Maddie aka Madison

The Courage and Resiliency of a Little Dog

Maddie was a petite West Highland terrier, in that she was a bit smaller than her Westie siblings. Within that compact small body lived a heart filled with silliness, intelligence, courage and resilience!
There was nothing “small” about Maddie’s life and personality! She made sure through her crooning that you knew she was there. Her presence was made known by her pawing up at her humans or giving short snippets of dog conversation as in gentle “woofs,” while she patiently waited for the attention to come to her.

Maddie, even in her worst of times (allergies, surgeries, chemo, recovery, etc.) maintained a bounce in her steps on walks. I would tell her she was “such a good girl” and she would look up at me on our walks and exaggerate her lively steps.

Maddie was a registered therapy dog who enjoyed visiting residents and staff at a local nursing home. She particularly “knew” the stations and rooms to visit for special treats. She loved watching parades, sunbathing, swimming, car rides, sleeping in hotels and she even enjoyed fireworks.

Maddie was a westie who suffered with severe allergies beginning at 6 months of age. She endured harsh breakouts of extreme skin inflammation throughout her life. But true to Maddie’s resiliency, she always tried to persevere and continue to enjoy life even through doses of medicines, injections, and frequent bathing. Maddie rarely complained, and if she did, she looked you straight in the eyes and vocally told you!

She was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Disease at seven years old. Medicines and diet adjustments ensued and in typical Maddie fashion she forged ahead trying to always maintain her upbeat personality and finding joy in the smallest of experiences. For example, a ride in the tractor cart with the wind fluffing her fur brought her great happiness and perhaps a diversion from any ailments.

At eight years of age a tumor was discovered in her colon. This was terrifying news for her owner (me). The tumor was located in a “hard to get at” spot. It was unknown if it was cancerous but one could assume. She was scheduled for surgery. After an extended surgery time, the surgeon called me to say he was unable to remove the tumor. My concerns and fear for my sweet girl escalated rapidly.
In speaking with my previous veterinarian, who has always continued to support me with my canine “concerns,” he encouraged me to “not give up.” He referred us to another hospital.

So, Maddie became a patient of a gifted, compassionate surgeon, Dr. S. He determined that the tumor could be removed via a “pull through” procedure. This procedure would have the doctor enter through the rectum and remove the tumor. It was a success! However, days later we learned…it was cancer.

Dr. S. felt he had gotten “good margins” so we were hopeful with the addition of chemo that a good prognosis would be her future. She did well with her initial round of chemo with only minimal side effects. One, she lost most of her “westie beard” and two, her coat color became brilliant white!
Maddie did well medically for several months, even her allergies calmed down, however on a routine exam another tumor was discovered. Throughout the surely uncomfortable surgical procedures, Maddie was rarely down.

The medical staff would tell me how much they loved her and enjoyed her gentle crooning seeking their attention and affection. Even her doctor would often remark, with a smile, about her strength and courage, and her zest for living. She encouraged the staff with her outgoing spirit!
At home I would often watch in awe of her strength, her ability to persevere and overcome, and her joy in just living! I always told her she was braver than I.

Maddie endured more surgeries and rounds of chemo over the next three years. She rarely missed a beat of life, until her wee body could no longer physically sustain her. We spent her last days and hours enjoying walks in her stroller with her best friends Rori, Logan, and Broedy, taking rides in the car and her toy jeep, and basking in the warmth of the sun on her deck. Throughout her lifetime, wherever I sat, she was there. Her final day was spent in her yard surrounded by her friends (dogs). She and I snuggled on her favorite swing, and she rested as always on my heart.

She was truly my heart dog as when nap times came around, she would stretch out on my chest and fall into a deep sleep. Our hearts were together then, and now, forever.

Maddie passed away almost three years from the day of her diagnosis. She was 11 years old. Throughout all her surgeries, chemo, radiation, allergies and injections, she maintained her vivacious spirit. She inspired me and all who knew her. Maddie was a bright spot at home and in her travels. She is deeply missed.

I have a memory flag in my garden with her picture quoting what I feel was her mantra for living. “There may be tough days, but when you’re good, you’re good-move on and no thinking about what was” -Maddie