12+ years

I had the pleasure to have the best dog ever! I was 19, living with my parents, in college, working part time and extremely immature. On an ordinary day an unexpected phone call from my sister would lead me to an incredible gift.

I brought Madison home and my mom freaked out. She refused to pet Madison or speak to me for days. That first night my dad walked into my room, pet Madison on the head 3 times, looked at me, shook his head and walked back out. With that, I knew everything would be ok.

It took me a few days to come up with name, Bandit, Trouble (because I got in so much trouble for buying her) and Madison were the top 3 choices. I finally named her Madison and never looked back.

It took my mom a few weeks to warm up to her, but eventually Madi stole her heart like she does with everyone.

Madison was loyal, friendly, an avid ball player, and incredibly loving. For 12+ years she always greeted me with excitement and love. She grew up with me and I grew up with her. She was my first baby.

When I met Jay he told me how lucky he was, that he got a "Super-sized" deal in life, a great girl and a great dog.

I will miss her so much. I am so thankful to have had the pleasure to call her mine. So many memories include this silly crooked leg mutt.

I remember when Jay and I took her to the beach, her fave spot. While Madi and I played ball in the surf Jay hopped on his surfboard and paddled out. I stood there screaming for him at the top of my lungs, when he finally heard me and looked back, he saw that Madison had followed him all the way out! It was also at the beach that I realized that Madi truly would give her life in pursuit of her tennis ball. No wave was too big to sway her from her love of playing catch.

I miss my dog. There is a hole in my heart that is aching with sadness. I miss her fur. She had the softest coat. When she was I puppy I thought the softness of her coat would eventually go away and be replaced with thicker, courser hair, but it didn't, she kept the puppy soft fur. When my hands were cold I would bury them in the thick fur of Madi's neck. I would walk away covered in hair, but it was worth it. If you have asked me in the last 12 years what my favorite scent is, I would answer Madi's ears. Weird yes, but I loved petting her head, smelling her ears and covering her in kisses.

I miss her moans and groans, they sound like home. She would groan as she repositioned on her bed and when she found the right spot, she would let out a long exaggerated sigh.

Madi had the thickest fur coat ever! Constant never ending shedding. I would curse the hair on the floor, but I already miss it. I don't want to clean my floors this morning and watch the hair disappear. I feel bad that I ever complained about having to clean it up. Now, I don't want the hair to go away, each one feels like a treasure.
I miss my stubborn girl, who would cry until she got exactly what she wanted, just like her mom. Her powerful bark that could intimated anyone, that was completely deceptive of the little wuss she was. Her proud demeanor, and the twinkle of love in her eyes. The special expression that only a truly good dog has. One that fiercely loves, plays joyfully and whose family is her world. I love you Madison! Thank you for being an amazing dog and for being my best friend! 

RIP My dear sweet girl
October 17, 1999 - May 7, 2012