JOANNA CAREW

Maggie is my 11-year old boxer dog. I was introduced to her when she was just 5-weeks old and she’s been in my life ever since.

Maggie’s had multiple health conditions and they’re starting to catch up with her in old age. Right now Maggie is so happy and full of life, but her body is failing and causing her a lot of pain. My focus is ensuring good pain control for her so she is comfortable and can enjoy her golden years.

Thinking about Maggie got me thinking about her character. She is truly the nicest, kindest personality I have ever encountered, and if she was a human I think she’d be a pretty inspirational leader. Here’s why:

She focuses on her team. I have 3 dogs and Maggie’s siblings adore her, she interacts on individual and group levels with them. On walks she is the one that looks out for everybody and always ensures no-one is left behind. At home if she thinks the others are playing too rough she steps in.

She’s intelligent. Maggie’s understanding of vocabulary is enormous. She knows so many words, commands, places, and tricks. I can say several words together and am certain she understands!

She’s determined but fair. If you ask her take a tablet (command is ‘big mouth’) she’ll open her mouth so you can put the tablet in. But if you ask her too many times, or you’re just trying to show off she’ll fix her jaw and refuse. Same with having a “shake”, if she’s wet she’ll have one, otherwise she’ll lay down and nothing will make her shake!

She senses what you need and checks her behaviour to help your mood. So, if I am feeling low she’ll nudge me and gently insist we go for a walk. If I am crying she’ll move in for cuddles. If I am happy she jumps in and is the life and soul of the party.

She’s a mini buddha and doesn’t hold grudges. As a boxer it is common for other dogs to dislike her. This has led to many attacks. Unlike her bulldog sister, who if attacked engages and will fight to the death, Maggie waits it out, zero retaliation. This hasn’t made her nervous and she still welcomes every stranger with kindness and enthusiasm.

She’s driven, if there is something Maggie wants she’ll get it. She simply doesn’t give up and if she has her mind fixed on something she’ll keep trying new things until she succeeds!

She never complains, you know if Maggie is fed up or upset about something, she has a great stink eye! But she brings her mood round almost instantly. She’s had a lot of pain and suffering at differing times in her life, and she remains stoical without a grumble of complaint.

Maggie isn’t “just a dog”, she’s simply wonderful and her attributes are inspirational.

So an odd blog post, but there we are, my tribute to Maggie, the best dog and personality I have ever known!