A Moment With Mel….Saying Goodbye To My Maxwell

I had to do one the hardest things in my life this week. On Monday, I had to make the decision to say goodbye to my boy dog, Maxwell. A few weeks

ago I noticed that he wasn't feeling well. I took him to the vet, and after his blood work was done, the vet said he had some type of infection. She prescribed antibiotics, but after 48 hours, I didn't see a change.

My mom came into town on Sunday, and was shocked at how Maxwell looked. Maxwell was my fat boy! His nickname was "Snackwell", and he lived up to that name. My mom was surprised at how thin he was. It's not that I didn't notice that he'd lost weight, I guess I just didn't want to face the reality of how thin he really was. My mom insisted that we go to the vet on Monday, and I'm glad she did. I think I was holding onto hope that he would suddenly start feeling better.

The vet examined Maxwell on Monday, and concluded that he most likely had cancer. I had a feeling that was the case, but again, I think I was still hoping that he would miraculously recover. That did not happen.

I rescued Maxwell 11 years ago, when he was around two years old.  I went to look at another puppy, and saw Maxwell. His markings were almost identical to my other dog, Gypsy's. Maxwell had been abused, he had heartworms, and was malnourished. When I met him at the shelter, I was sitting on the floor. He came out, walked up to me, and put his head on my shoulder. I was done! I knew he was mine.

Maxwell put his head in my lap on the two hour drive home. He stayed that way for the whole ride, not making a sound. It was if he was relieved to be with someone he knew would take care of him. I immediately fell in love.

As I write this, I am teary eyed. But I wanted to share. Comprising this blog is somewhat therapeutic for me. I've tried to hold my emotions in all week, so I could make it through the work week. My hope is to have my "mini breakdown" this weekend.

Maxwell was the sweetest boy! He was my snuggle, snack dog. He loved the sunshine, belly rubs, food, and his blankets. I hope he knows how much I loved him. I hope I was a good mama to him. Maxwell, without question, rescued me, as much as I rescued him.

As an adult, Maxwell is the first dog I have lost. The decision to let him go was beyond difficult, but I loved him so very much. I refused to let him suffer. He was struggling, and I knew he would not recover. There was pain in his face, and I couldn't be selfish.

Maxwell brought so much happiness into my life! He was a sneaky fella, and sharing his shenanigans gave me great joy. My life will not be the same without him, but he will forever live in my heart.

Goodbye sweet boy! I hope you're enjoying endless snacks!  I'll love you always.