Marg, the Marine and a Barbie Wading Pool

Ms. Marg.

You were a short-nosed Lab, one with deep-barrelled chest, spun to life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, from a mother named Stella and a father called Gus.

You were the runt of the litter. You lived to be 13.

You hated thunderstorms. When one would arrive in Mason Neck, you would go to the bedroom closet, pull most of my clothes off the hangers to make a nest, and bury yourself in the smell of Mary, until the danger passed.

Today, there was no part of Mary that could comfort you. Despite medication, you were in pain. You visited the vet today...and went to sleep. I held you in my arms, as was always done when you needed it, and you sighed as your spirit flew away. And as I held you, your gub came to rest on the top of my foot as you went to sleep. Just like it did when you would lay under my desk while I was working, or playing scales on the guitar in the living room. You liked music.

You were smart, my dear Marg. Sweet. A happy dog. Your tail wagged, even in your sleep. I would be working in the office, and hear you slide off the couch in the living room, to walk down the hall to check on me. I would lay the side of my face on your soft black head and rub your stomach, and you would smile with your soft pink tongue.

A memory: Ken wanted water for you, so he, a big strong ex-Marine, went to the nearest Toys 'R Us and bought you a kiddie pool, one with a picture of Barbie on it, one that could be filled with water, which it was, in the corner of the yard. He was not embarrassed. At the counter he told the cashier, "This is for Margaret. She likes to swim."

And you loved it. A black pup, running across the yard, leaping into the pool's shallow depth. You would bite at the even more shallow depiction of the bottle-blond Barbie painted on the pool floor. You loved puddles and biting at water and burrowing your head against the leg of someone you loved.

So tomorrow morning Walt and I will walk to the Potomac. I will drop a Milkbone in the water. And the ripples of treat will spread in circles, a goodness to be shared with Shaman and Casey, baby Henry, and Barb, the lady who will gently scold you while fixing you something good to eat.

Comments

[Christina Gillen]

Just as much as you loved her she loved you back. She trusted you all her life and you never let her down. When it gets lonesome, just think of all the company she has wagging alongside her now: Waldo, Pucka, Molly, Jenna...and I bet Jake will be there too. A big hug to you and Walter.
Chris

[Kathy Gillen Mankin]

Mare,

Thank you for writing about Ms. Marg. I will miss her greatly. What a love and a sweet girl she was. You gave her such a wonderful life. She's at peace now with Wald eating cookies with Dee.

Love,
Your sistah

[Toni]

Hi Mary,

I'm beyond words, so I send hugs to you and Walt.

[Pen]

Mare -- I am so sorry for your and Walt's loss.

I know she's in a better place with no pain -- maybe even jumping in big pools with Ken. It doesn't make the loss any easier though.

Our thoughts are with you.

[Jo Soard]

Mary,

There are no words at a time like this but here comes my big cyber hug for you and Walt.

I know how special Ms. Marg was and she will be missed by many.

Hugs..........
Jo

[Genie]

Oh, Mary...my heart's breaking for you and for Walt...I'm so sorry. Losing a treasured dog...it is such horrid pain, even if there is bitter sweetness in knowing when it's time to release them. Wishing you so well, and sending hugs from Iowa today. Best wishes for good grief and good healing, friend...

[John Amberg]

OH Marg...how we loved thee. Trust you are now overseeing dogs in heaven and making new friends. Rusty and I miss you all.

[QuinnCreative]

Mare--
What a great life you gave Marg, and what a lot of smiles she gave you. She depended on you to do for her what she could not do for herself--be kind and merciful in her last days. You will miss her terribly, as will Walt, but you will never be short of wonderful memories.
--Q

[Yvette]

Mare,
I remember going to the Vets with you - taking Shaman when he passed away. I'm sorry and sad that she has gone, but I know that she is in great company!! There have been so many loving memories with her and the whole family (hot dogs slipped under the table by a notable person). Einstein still cocks his head when I say her name... She made a great foster mother to him... she was patient, loving, and tolerant of all the nonsense he put her through (biting her collar as she ran up and down the stairs holding on for dear life - one of my fondest memories of the two of them). My love to you and Walter! (Einstein too... gives you a big kiss!)