The Maggie Story: A Mixed Bag

The story of Maggie, Matthew, and Cindy

C.A.R.E.: So tell us, when did you first meet Maggie?
Matthew: My girlfriend, Cindy, and I first met Maggie last February. Then, she was called Poppy and was living with one of C.A.R.E's foster Moms, Kathy.

C.A.R.E.: Maybe a silly question, but did you guys know she was the one for you?
Matthew: Not silly at all, and yes we did. Maggie was shy at first. IT definitely took her some time to warm up to us. And treats. Lots and lots of treats.

C.A.R.E.: Treats are always good. And so then....
Matthew: Then, I ran out to grab my checkbook from the car. I was gone barely a minute, maybe two. And when I came back, there Maggie was, all curled up on my girlfriend's lap, comfortable as can be. Cindy and I both knew it was meant to be after that.

C.A.R.E.: Sounds like it!
Matthew: It was kind of hard to deny it, not that we tried. We were very much in love.

C.A.R.E.: That is so sweet, Matthew. So what was Maggie's back story?
Matthew: Unfortunately, or fortunately, we don't know too much. She was a stray, rescued from a high-kill shelter. Just a miracle that she made it until you guys rescued her, especially because of her health.

C.A.R.E.: That's right, she did have a few health problems, didn't she.
Matthew: Yes, she did. Maggie had some sort of a skin infection, we're not quite sure what exactly, but it caused much of her hair to fall out. It was a pretty sad sight.

C.A.R.E.: Poor Maggie. Is she doing better now?
Matthew: Is she ever! She's a real cutie, so full of life. It's as if all those bad things never happened to her. She's really embracing her second chance, really making the best of it. One of the great things about animals I suppose. We, humans, can learn much from them.

C.A.R.E.: We sure can, totally agreed.
Matthew: But yes, she's much better. Most of her hair is grown back, she still loves curling up on laps, and adores playing with her two best friends, a Border Collie, and a cat.

C.A.R.E.: Play with the cat? Really?
Matthew: Yep. It's great! They chase each other around the house, taking turns. It's pretty adorable.

C.A.R.E.: And the Border Collie?
Matthew: Maggie loves, loves, loves to climb all over him. And nimble at his ears. Good thing he doesn't mind.

C.A.R.E.: Good thing! Sounds like quite a family. So what has been the biggest surprise for you guys?
Matthew: Well, I mentioned Maggie's resilience. She's embraced her new life so quickly, so fully. And another fun surprise was her mix. We did a DNA test, which came back with, and you'd never guess from her looks, a Pug, Yorkie, Shiba Inu, and a few other mixes.

C.A.R.E.: A Shiba Inu? A Pug? Really?
Matthew: I know, exactly what we thought. And apparently of all the mixes, she's only 15% Chihuahua. Cindy and I always joke that those must be some strong Chi genes.

C.A.R.E.: They sure are! We would have never guessed.
Matthew: Most people don't. She still passes for a Chihuahua at our local meet up groups. Whatever she is, she is ours and we love her.

C.A.R.E.: She's lucky to have you guys.
Matthew: You could say that. I think a better way to think about it, is that we're lucky to have each other.

Thanks Matthew, we couldn't have said it better ourselves!