Makayla is a happy dog, who wakes up everyday with a wagging tail and a smile on her face and lots of kisses for us. She loves to play with her brother - and even manages to wrestle with him sometimes if she's in an extra silly mood. She can still bully Grace and boss her around. She's still the same old Makayla, she just walks a little funny. It's been a long 9 months since we began this journey with Makayla's failing health. And Josh and I have been very honest and up front with each other since the beginning. We will not let her suffer, we will not keep her around for our sake if she doesn't have a good quality of life. We will do what we can to make her happy and keep her comfortable and we both realize that one day we will have to make a tough decision and say goodbye to her, but until that day comes, we will do what's best for her.
I know most people don't understand how much I love my dogs - to most people, they're dogs. To me, they're my babies. And so when people make comments about Makayla, I can't help but take it personally. I can't help but begin to question myself and what I'm doing for her. And although I'm a pretty tough person, nothing gets to me or upsets me more than hearing "that poor dog" from people when they see Makayla. Josh reminds me that people don't see her everyday like we do and don't understand she's ok. Yeah, I know, but to have people pity her and question why we haven't put her to sleep just pisses me off.
There's nothing "poor dog" about Makayla. She's not sad, she's not feeling sorry for herself. She's handicapped and she's simply learning to live with her limitations, not let them stop her from being the same old Makayla she's always been. I've never learned as much from a person as I have learned from Makayla - she's taught me more than I could ever learn in my entire life - how to face life's challenges, how to overcome obstacles, how to not feel sorry for myself because of a difficulty in life. I'm so thankful each and every day that I have Makayla and that she's allowed me to go on this journey with her because it's been such a wonderful experience, no matter how hard it has been.
Rachel, This is super sweet. I was really prepared for you to end with her peeing on your bed or something...silly. I can't believe that after all of this time, that I have yet to meet any of your babies. I promise to make a trip to see you before too long. I miss you. love you.
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