Gratitude

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful words and support. While it is really difficult not have have Maggy here with me, the memory and influence of her spirit remain strong.

Many of you know that Maggy was diagnosed with lung cancer more than a year ago. Thankfully, we enjoyed 14 more months together instead of the prognosis of two. During that time, we were able to get to know our new home, neighbourhood, friends and closer-by family.

Under the care of both a naturopathic veterinarian (Dr. Autumn Drouin) and a traditional chinese medicine vet (Dr. Rona Sherebrin), she did extremely well. She continued to enjoy her favourite activities including running and rolling in the park, long walks in all seasons, meeting friends, and eating - especially the best thing of all, peanut butter. With the aid of homeopathic supplements, home-cooked meals and acupuncture, her health remained good for most of that time.

My theory is that she wasn't influenced by medical terms or human fears. She continued to live each day in Buddhist-like fashion, embracing anything and everything that came her way. She also maintained a strong will to see, do and experience what she loved even when her physical body started to complain.

Mika's theory is that Maggy held on until she knew I was safely settled in Toronto. I believe that is also true. Especially when I remember speaking with Yasmin following Maggy's diagnosis, hoping I could keep her with me for at least one more year. I'm especially grateful that this wish was granted - to both of us.

Photo: Maggy at her favourite Toronto park, Spring 2008

My Maggy May

I'm sorry to have to say that Maggy left us yesterday. Although it was her time, she will be so very much missed by all.

I'm so thankful to have had such a beautiful, loving, amazing baby, companion and friend in my life for 14 1/2 years. We've experienced a lifetime together and she will always be in my heart.

Thank you for everything, my Maggy May. I will love you always, xoxoxo.

Two of our favourite peeps

Just 'borrowing' this great shot of two of the best people in the world: Tom (aka Road Warrior) and Mika (aka Pansy Girl).

You'll not meet nicer, more generous or wonderful individuals anywhere. And while both are as modest as can be, they're worldly wise, always engaged, hilariously funny, supportive, compassionate and loved by many.

I first got to know Mika while we worked together at Tourism BC and we've known since that we're destined to be lifelong kindred spirits, even if living a country apart. Whenever we're in touch - which is a necessity every few weeks - the miles melt away.

Tom and Maggy and I bonded during our 3,000 km road trip from Vancouver to Toronto and it's an adventure we'll never forget. Especially as it was one of the kindest things to do - pick up and venture across the country in the middle of December while playing driver, tour guide, protector and fellow spiritual explorer.

Maggy and I both thank our lucky stars that Mika and Tom (and Tex and Maggie too) came into our lives.

Hope you two had wonderful birthdays and are enjoying time together following some intense travels. Love you!

Photo: Tom and Mika, by Tom (we think)

The stuff of life

Life's been busy of late with work, family, Maggy, friend and home stuff. Some friends have sadly been struck by the loss of parents, we celebrated my dad's 70th birthday with a surprise party, some key projects at work have been heating up, Maggy's health has been up and down and up again, a friend's getting married, etc., etc.

I've also been trying to get caught up on outstanding taxes, finding and seeing physicians, locating the finishing touches for our new home, getting to the gym, finding appropriate cards and gifts, catching up with friends and family, keeping on top of Maggy's appointments and ointments, cleaning off my pile-high desks at home and work, finding time for a hair appointment, joining a yoga class, getting out and about in Toronto, etc., etc.

Maggy and I will celebrate a year of living in Toronto on October 1 and it still boggles my mind that we've accomplished and accommodated so much since leaving Vancouver. Sometimes, it seems like just yesterday and other times it feels like a lifetime ago.

Weekend to end breast cancer

Maggy and I just went for our walk in the park across the street and encountered one of the checkpoints for this weekend-long effort to raise funds to end breast cancer. Thousands of participants in pink and black were striding along the street to applause, music, balloons and refreshments encouraging them along their route.

We stopped to chat with some of the walkers who said the weekend had gone well and they just had 13 kms to go. One mentioned she wished she could have brought along her labrador retriever 'training partner' who had to stay home for the actual event. She seemed to welcome a Maggy break before striking out again.

Everyone we saw seemed in good spirits and physical condition following the almost 50 kms already under their belts since yesterday. It was inspiring to feel the energy and hear the hooplah around an event that means so much to so many. Good luck to all.

Summer time

... has finally arrived in Toronto. By that I mean some sun, heat and no thunder storms with driving rain, hail and chilly temps. It really has been an odd year weather-wise and while it's good for Maggy as she breathes much better in cooler, unhumid air, people around here have been getting pretty grumpy.

I have to admit though, I'm not a fan of 30 degree temps and humidity, so this climate has actually suited me just as well as Maggy. And there's still hope for a normal autumn - my fave season of the year. Sweater weather, coloured leaves, beautiful light and a bit more energy as we start a new school year. I still feel that anticipation of getting back to the books even after all these years and once again I'm looking forward to that sense of a new start, kind of like New Year's Day.

Luckily, I'm on vacation this week in order to enjoy some of this last minute summer. Just in time before fall begins to roll in - and with it new chapters.

PS: Well, maybe the summer weather optimism was a bit premature. Maggy and I just went for a walk and out of nowhere came a rainy deluge while blue skies were all around. Strange.

Raindrops keep falling in my eyes

This post is by Maggy:

Dawn and I just went for our morning walk and to my dismay, I turned back early. I never do this - rain or shine, cold or heat. I love my walks and will go as long as you let me. But today, the rain drops were so big and cold and fast that I couldn't take it. I couldn't see as they were going right into my eyes. Kind of reminded me of Vancouver!

Anyway, I had something else to do this morning - tune into my fave blog by none other than a cat!! Check it out: Life with the Big Cats. It's pretty funny, even with the disparaging canine comments.

Second childhood

Maggy and I just came back from a great walk in the park.

As we entered our building she stopped short and stared at the window. She then proceeded to approach the "other dog" slowly until they were face to face. Next she swerved to the side and watched. All very curiously and seriously. She wasn't even deterred by my laughter as I watched her.

I haven't seen her react toward her own reflection since she was just months old. It was quite fun to see and remember as well.

Windy city

When moving to Toronto, no one mentioned that it's windy about 90% of the time - at least it has been for the eight months Maggy and I have lived here. Generally we reserve the windy city title for Chicago or Winnipeg or perhaps some northern, coastal place. As it turns out though, in TO, even if it was a balmy, humid, hot day an hour ago, temps can drop and the wind picks up and jackets are still required.

This wouldn't be a big deal, except that Maggy's park and our home seem to be in the middle of a wind tunnel which I'm sure exacerbates the speed and force of the gales that can sometimes take my breath away.

We've had a few glimpses of spring/summer weather over the past while, but nothing has stuck. I may rue the day I said this, but I'm really looking forward to some sustained summer heat as I'm tired of feeling cold all the time. That said, I suppose the longer we wait to turn on the a/c is much better for the environment, so I will hold that thought as Maggy and I go out for a stroll keeping the 'wind at our back and the sun on our face'.

13 years of training... you'd never know it!

With the spring thaw, come the inevitable spoils of winter, everywhere that Maggy and I venture. Who knows what those wonderful smelling masses once were, but they sure are incredibly compelling. So much so, that the same 13 1/2 yr old golden retriever who appears to be 'slowing down' to observers, drags me relentlessly here, there and here again across the park with 75 pounds of sheer determination and stubborness. I've given up letting Maggy off leash for this juncture as she will spend her entire walk time scavenging and finding unmentionables to consume or in which to roll (yuck).

When 'heel,' 'leave it,' 'come,' 'now,' 'this way,' and 'no' once garnered the appropriate responses, not so much right now. This is not a new phenomenon in springtime, however the strength of conviction that still reigns is unexpected. When I find myself regularly paying attention to Maggy's breathing or gait or energy level and administering oodles of naturopathic concoctions, this burst of independence and strength is both a shock and a welcome surprise. Though some better manners would be nice too.

Spring!

Sun's out, snow's almost gone, smells great, and birds are singing like crazy.

Time to play!

Just chillin' on a Sunday afternoon

Following two whole days of snowfall, Maggy's park is back to being a fun playground. Great for rolling...













... and playing...










... and uncovering yummy sticks to chew.

Catching up, a breath and a break!

It has been more than busy over the past few weeks. We're launching an important program at work - Keep Toronto Reading - in February. That has meant long days over the holidays and into January to make sure all the programming, advertising, web and promotional components are in place.

Maggy has been a bit under the weather over the past few days, so of course that becomes the priority, though today she has bounced back and seems to be feeling better.

Family stuff, work stuff, home stuff have all needed attention. And thankfully, Yasmin came to visit over the weekend which was a much needed break. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it was the coldest weather so far this winter so we ended up staying inside for a few low-key days of chatting, eating, sipping tea and just hanging out. Every now and again we'd venture out for a few hours into the frigid city, including being dragged by Maggy to the park, but as Yasmin had anticipated visiting the milder and much cooler big city of TO, she had not brought along her below 40 (and practical) Ottawa winter gear. Next time, she'll bring it, or better yet she'll visit again in the spring or summer! Thanks Yasmin for hanging with Maggy and me and let us know when you're coming again. :)

All that said, I'm feeling the need to communicate with many of you 1:1 and will do so in the next while. Hope all is well so far in this new year.

Overwhelmed and yet content

Both Maggy and I have been pretty busy of late - kind of overwhelmed by all that's going on to be honest - and yet we're both feeling very happy and settling into our new life.

We've had an instant winter and Maggy's thrilled to see so much snow so soon and on the ground for so long - about two weeks now. She loves to roll and burrow and dig and run and chase and, of course eat as much as she can. She's also a great fan of the cold - so this all suits her quite fine.

I had forgotten just how bone-chilling cold it could be during an Ontario winter. And apparently it hasn't been this cold and snowy since 1985-86 - the last time we lived here - go figure! I'm still working on finding the ultimate walking-with-Maggy and walking-to-work thermal, ankle-length coat as that seems to be the fashion. I also just scored my still in-storage long underwear and wool sweaters from my parents place on the weekend, so am not feeling quite as vulnerable.

Weather aside, it's been a wonderful few months of getting to know our new neighbourhood - including incredibly friendly neighbours, Maggy's new friend and walker Nisha, and for me new friends and co-workers at TPL. Plus, as busy and populated as the city is, I'm finding encounters with strangers to be amazingly uplifting. People on the street, in the subway, in shops are incredibly friendly. And good thing as they counteract the drivers!

All of our boxes are unpacked, there's a plan to find the last of the needed pieces of furniture and the Christmas decorations have been pulled out of boxes after their voyage east.

Maggy's doing well - thriving on her new naturopathic diet and supplements. She's as energetic, playful and strong-minded as always which is great to see!

We're looking forward to heading back to Oshawa on the 21st for a Christmas break and time with family. And to celebrating a year of much change, connection and growth for us both.

Maggy and the Naturopath

Thanks everyone for your words and thoughts of encouragement.

So far Maggy's great, except for not liking the poking and prodding of late. On Saturday we headed north of TO to Newmarket to a naturopathic veterinarian for advice and treatment if appropriate. She was fantastic and Maggy, who shakes and protests visiting any vet, was content to relax and hang out there for over two hours of investigation and discussion. She definitely seemed to pick up a very different vibe from the doctor (her name is Autumn) as well as the clinic itself.

We came away with several courses of action including switching to a completely home-prepared, antioxidant-rich diet, nutritional supplements and some tumour-fighting concoctions. We're gung ho to give it a try as long as no adverse reactions ensue - and so far so good. Of course, Maggy always enjoys tasting new things, so she's definitely game!

Maggy's not feeling well...

... actually, she seems to be feeling just fine with lots of energy, drive to get to the park, desire to find those coveted wayward tennis balls, good appetite, shining eyes.

Unfortunately, her vet has found some not so good signs that inside she's not so well. It appears that she has lung cancer that has begun to spread, which is shocking news. I know that her many friends and fans will send positive vibes her way and fyi, I'm not planning to tell her about it. That way, her wonderful, happy-go-lucky approach to life will continue on and on and on.

We'll continue to keep you posted.

Everything is new again

Maggy and I encountered a puppy on our walk last night - a puggle (part pug, part beagle) who was full of life and curiosity. Everything was so very interesting and exciting to him. That can also be said for Maggy, except that with years of experience she has learned to prioritize - food first, people second, other dogs third, puppies never! Too much 'in-her-face' energy and very immature for her taste. So off we wandered, not paying attention to the puppy (well I did, she didn't).

In Maggy's defence though, she too is finding that everything is new again. Home, neighbourhood, friend to walk her at lunch time, family visitors (including that two-year old Matthew), vet, food, smells, climate, water. It's all different.

I know how she feels and yet, at least, I had a say in all this change. It does give me pause though as I realize that she and I have completely reinvented our lives over the past 9 months. Wow.

Acclimatization lows and highs

Another quick posting as I'm not yet hooked up at home and work is so hectic that I barely get the chance to check work email before rushing off to yet another meeting! (Fun, yet frenetic too and so much like my previous life at Tourism BC - an interesting occurrence).

Maggy is settling in well, though with an upset stomach that required a quick visit to the vet on Saturday. She's doing ok, but I think moving isn't her favourite pasttime. This am she woke me up at 6 as she wanted to go outside IMMEDIATELY and so off we went without pausing to brush hair or remove nightguard (mine that is). I figured there would be no one in the halls of the condo at that time of morning... Not only was there someone in the elevator - it was a friend of mine from years ago when we both lived in Ottawa who lives in the building! So while this was an incredibly pleasant surprise, I'm looking forward to speaking again sans night guard in mouth and bed head!

Maggy thought it was cool too - especially that we were out and about that early in the am - a rarity in our world for sure!

A quick hello

Just running from work to pack and head back to the burbs for a family Thanksgiving weekend. The move to Toronto went really well over the past weekend and I'm just getting settled in. It's wonderful to live so close to work now - just a quick subway ride away. Haven't had time to explore too much yet, but am loving it so far.

Maggy is coming to see her new home for the first time on Monday - hope she likes it! Actually, I think she'll love having her own routine and territory again after all this time. And it's a very dog-friendly neighbourhood which will be great.

Hope all's well in your world and best wishes for a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend!

Maggy Milestone

Last Saturday, Maggy turned 13 - that's 91 in human years! She's doing really well, despite being bathed and groomed today (NOT her favourite pastime). Since moving here, she absolutely loves all the attention and company although not so much that 2-year-old critter, Matthew, who is just too unpredictable and rambunctious.

That said, she can be unpredictable and rambunctious herself, as she 'escaped' through the backyard hedge a few weeks ago requiring me to give chase! I found myself running full steam despite wearing just my bathing suit and no shoes through the hedge, tall grass, pine needles and heading toward a creek. Thankfully she stopped before we both had to leap into the water (not sure I was up for that). We've since plugged the gaps with fencing and she's lost her off-leash privileges for now... even 91 year olds sometimes have to have time outs.

And funny enough I've heard that living with a dog is like living with a perpetual 2-year-old child. So, Maggy has more in common with Matthew than she thinks...