Magi

This is the story of Magi. She was rescued by us 4 years ago from the streets of Puerto Vallarta. Magi passed away earlier this year from age and Tick disease Ehrlichia. Just like Peachy. Such a horrible debilitating disease. Magi was around 6 or older. It is hard to tell sometimes how old a rescued dog is. They are generally in bad shape and it may contribute to them looking older. 

We believe Magi was hit by a car at some point, head on and all her front teeth were knocked out and a septum fracture caused her to have breathing issues, which manifested in her making snorting noises at times. We initially thought she was grumpy and growling, but we were wrong. She was the most friendly and loving dog. I loved her so much!! She loved to get love and pets. More than most dogs I know. 

Magi was probably used for breeding and seemed like she gave birth many times and often. She had a mothering instinct and did not mind sharing her bed with other dogs. Magi loved her bed and pretty much any bed. She couldn’t wait to get on any bed placed on the floor after the room was cleaned. I notice that most old dogs that have been mistreated and lived on the streets, really appreciate the comfort of a bed.  Magi was a happy dog that I never heard bark once. She never gave any problems and was utterly grateful to have a home and a bed and regular meals. She found peace and was not shy to show it. 

I miss her terribly. Every one of my dogs is like my child. She was my very special child. I was drawn to her because I had just lost my Daisy, whom I had rescued in 2007. Losing my Daisy was one of the hardest things I had gone through. So I was desperately trying to find Kinga another sister. It is very hard for a dog when their bonded pair dies. Magi resembled Daisy very much. Except she was larger. She had taken in a tiny white chihuahua under her wing, when we went to pick her up. The little guy was not going to let us take her unless he came along too. So we took them both straight to the vet. Both dogs were sickly and suffered from tick diseases. Magi had some terrible calluses on her elbows from sleeping on concrete. Sometimes they would crack and bleed. The little dog was too sick and mysteriously died shortly after. I was not in town and did not witness how it happened. It was distressing to say the least. 

Magi made friends quickly. Grut and Wero were her buddies and brothers with whom she liked to share beds with. It made me so happy to see that. Almost hard to believe. She also had had ear infections which caused her to shake her head so much that her ears became like cauliflowers from the results of them bleeding and swelling and not getting treatment.There was not much we could do about that except make sure she did not get ear infections anymore. She was also very thin. However in time she gained weight and was healthy looking again. 

Magi looked forward to her daily meals and was an eager eater. Much like most rescued dogs who went through famine. Having no front teeth was not an impediment for eating. Only for playing with chew toys. I could tell she wanted to but was uncomfortable at the very least. Magi was a beautiful purebred Labrador Retriever. One of the most beautiful dogs I have ever had. Despite her deformed ears and all. She was beautiful inside and out. It is a real shame that she only lasted 4 years with us. I wish I had given her a full life from the start. But I am grateful for the time we did have. She brought so much joy into our lives. She helped train the newcomers to be calm and relaxed. Everyone loved Magi. 

The tick disease Ehrlichia is one that never goes away. It is treated with antibiotics but never quite eradicated from the body. Eventually it causes wasting. They start to lose weight and then become weak and unable to eat anything. The last time I went back to Nevada, I knew she was going down soon. I wanted to be with her in the event her time to die had come. I always accompany every dog to the other side. I feel it’s the last good thing I can do for them. While I was gone, she became more sick and I decided to give her blood transfusions which kept her alive. I hoped I would return in time to be with her one last time. But unfortunately, she died in her sleep three days before I was to return.  Oh what a hard blow to the soul to have tried everything possible, and not be able to say goodby. I hope she forgives me. I will always love and remember my Magi. 

Dogs are truly angels on this earth. They give love unconditionally and never betray the bond they form with us. Magi will live in my heart forever.