Remembering Mackenzie

I’ve started and stopped this blog post so many times as tears stream down my face and words escape me.  So bear with me, I’ll do my best…

Each morning, I cautiously peek over my side of the bed and gently lower my feet to the floor.  The carpet is threadbare in that exact spot, a result of little paws “digging” before settling down for a nap.  You see, Mackenzie used to sleep in the bed with us, curled up under the covers nestled close to my belly.  But as she grew older, and unsure about jumping on and off the bed, she favored the floor, but still wanted to be as close to me as possible.  So over the last few years, I’ve learned to step carefully out of bed each morning.   And although Mackenzie’s been gone for six months, I can’t break the habit.

Funny how a dog can completely take over your thoughts, habits, house… basically your whole world!

Mackenzie came into our lives in October 2005.  My hubby and I were nearing our 2nd wedding anniversary and getting settled into our first home.  We both grew up with larger dogs (labs and goldens), but since our townhome didn’t have a yard, we decided a smaller dog might be better for us.  I don’t even remember how we found out about this “oopsie” litter of dachshund mix puppies, but the next thing I knew, this little beagle-ish looking cutie climbed into my lap and that was that.  We took her home and promptly fell into the demanding routine of puppy parenting.

Over Mackenzie’s 14 years, she lived in 3 houses, welcomed 2 doggy sisters and (less enthusiastically) 2 human sisters.  She was smart, stubborn, slow to change, but quick to bark (to alert us of possible dangers of course).  She had the softest velvety fur and dappled little paws.  But man oh man did she shed!  You could pet her for hours and she’d still be shedding just as much.  She was a homebody - she would drag her feet on walks until she realized that we were headed back in the direction of home, then she charged full ahead.  She could sit up like a gopher, a trick she often used to ask for a treat or attention or a belly rub.  She hated when I traveled for work, because her favorite place was next to me, and her happy face and wagging tail instantly cheered me up every time I walked in the door.  As she grew older, the gray crept into her face as her hearing and eyesight started to fail.  Gosh she taught us so much about love and responsibility and parenting, and I’m forever grateful.

Here are just a handful of my favorite memories of Mackenzie:

Mackenzie shied away from my camera, especially as she got older.  And my camera skills 14 years ago were not stellar.  Obviously, I believe in the value of quality portraits, but here’s the thing:  the most important thing is that you record your memories.  Period.  Fancy camera or iPhone, dressed up or in your PJs, big life event or an everyday moment.  Yes, even the 100th photo your husband took of you and your dog asleep on the couch!  I promise, your future self will thank you. 

Mackenzie, I’m grateful for sharing 14 years together, and I love you and miss you everyday. xoxo