Maddie, the Irish Setter that has been a member of our family for nine years, is no longer with us. The chronic health conditions, which she had suffered from since she was born, reached a point where the medication she was on was no longer effective, and our vet could offer us no other options.

This is not the kind of thing I would normally share on this blog. There are empty couches and chairs in every room, and a huge hole in our hearts. Still, Maddie had a lot of fans here, and I wanted you to know.

I have closed comments today. I know how hard it is to push the “Like” button on a post like this. Please understand that I will interpret a “Like” as your acknowledgment of our sadness. For now, please enjoy some of her special moments.

It was only 23°f (-5°c) but Maddie talked me into sitting for a few minutes.

“Maddie. I’m trying to get a picture of the leaves.”

Bundled up against the cold. Maddie won’t get many walks this week as temperatures dip toward and below zero (f)

It was warm enough to let Maddie explore her favorite puddle

After our cold walk. Maddie wanted to keep her coat on for a while.

Once I put her Buffalo jacket on, Maddie is invincible. She should be freezing (Setters do not get a winter coat, nor do they have an undercoat of any sort).

Maddie is rockin’ her buffalo plaid these days.

Sorry Maddie. I got you in mid lick.

Maddie blends in pretty well with the autumn leaves. She’s staring at the walker lady, but I’m leaving her out in favor of an extra buny

Maddie, I am trying to get a picture of that pine cone.

In between storms, Maddie found time to sit.

I love how Maddie makes the step into a couch.

Maddie was very happy to be walking. this is what she does, she jumps up to thank me.

We’ve been sitting on the Maddie-pattie since I put the bench back out.

If you look close, in the upper right corner of the drop, you can see Maddie

When Maddie is done sitting with me, she steals my place on the couch.

Maddie love the snow and she likes it when I make a pile for her. We call it Mt. Maddie.