All about Maggie ...

Christmas 1986 and Susan is on duty at a home for older people. Unfortunately an elderly lady who lived in the area had to be admitted to hospital suddenly and homes needed to be found for her seven dogs, the youngest of which was a six week old puppy. Because no-one could take such a young dog it found a temporary home at the local children’s home. Susan spotted it and, not even considering having a dog at the time, said those immortal words. “Well, if she has to go to the RSPCA……….”

Maggie, as she became named, spent her first Christmas in the hairdressing room of the home and this was the start of her career in social care. She became used to working shifts, sleeping under the desk on an afternoon shift, having cream crackers for supper on the night shift, getting up at 5 o’clock for the early shift and playing with the estate dogs after a long, tiring day shift.

Time came for a change in her career, when Susan moved on to work at the training section. Maggie had to adjust to 9 to 5 office work and lots of meetings.

Maggie had her own chair in the office, attended meetings and had her ears tickled by the Director, guarded the perimeter and at lunchtimes had a walk in the local park, that’s how she met Puppy.

Whenever possible Maggie continued to go to work but at times this was difficult and on those days she went to stay with her Grandma and Grandad along with Puppy and Dexter (her cousin).

Maggie enjoyed it when all the family went away on holiday and it was on such a holiday in Dorset that she became poorly. She was by now 16 years old and, although she was tired she really wanted to enjoy the rest of her holiday. We bought a bag so that she could be carried to all the sites and could still join in with all the activities.

Maggie died in June 2003 aged 16 years old.