by Chris Bellezza
Maggie’s pick up went way better than I expected. We arrived, with no weather-related problems — despite some flashing signs on the highway advising of “winter weather ahead.” We were heading north of Syracuse, in the snow belt, and had to traverse some elevated roadways where last week there was a 30-car accident due to sudden icing of the road.
Luckily today, there wasn’t any ice and only very light snow, but the warning signs seemed to have slowed the traffic and that made us more comfortable. My husband Jay insisted on coming with me, since I was heading to a stranger’s home, and the kids, by default, had to come along for the ride.
Maggie Mae’s home was warm and charming, and all of the kids were there, politely waiting to meet this woman who was here to take away their dog. The mom was kind and friendly.
The oldest girl was off to the side. Maggie Mae was barking at me, and even when I got down on the floor, she was really unsure about this intruder.
We talked about Maggie, what she likes (belly rubs and stealing food from the toddler) and doesn’t like (some men, having toys taken from her mouth, sleeping late). She does have some bad habits, apparently (pooping in the house right after she’s been out, not liking to go potty on the grass – she prefers the driveway, screaming when she’s upset about something or you sleep too late, table surfing). I made good friends with the 3 young boys — two of them wanted to come home with me and meet my dogs — and all of them were adorable.
The oldest daughter offered some helpful tips, and I gave her a note with my contact information and assurance that she could call me anytime she wanted an update. I didn’t get to see the little baby, who was sleeping. (Drats!)
I then took Maggie’s stuff ( a big bag of food, a long leash, a crate and two nice blankets, a stuffed animal that the daughter slept with) out to the car and gave them some time to say goodbye while I gave Jay and our kids a quick update, and then I went back in. The mom said, with tears in her own eyes, that she was now upset. Thankfully, the boys were still ok with things, and after I scooped up the still reluctant, stiff-legged little MM, I said a quick goodbye and reminded them to call whenever they wanted.
And that was that. It’s a hard thing to give up your family pet, but all in all, it wasn’t as difficult a transition as it might have been, for all of us.
Maggie Mae, though, is getting braver by the hour and is much happier here, once she saw that we have treats and serve dinner! 
This story is so heartbreaking on so many levels.
That is my friends dog, I love that dog. I hope you take care of it. The oldest daughter did not sleep with that toy by the way.
Hi Alisa, Maggie Mae is so adorable and I can see why you would love her! I know it’s hard but please don’t worry, we love her too and treat her as one of our own. She’s having fun here, playing with our dogs, and she really likes one of our cats. We’ll be sure to find the very best home for her, where she’ll be treated like a princess, and we’ll shed our own tears, I’m sure, when that day comes. And you’re right…I should have said that one of the blankets, not the toy, was from the oldest daughter’s bed (so that it would carry her scent and be a comfort for Maggie). I didn’t mean to imply that she still slept with stuffed animals (yikes, how embarrassing!).
Hi Chris; my friend and I were looking at the story about Maggie, and we laughed about the stuffed animal. I’m glad that Maggie is doing so well. It makes me feel better that Maggie is with you and your teaching her the “right” things because we all know Maggie has her “habits”.
I wish she could just stay with you 
.
Aw, Stephanie, you are just breaking my heart! You would laugh if you saw her, playing with our dogs – she just gets right in there, barking her little head off (of course), while they all chase each other around the house. And lately she’s started cuddling up next to them on the couch. She has settled in well, and believe me, I too wish could stay with us. Of course, I have felt that way with each of our fosters, and if we kept them all, there would be no room for the next foster! I’m glad that you laughed about the stuffed animal – my daughter would be mortified if her friends read that she still slept with stuffed animals (of course she does, but they wouldn’t be reading this blog, so I’m safe!). Maggie sends hugs!
hi chris- stephani and her friends just crack me up!! i really feal like you and your family have helped me in a very difficult time. You took Maggie in and have just been soo wonderful in many different ways, your concern with my baby and her surgeries and letting me know how Maggie is doing. It truly means alot to me. I thought the whole Maggie leaving would be more difficult for me, but you have just made it reassuring that you will find the best home for her. School bus time is still hard for me but i know it will get easier:(
I thank you more than you will know-Michele
Hi Michele, Thanks for the kind words, it has certainly been my family’s pleasure to help you and Maggie. I’m sure that each Cavalier rescuer here would have been just as much of a help (we just lucked out to be the closest to you) – we all know how hard this has been for you and Stephani. But it’s important for you to concentrate on your baby and your family right now, and Maggie will be just fine. Cavaliers are truly a “love the one you’re with” type dog. Right now, I’m her favorite here, but I don’t let that flatter me too much. When I’m gone, she attaches herself to my daughter, or my husband, and I’m confident that she’ll have no trouble falling in love with someone special at her next home. We’ll all miss her, but SHE will be fine!
haha yeap that is wut she used to do to me, FOLLOW me EVERYWHERE
i miss her alot though and wish i could see her again :[
Maggie Mae, the Cavalier Queen, here. I just wanted to tell you about my adoption 3 weeeks ago. I traveled home on my new Dad’s lap. Life is good, here, and I have my Dad wrapped around my little paws. My new Mom is more the disciplinarian in our family, but I love her, too. I have met, and get along with all the members of the extended family, who drop in from time to time, but they go home again, and then there is just Mom, Dad & me. I love that !!.
I sleep in my crate at night, by Dad’s side of the bed, and I am progressing nicely with the training that Chris started. I come when called, except when my friend the golden retriever next door is out, and then I have to go see him. I took my first camping trip last weekend, and I did really well. I run loose in the house when my folks are gone, and have not done any damage. Next week I go to the groomers. I have already been to her shop to scout it out, and it is O.K. with me, I made myself right at home.
I get good meals here, and lots of treats, because I behave myself very nicely.
I’ll post more next month, but I just wanted to let you know how well I am doing, and how much love and attention I am getting. But, Hey, I’m a Cavalier. That’s my job.
Maggie Mae, your traveling Cavalier Queen here. It’s summer and I have been on vacation. I’ve been to St. Louis, Mo. and seen the famous Arch. I’ve been to Branson, Mo. EEEEE-Haw !! That’s hillbilly for I had a good time. I even met a Cavalier there, but he had no manners and tried to bite me. My Dad gave his owner a few stern words, I can tell you. I travel well, usually sleeping as soon as we hit the highway. We have done some weekend camping, which I like, especially the campfires. I love summer when I can get outside, and our family goes for long walks on secluded trails.
So, I’m doing well. Happy, Healthy, and you should see how my coat has grown.
aw, im glad that shes doing well.. Just wish she was this good for us, so we didn’t have to get rid of her. I miss you maggie
Hi Maggie Mae,
Wow it sure sounds like you are having a wonderful time with your new family. Getting to travel in your own moving hotel room must be loads of fun. I’m glad to hear that you are minding your manners just as your foster mom, Chris taught you to do. It sounds like you are living the good life and I am so happy for you. Denise
Maggie Mae, the Cavalier Queen, here with an update. I have an older brother now. Somebody told my Mom that Cavaliers are like potato chips, you can’t have just one. Mom took that to heart, and we now have Brumley with us, which is fine with me, because we get along really well together. He’s a big red and white boy, and when we go walking together, people stop us and look at him, and say,”What a beautiful dog” then they look at me and say “Oh, how cute that dog is” We drove a far way to get him, and he travels well, just like me. I’m trying to teach him all my bad habits, but the opposite is happening. He is calming me down. Well, that’s a big brother’s job, to have a positive influence on his younger siblings.
I think Mom would adopt every Cavalier on the rescue web-site if she could, but Dad says she has to stay off that web site, because 2 is our limit. The bed just isn’t big enough for any more of us.
Cavalier Kisses to all!!