'll be missing you and wondering how Max is doing; but this is the time for quiet and wordless communication.

Wirey love,

Jake and Just Harry -- and Joan

Rachel said...

We understand and are here to lift you up any way possible. Max will be so deeply missed by many. It does my heart good to know that he is enveloped in love in these his last days.

Nubbin' Tails said...

We are pretty new to this community and just found your page. Know that we all understand what you need to do and send prayers to you and your family!

Wags!

Mr. Nubbin' and his mom!

Mochi and Bali said...

We totally understand and we are thinking of you!

The Max-terpiec is awesome!!!

Mochi

Cloud the Wonder Dog said...

Dearset Caryl. Of course we understand and honor your need for this time. Know that you have love flowing your way from all over the world. It's been an honor to share this journey with you, thank you for sharing this very important part of your life with us. The physical must eventually leave, but love never dies. The love you and Max have for each other, and the love that you've shared with all of us, will last forever.

You are surrounded by love. Always.

Love,
Cloud and Kathleen

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you - it is important to know what you must do for you and your family.

XOXO
The Rocky Creek Gang

Joy said...

We understand.

Ruby's Raiser said...

We don't see you often, but please know that our thoughts are with you daily.

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

We understand and we are sending all of you hugs, gentle headbutts, purrs and prayers.

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

Maxmom...

We want you to know that we are with you in heart and spirit...

This quiet time you have with your Max is yours alone...we know how you cherish him...

We are here if you need us...

Sending you so much love,

Scruffy, Lacie, Stan and Mumsie

Huskee and Hershey said...

I think this is the best decision for both Max and yourself, so we are behind you all the way!! Hope you spend many many more wonderful moments with Max..

Please know that we always think of all of you with much love and fondness.. **HUGS**

Donna said...

That is okay. Hugs!! :)

My Sons Mum said...

Thats fine Max's Mom. We understand. We lost Braisey aged two and he is waiting for us all. We love you Max