Well, she kept tugging at my heart strings and I couldn't take it any longer. I brought Miss Madison over to the house so she could live with us. Yes, she even has "overnight" privileges, joining the very few who stay in the house during the night: Goldie, Bailey, Spinner, Helen, and Holly. And now blind Madison … a sweet, gentle, loving girl.
I made the decision to bring her over here on the Sunday we lost Teddy. I was zooming around the ranch on the RTV that morning doing chores, and Alayne had already called from the truck to say Teddy had died in the back seat. As I drove past the Widget's House yard, here came Madison again, running towards the sound of the vehicle. She always wanted so badly to be with us, and the sound of the RTV told her we were nearby and she'd better get going!
I had told Alayne a few weeks ago I was thinking about bringing Madison into the house, which hadn't surprised her. She already knew I was particularly fond of this little old lady. But I guess it was the emotional toll of having lost Teddy that morning that made me realize I needed to do it … that if I didn't, and something suddenly happened to Madison, I'd never forgive myself.
So I stopped the RTV, backed down the drive, and pulled over to the gate where Madison was waiting. I picked her up, put her on the seat, and drove her down to the house. And that was that. When Alayne got back from Helena later that day, she didn't even blink when she saw Madison lying on a bed in the living room.
I took these photos the other night after we'd put all the other dogs up in their cottages. Madison has a funny little habit: Whenever I'm kneeling in front of the wood stove starting the fire each evening, she comes over and nudges me in the back with her nose. That's the signal I'm supposed to turn around and give her some loving. She's one of those quietly affectionate types who kind of sneak up on you to get what they want.
She heard me take that photo above, realized I was right there behind her, and got up to turn around and face me:
Of course, there are some other dogs we'd love to bring into our house, too, but with only 1,400 square feet (130 square meters) and 40 dogs at the ranch, there are limits. Madison is very happy she made No. 6!
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Rosie update: Erin called this morning with great news — Rosie made it through the night and so far is doing fine.
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Still No. 1!
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