JOANNA CAREW

Horrific few days as Thursday afternoon brought the news that Maggie’s “arthritis” was in fact advanced bone cancer. Her front leg had fractured by the elbow, and the rest of the leg was decimated.

The vet was crystal clear, Mags was clean out of options. Standing shocked and devastated in the veterinary surgery I couldn’t let them take her. After being the kindest, most loyal pooch I’ve ever known, she deserved a truly beautiful goodbye.

We returned home, and I sank into a crumpled heap on the floor howling at the news, but she stuffed her square face into mine – like she’s done for every tear I have shed over the last decade – and I knew I had to hold it together and give her the dignity she deserved.

I found a mobile vet and organised for them to come to the house at 09:30 the following morning. Maggie had 16 hours of life left and I wanted her to enjoy every minute.

She feasted on her favourite foods, drank champagne, snuggled on the sofa, and slept in my bed wrapped in my arms with bulldog Bridget beside her. Then we woke super early and made our way to the beach for her final sun rise. I’d jacked up her pain meds so she ran and played, chasing the other dogs and loving life.

After, we drove home and she feasted some more. With one hour of time left she played non-stop with her favourite toys.

When the vet arrived she asked where we wanted to say goodbye, and somehow the garden seemed idyllic. So after getting to know the vet and settling down beside me on a blanket, Maggie laid in my arms with the sun shining and birds singing overhead. Bridget, her lifelong sister, oversaw proceedings and said her own goodbyes. Then Maggie peacefully passed away to rest, no longer in pain.

Maggie was the most incredible soul, kind, patient, and intelligent. She’s been a constant through the most turbulent times of my life and I am so thankful for every day we had together. RIP Maggie-Lou 💔❤️