WELCOME TO SOUTH AFRICA, MIMI!

In 48 hours, I finally meet my long-standing blogging friend - Mimi!

This has been an adventure - years in the making.

WELCOME TO SOUTH AFRICA, MIMI!!!

Run free, sweet Tammy: 2001-2014

Sadly, we had to say good-bye to our dear, gracious old lady - Tammy - today. She's been ailing for a while now and we could see that she's grown tired.  The Rainbow bridge welcomes her as she now runs free with her soul-mate Maxdog, as well as Toffee, Tommy...and all the other furry-friends who are no longer with us. Our hearts are sore, but we are grateful that she could go with dignity.
Thank you so much - Dr Colin van Rensburg - for caring so kindly for our Tam'. 

***I am grateful for the amazing life of Aunt Tam'.

Some photos

Tammy, in her prime...

 Puppy Tammy  2001...

 Juvenile Tammy...

 Below: Tammy and Maxdog check out the birds in the tree...

  Below: Walks were always Tammy's favourite activity...

 ...and snuggling with Miss J...

 She even tolerated the Christmas hat...at times...

 Below: Tammy in her personal spa...  

 Below: "Roaching" in the cool of the afternoon shade...

Below: Tammy welcomes little Lexi...

 Below: Tammy and Max - better days...

 Below: Soulmates - Tammy and Maxdog

 Below: "The cat on the wall"

 Below: "Please get better, Maxdog"

Run Free, sweet Tammy. We will miss your gentle presence.

12 MARCH 2013: MAXDOG REMEMBERED.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY ANGEL!

Thinking of you still brings tears to my eyes... But also joy to my heart!
It's been three years now and your legacy lives on - in many ways. You may be running free in the happy pastures across the Rainbow bridge, but your Spirit lives on here with us too.   Your voice is heard in your brothers and sisters who have come after you;   Toby, your 'Sprinkling'  and little Lexi, our 'little Sunbeam'. Tammy, too, although ageing, still sits in your spot in the garden. And me?  I hold you closely in my heart...

You taught me so much, my boy...

about your breed and dogs, in general.  

You taught me about love, compassion, patience, perseverance, hope, tenacity, loyalty, generosity, delight, joy, love...

the list goes on and on...

I tried to bring you tribute with your book, my Angel.  

I wanted it to 'Do good!' - like you did - and 'touch hearts' - like you did. 

 I think it has...I hope it has...

My boy...

Today, as I try and choose a photo for you, I think of you 'amidst everything in life'.

This special photo of you with the toys, I think, does justice:

You may be one amongst many memories, but wow, you are special!

...and always will be!

I love you, my boy...

Run free until we meet again...

Your loving,

MAXMOM

A TRIBUTE TO ZENA BUTLER (Maxdog's breeder) - in loving memory and gratitude for everything that she did for my Goldens ...

In loving memory of

Zena Butler

20/12/1946 - 10/1/2013

No tribute is great enough for Max and Toby’s ‘Granny’ on this sad day…

My tears fall...

...but in the midst of my grief, a new light shines...

 encasing memories - each one precious:

Zena's forceful spirit determinedly lived life to the full;

Her charitableness, time and compassion was always available for anyone in need;

Her wisdom ; her talent; her advice… readily on call.

Zena's specific love for the Goldens of our planet had no boundaries

...and her dogs shone because of it.

Her joyous laughter at the end of that telephone line...

...muffled by the barking of Goldens in the background,

was music to anyone's ears.

Zena always had time for me, and I was grateful.

Her unmitigated pride when I told her about the antics of Max and Toby;

coupled with her invaluable presence throughout my Goldens' lives.

Zena's empathy and comfort at the time of my own grief - particularly Maxdog’s crossing - touched me deeply;

"Granny Zena" was committed to being present for all our important occasions;

…and much, much more!

Gone now – 

the world, and its 'dog world' is a poorer place with her departure

… but my fondness and my memories will live on… 

I loved you, Zena!

Rest-in-peace, ‘Granny Zena’.  

May the arms of God embrace and welcome you – with the chorus of all the Golden angels who have preceded you. 

We loved you. 

We’ll miss you dearly.

---xXx---

My sincere condolences go to the family of Zena:

particularly Alan, Mark, Donovan, Brenda, Shirley, Eileen, Sue, Steve and her many relatives and friends (both overseas and in South Africa).  

Zena was truly an amazing lady!

May you be comforted by the love of your friends at this very difficult time.

With love

MAXDOG now available as 'Print-on-demand'

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!!

It is an absolute honour and privilege to finally announce to you that my book,

"MAXDOG"

is now available online to my International readers at a much more affordable price!

  

After months of hard work, we have finally organised the 'Print-on-Demand' option for this book . 

To purchase the book on :

CREATESPACE click HERE
AMAZON.COM click HERE

As you are probably aware, international postage charges from South Africa are extremely expensive.  This has resulted in some readers not being able to purchase their copy of MAXDOG.  I have been extremely aware of this fact and also deeply saddened at the same time because MAXDOG was originally written for my international friends.  Indeed the book itself is dedicated to my blogging friends who make up "The Power of the paw".

 From my point-of-view, this has been unacceptable so, in the past 6 months, I have made every effort to secure a more affordable purchasing option for my international friends.

  Thanks to the excellent (and dedicated work) of a blogging friend, we have been able to convert MAXDOG into a quality "Print-on-demand' version through Createspace. The version I have chosen is marginally bigger than its South African counterpart and also glossy in finish.  This particular edition is also available on Amazon.com.

The price of the 'Print-on-demand' version of MAXDOG is US$20

(as opposed to the $39 for the original edition posted internationally from South Africa)

So, if you are an International reader,

You can order your copy NOW - at US $20 - 

click HERE to order

 In order to reduce costs (and therefore the end-price of the book), I have opted to convert the picture insert - in the middle of the book - into black and white (instead of full colour as in SA edition).  A full colour book in 'Print-on-demand' would just be too expensive and would defeat the objective of 'a more affordable option'.  The result however, is still high quality and beautiful:

All-in-all, however, the quality of the book is excellent!!! 

In no way does it distract from the entire 'Maxdog reading experience'.  If anything, it is a better quality book. Rest assured, this particular version is beautiful and I am extremely proud of it!

If you would like to order a copy of MAXDOG 'Print-on-demand' through 

Createspace (at $20) please click HERE 

Amazon.com (at $20) click HERE

  

The original (full colour insert) edition of MAXDOG can still be purchased directly from me - if you still prefer to do so.  I will post it to you with the greatest of pleasure! (and autograph it, if you like) Unfortunately I will have to add postage charges which will then escalate the total cost to the original cost of $39.

Please contact me on my email and I will send you the details of how to go about this process:

carylmoll@yahoo.com

----------------------------------------xXx---------------------------------------

eBOOK:

MAXDOG's eBOOK is available in PDF format directly from me.

We are currently looking into other options

South African readers,

 please click HERE for more information about the book

Sending lotsaluv

MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

MAXDOG, The Book: AVAILABLE NOW!!!

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!! 

MAXDOG has been published in South Africa!!!

“MAXDOG”

Author: Caryl Moll

 Published by: Porcupine Press

ISBN 978-0-9869979-4-5

Autographed copies can be ordered directly from me:

carylmoll@yahoo.com

Available through all major bookstores as well as online.

Price: R160

MAXDOG is the story of a Golden Retriever who becomes a rock of emotional support for his owner after she faces a series of devastating life events that plunge her into deep depression. Years later, the tables are turned and roles are reversed when Max is diagnosed with a cancer that will soon take his life.

In her journey to personal healing, Max's owner rediscovers her love of writing and begins an inspirational internet blog sharing Max's final months with her readers. MAXDOG of South Africa, the blog, captures a world-wide audience, giving Max's owner new purpose and direction in her life.

MAXDOG is filled with laughter, tears and bittersweet moments that will pull the reader into its pages. This heart-warming tale is testimony to the enduring power of the human spirit, and the unconditional love shared between a Golden Retriever and its owner.

For more information about the book, please click:

HERE

Please come and visit my new, up-to-date blog:

LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX

Sending lotsaluv, 

A JOURNEY UNHINDERED

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!! 

A JOURNEY UNHINDERED
By Caryl Moll

  I stood at the edge of the cliff-face that day and looked across the vast landscape of the South African Lowveld. In the distance, the open plains of the Kruger National Park stretched out into oblivion. This was my home, I thought – the place where my heart was always rejuvenated. I sighed in awe.
 How wonderful it was to finally be there – at God’s window. The name had never been lost on me. I could almost touch the heavens.  In the blessed moment, I felt encouraged to ponder the road ahead. Like the distant plains, the voice of my solitary journey beckoned.

“Write! Write! Write! There’s a story to be told. Tell it well!  Make it happen!  Don’t, even for one second, doubt that it is your destiny.  MAXDOG will not die.”

As I stood at the edge of the cliff, I felt his presence – that gentle golden spirit which, in the past weeks, had continued to reach down and comfort me. He too was affirming my resolve.

“Our journey was unique, Maxmom,” he seemed to say. “One of a kind. Yet, in it, our story echoes those of others who do not speak. My bond with you is shared by many dogs before me. Their owners ache to know that their own journeys, with their beloved companions,are affirmed. Be strong, Maxmom! I am with you.”

Eventually I hiked back down the forest paths to the valley below.  I knew that there was no longer time to waiver.  I had to write MAXDOG’s book – the story of the small puppy, whose presence I’d resisted for so long.  He was a dog who would eventually transform my life and, yes, he’d remain with me forever.

And so the journey began.

 
“As I look to the sunrise,
I now know,
That you are there…
In its glorious glow.”