Poodle Puppy

On Wednesday, November 25th, I began petsitting for my neighbors Paul and Lindsey. They left me with their beloved dog Maeby, a 5 year old standard poodle. I have taken care of the dogs in my neighborhood a countless number of times. I love dogs and I especially loved Maeby. Today, November 29th, around 2:30 me and Maeby went on one last romp in the woods before her family was expected to return home. I left her in her home and said "Your family loves you and are going to be home so soon." At 4:19 I got a call from Lindsey, Immediately I noticed the panic in her voice and I knew something was wrong. She managed to tell me she thinks Maeby just died and ask me if she could have eaten anything she shouldn't have before she started sobbing and told me she needed to call me back. I was so confused on what could have possibly happened because Maeby and I were just running around in the woods and she seemed fine. Lindsey called me 3 minutes later at 4:21 and explained to me that they had gotten home and took Maeby into the backyard. Maeby was running around and catching the frisbee. She caught the frisbee one last time and within 15 seconds laid down and was dead. Paul and Lindsey were greeted happily by Maeby, were home for less than 10 minutes, And watched Maeby drop dead unexpectedly.

During Maeby's last 4 days of life, her and I watched TV together, we went on multiple walks, we had a playdate with a puppy friend, we went squirrel hunting, we spent a long while trying to get the tennis ball out from under the couch, we cuddled, we had a few extra treats, and most memorable of all, we experienced a crazy squirrel try to get inside the house through the glass while Maeby was resting on the porch. She was sure she would catch this one:)
I gave Maeby lots of love and reminded her of how much her people loved her too. All this to say, Maeby had a good last few days on earth.

I babysit Paul and Lindsey's six month old twice a week and while doing so, I witnessed the unbreakable bond shared between Paul and Maeby, she truly was that mans best friend. Maeby's presence could even stop the baby from crying. The baby was so fascinated by Maeby and Maeby was so gentle and patient with the baby. Paul and Lindsey also have a 3 year old who grew up with Maeby that they have to explain this tragedy too.

Over the next 2 weeks I will be raising money to cover the cost of Maeby's unexpected emergency veterinarian visit as well as funds to allow this family the ability to get a new poodle. Paul is allergic to cats and dogs but with poodles being hypoallergenic, it gives this family the ability to share their love with a four legged friend. They do not know about this, but I felt compelled to help. By no means feel obligated to give but anything you do give will be very appreciated.