Anyone who met her knows Magill wasn't an ordinary dog. And also that she was so much more than just a pet to us. A very special member of the family.

I adopted Magill from the Indianapolis Humane Society when she was a year old and going by 'Babe.' She was a birthday gift to myself, and not the dog I thought I'd choose at first, but we were meant for each other, and she truly changed my life. Through the ups and the downs, she was right there with me. At a time in life when I felt very alone, she reminded me that I was not. Through road trips and hikes and roommates, nine moves and my new motherhood, she was always by my side or waiting for me.

She hardly slowed down even as she approached her 13th birthday. Energetic, audacious, silly, and snuggly. Like myself she enjoyed few pleasures in life more savory than a good meal, a close cuddle, and a long nap.

She began to have some struggles that many senior dogs do, but we were not (and could not have been) prepared for her passing when the time came. A very sudden change in her demeanor along with other concerning symptoms prompted us to take her to an emergency clinic that morning. She could not walk or stand. She was immediately put on oxygen, and it did not take long to learn that her red blood cell count was far below normal, and she was bleeding internally. Possible causes given were a ruptured ulcer, cancer, or complications from another injury common for her age and breed. Even with an ultrasound, a treatment plan would have involved several thousands in blood transfusions, likelihood of further complications, and no improvement in her overall condition. From the very beginning the vet, who was very professional and very compassionate, was guarded about giving any positive prognosis. Over the next few hours, we had the most difficult conversations, answered the hardest questions, and faced a most unwanted outcome.

This kind of grief was hard imagine, and even harder to face. My comforts have been the kind words of friends and family, countless wonderful memories with the absolute best dog a girl could ask for, and knowing in my soul that despite the heartbreaking pain, this was the path to walk and our MuMu let go of this world and went to the next place calm, comfortable, and covered in love.

My goal with this is to raise any portion of the unexpected costs of her untimely emergency care and final arrangements, and hopefully in the process, be reminded of a few more sweet moments.

Thank you for visiting this page, and for reading her story.