Maggie's Memorial Page

On May 16th, 1999, one month and two days after her death, we remembered Maggie with her own memorial service. We felt it was important to do this as much as you would have a memorial service for a person. Since she was such a special part of our lives (and yours), we wanted to share our photos with you.

Maggie's wall of memories.jpg (14215 bytes)

More Maggie flowers with dog container.jpg (12697 bytes)

Mags1.jpg (6784 bytes)

"We are gathered today to celebrate the life of Maggie Fields. When I say CELEBRATE, I mean just that. In the overall scheme of the Universe, Maggie was with us for what would amount to a brief second. But, we who knew her treasured the time she spent among us.

For some of you, the idea of a funeral service for a dog may seem unusual. I, personally, thought of Maggie as more than a mere "dog." And, my religious upbringing and training, and all of my reading of the Bible, teaches me that the phrase "All God's Creatures" is not limited to those of us with two legs.

My greatest difficulty in preparing for this service was in deciding whether it should be based on the Jewish or Christian ceremony. But, after reflecting on how Maggie would behave at Christmas time - especially around the tree - I concluded that, if she wasn't a Christian, she at least wouldn't mind a Christian funeral.

It's difficult to consider a funeral service to be a celebration of life. We are all gathered here, missing Maggie, who has gone before us. We miss her, we want her back with us, and we ask God "why?" "Why did you have to take Maggie from us now?" The Gospel of Mark says that Jesus, after nine hours on the Cross, cried "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" In plain English, that means, "Why Me God??" We aren't being crucified, and being asked to give up our lives. But, we are asking why God would call a beautiful creature home, leaving those of us behind. WHY????

I don't know the answer. But, my upbringing, experience, and studies lead me to one conclusion: When our time on this earth is done, we move on to a better place. Christians call it Heaven. Jews call it The World to Come. Nothing in my experience, study or belief indicates that the Afterlife is limited to humans.

Maggie was more than a dog. She was a companion, a friend, a guardian, and, if she could have figured out a way to speak, she may have even been a philosopher. Even though she couldn't talk, she still could communicate. When Maggie was glad to see you, there was no doubt! What she lacked in tail length, she more than made up in "butt-wiggle!" I don't think I've ever seen another dog who could wriggle the back half of her body when she was greeting you. And, when we played catch, it seemed like she got more joy out of playing along when we pretended to throw the ball than if we actually did, and she retrieved it. Maggie hadn't been in perfect health for years. And, being unable to speak, she couldn't tell anyone what was wrong. Pat, Lin and Maggie's doctor and friend Blair Harff, made it so she could spend a few more years with us. But, the time came when it was time for Maggie to go home.

I can just see it now -- Maggie, just inside the gates of Heaven (OF COURSE, SHE GOT IN!). She's playing with other dogs and people, but always keeping an eye on the gates. There will come a time in the overall scheme of things when Pat and Lin make that same journey to the gates. We all hope that time is later, rather than sooner... but, when they get there, they can expect to see Maggie, scratching and digging on the inside of the door, saying -- as only she could -- "Where have you been?? Get in here!!"

"Don't grieve for me, for now I am free..
I'm following the paths God made for me
I took His hand, I heard Him call...
Then turned, and bid farewell to all.
I could not stay another day
to laugh, to love, to sing, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found my peace...at close of day.
And if my parting left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened...deep in sorrow,
I wish you sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full...I've savoured much.
Good friends, good times...a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
God wants me now...He set me free!"
--Anonymous

Thank you for visiting Maggie's Memorial, and for remembering. Please, if you have a pet, treat them with the same love and respect we would want,
and hug them.
They are a gift from God, and we love them.
They are the best part of us, and our love for each other and for humanity.

And a postscript (May, 2001) - the gentle man who officiated at Maggie's Memorial - Bob Strom, was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 1999. Please keep Bob in your prayers - he is a very dear and gentle man.

PS... our dear friend Bob succumbed to his cancer on May 17th, 2003.. just 4 years and one day after he gave Maggie the most beautiful ceremony. I am sure they are having a wonderful time waiting for us all...