Maddie's story began on April 21, 2000.  She was born into a puppy mill in Missouri.  We don't know what the first year of her life held for her but we do know that this is a girl with a will to live.  On May 5, 2001, Maddie was in an auction in Missouri with 9 other Scotties.  The mill was shutting down and they had an auction to sell all the dogs.  Maddie and another girl now named Andi were bought by a very kind woman and turned over to Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue.  On May 6, 2001, Maddie joined us.  What I saw that day will stay with me forever.  She was shaven down to her skin - no furnishings, eyebrows, beard or anything else.  She had an odor to her that is common among puppy mill dogs.  It's the stench of filth.  She had what resembled a bicycle chain around her neck with an orange key ring on it with a number - her ID from the puppy mill.  Maddie had many open sores on her body.  We replaced the chain with a bright pink collar and held her for a while.  That was all it took - she had bonded with me already. 

Here's a picture of Maddie with her foster mom, Lynne Wunderlich

Maddie was being fostered by a friend in southern Minnesota because she seemed to be the worst off health wise of the two Scottie girls.  My friend did not work and could devote a lot of time to Maddie.  On the ride there, Maddie screamed in her crate, comforted only when I could slip my hand behind me and stick it through the screen.  I talked to her and she calmed down.  When we reached her foster home, she did not want me to leave her and let out such a ferocious howl when her foster mom picked her up.  She proceeded to bite her foster mom on her hand and did substantial damage.  The next day, she went to the vet where she got a full evaluation.  Maddie had an infection throughout her body.  Her lymph glands were swollen.  She had a bladder and ear infection.  Her open wounds on her body were treated.  She had a gash in her left ear about 3/4" deep, leaving a small flap in her ear, no doubt from a dog fight.  She needed some of her teeth pulled.  Many of her teeth were cracked, and some were broken off in the middle.  Maddie was an extremely angry girl.  She would not settle down and was very aggressive towards the other dog in the foster mom's household.  They needed to be separated.  Once Maddie had been on antibiotics for a while, she was well enough for her spay.  When Maddie was spayed,  the vet found a 2" cyst on her ovary. This was the reason Maddie had never had a litter of puppies - although it was a physical dysfunction, it saved more helpless puppies from being born in filth and greed.  Little by little, she started feeling better, and her personality started to show.

Maddie recuperated from her surgery and continued with antibiotics.  Her wounds started to scab over and heal.  Physically, she was going to be alright.  But would her personality be okay?  She was still very angry and aggressive.  Maddie came to me a couple of weeks later after she had healed from her spay.  I began to screen for homes.  A family close by had recently lost their Scottie girl and would love another.  They had had Scotties for years and had two sons who were familiar with Scotties.  Maddie met the family and the boys and everyone got along great.  The adoption was made.  A week later, Maddie was returned.  She seems to know when someone is afraid or does not like her and the boys had a friend over who was afraid of dogs.  Maddie sought him out immediately and went after him.  Discussions with our veterinarian continued with concerns over Maddie's biting behavior and aggressiveness.  It was suggested that Maddie be euthanized, but I knew there was the right home for her.  She was a sweet girl underneath the anger, and if she had the right environment, she would be okay.  Maddie was a lesson in perseverance.  I was not going to see her put to sleep.  After all she'd been through, she deserved a home and love. 

Another family adopted Maddie, but their other dog and Maddie were not a good match.  Back to the drawing board.  Maddie needed someone who had Scotties and a quiet home with no children.  We found that person - Betty lived in Bemidji and had lost a Scottie not too long before she heard about Maddie.  It was a match made in heaven and Maddie thrived in Betty's wonderful care.  It was just what she needed.  Unfortunately, Betty's health forced her to give up Maddie in 2003, two years after her initial adoption.

While we were saddened that Maddie was losing her home, I had to admit to being giddy at the thought of having her in our home again.  Maddie went through so much.  She seemed much calmer, but still did not care for other dogs that much.  While in Rescue that summer, Maddie and resident Scottie, Rosie Fiona had a go of it more than once.  Maddie had matured into a beautiful, striking Scottie girl.  Pictured below is Maddie in July, 2003. 

In July, 2003, Maddie again was adopted.  The family had a Scottie in the past and knew the personality.  They could not wait to have Maddie join their household.  Things were going very well, and Maddie was a happy girl.  She even got to visit Betty, her former owner around Christmastime.  But things started to deteriorate.  Maddie was having frequent accidents.  They were becoming more and more frequent, and she could not seem to go more than 2 hours without having one.  She was taken to the vet where a urinalysis proved nothing was there to be concerned about.  Blood work was also done.  Stunned, the family considered their alternatives.  When they called me, I was devastated.  Maddie had been through so much, but again, she needed me and I was not going to let her down.  Maddie went to my vet for a bladder x ray to check for stones.  A urinalysis proved that Maddie had no gravity to her urine - it was nearly clear.  She drank so much water and her bladder was constantly full, but why was she drinking so much?  Further tests were done to rule out Cushings and Diabetes.  When those tests proved negative, Maddie once again, was returned to Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue.  Maddie loved her family, and they loved her and always will.  We welcomed her home to us and she did very well, picking right up where she left off, burping after finishing her dinner and sleeping in bed with us.  She sought out toys familiar to her from previous stays, always choosing the stuffed monkeys, and Rosie Fiona's favorite ball.  She continued with her accidents and she was checked for a bladder infection after I noticed her straining.  Sure enough, one showed up this time.  At the same vet visit, she was also given her annual heartworm test which also tests for Lymes Disease and Erlichia.  Maddie, much to our surprise, tested positive for Lymes.  It explained her soreness in her joints.  The vet prescribed three weeks of a strong antibiotic.  Maddie improved within two days and was more energetic.  Maybe this is what her problem was all along?  But she was still having accidents.  Something told me there was still something going on with her bladder.  As is common with mill dogs, urinating on a hard surface is preferred, and Maddie always chose to urinate on our deck.  When the urine dried, I could see crystals.  Sure enough, Maddie has a high PH balance in her urine and is now on prescription dog food.  Since the diagnosis of crystals and the switch to the new diet, there have not been any more accidents.  I have researched and discussed Maddie's problems with my vet, holistic resources and friends until I am just sure I know everything there is to know about what is happening with her body.  Why did her PH level change?  Why does she continue with chronic ear infections?  How did she get Lymes disease while being treated with preventative?  I'll never know the answer to these questions, but I do know that I will do everything I can to ensure this girl is comfortable and loved the rest of her life.  

Maddie is a very special girl to me.  I really do not know if I can let her go again as I feel I know this girl to her very soul.  She is content with me and has even accepted Rosie Fiona.  She loves Frasier, but hates our cat.  Maddie is a rescue in every sense of the word, but she is the one I am the most proud of.  There have been many Scotties that I have rescued and found homes for.  Maddie is different.  I have saved her.  She is a quirky girl with a mind that never forgets.  If she does not like someone, she will try to attack them.  If she knows I am leaving for work in the morning, she will hide so that she can have full run of the house with the other kids.  If she sees me with a towel in my hand when she comes inside, she will stay out as long as she can to avoid her feet being wiped.  She is my poster child and I could not love her more. 

As rescuers we love all the dogs we place.  In most cases, they are followed up on and soon integrate into their loving homes and the bond is so strong that we know it's a forever deal.  Maddie is the one I will always worry about, but she will never fall through the cracks.

I needed to tell Maddie's story.  It's important and it is always going to be a work in progress.  Maddie has taught me many things about life and people.  She instantly knows if someone is good or not.  She's great in a crowd, and she knows who my real friends are.  No matter where Maddie goes, she will always have a little piece of me with her, and her with me.

Thank you Monroe, for showing us Scottie love and putting me into a place where I could get Maddie and help her.  And I want to thank the people that have had Maddie long-term.  Betty showed her how to be a dog and taught her manners.  Her most recent family loved her very much and she had such an adventure with them.  She developed a tolerance to other dogs, and shared a wonderful home with them.  Matters of the heart are always tough, and Maddie has taught us that, too. 

Here are some photos of Maddie getting groomed on 5/1/04 in preparation for her attendance at the Door County Scottie Rally on May 15, 2004. 

Maddie with Aunt Linda Morris who does a beautiful job of grooming our rescues.  Thank you Aunt Linda!

And here's Maddie with foster mom Jan soon after her grooming:

An update - 6/17/04

The past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride with our girl.  We attended the Door County Scottie Rally and Maddie and Rosie had so much fun.  Here's a picture of them with their kilts on resting after the parade:

Soon after we returned from Door County, Maddie began having bouts of diarrhea.  It would go away and then come back.  Then, she started vomitting too.  On May 24, I came home from work to find her very, very sick.  She was shaking uncontrollably and could not stop vomitting.  I took her to the vet's office where they checked her out and ran bloodwork.  Her bloodwork was all out of whack and it was suggested we keep her off food for a day and go back to see the regular vet the next day.  They gave us some meds to settle her system, but I honestly thought Maddie was going to die that night.  I don't think I have ever seen a dog that sick.  She was like a limp dishrag.  I took her to bed that night and huggd her - I also told her that if she needed to leave us, it was okay. 

The next day was one of worry, but she seemed to perk up towards late afternoon.  My vet was concerned that her problem was one of three things, Lymphoma, Irritable Bowel Disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  We scheduled an endoscopy for her intestines a week later.

Maddie went in to the clinic a day early to be "cleaned out".  The procedure was done the following day, a Friday, and I picked her up that afternoon.  I got the "cold shoulder" most of the night.  Maddie was clearly irked that I had left her there to go through that ordeal. 

Nearly a week later, sick with worry, we got the prognosis. Maddie's problem is Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  As I mentioned earlier, Maddie has taught me so many things.  Now the lessons on diet and management come into play.  Maddie is doing well - she still has an occasional rough day, but we are determined to boost her immune system. 

Next on the agenda - a meeting with a canine nutritionist to design a diet Maddie can live with and be healthy.  This diet will hopefully address her IBD, but also help with her PH level to alleviate crystals in her urine.  Stay tuned!

Updated 7/16/04

What a month it has been!  Maddie has been shuttled between two veterinarians for a series of tests.  The woman we are seeing regarding Maddie's nutritional needs is very pleased with the progress Maddie has made.  Maddie went from being very, very sick around the end of May to nearly normal blood values towards the end of June.  We are elated.  We're not out of the woods yet, as Maddie's body is healing from the most recent bout of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. 

Maddie has a new diet consisting of chopped chicken breast, white rice, sardines in tomato sauce, canola oil. salt substitute, regular salt, bonemeal, prozyme (digestive aid) and canned pumpkin.  We have not had very many rough days the past few weeks, but I have noticed that stress will set off symptoms.  We are still working with the nutritionist and taking food additions one step at a time with Maddie.  This is a long-term project and we can't rush her.  I also want to say that food success is different for every IBD dog. What may work for one may not work for another.  Therefore, Maddie's diet is unique and probably not suitable for most dogs.

A big treat on June 24 was a visit with Maddie's former owner, Betty.  Here's a picture of the two catching up:

Betty and Maddie had a great time catching up and snuggling.  Maddie jumped for joy when she saw Betty.  There was no hesitation in Maddie's recognition ... she knew who this was and loved seeing her former owner. 

Maddie has amazed me.  Eating one wrong thing sets her IBD off.  Normally a food hound, if a drop of the other dog's food drops on the floor, instead of scarfing it up, she looks to me to tell her if it's okay to eat.  The answer is always no, but she certainly knows what to do to keep herself safe.

Maddie also amazes me with her ability to accept foster dogs in our home.  She has been wonderful, and has not roughed up anyone! 

Recently, Rosie Fiona and Frasier went to the groomer for the afternoon.  Maddie was very upset and stressed about this (even though there was another visiting dog at home with her).  I noticed it affected her IBD.  This made me feel both good and bad.   Good in the way that she was attached to Rosie and Frasier, because she tore around the house for about 30 minutes when they got home!  But, it makes me feel bad knowing that routine life circumstances are going to cause Maddie discomfort.

The journey with Maddie is yet on another path.  We love her immensely.

Updated 10/10/04

Maddie is a member of our family, and she will not be adopted out.  She is officially ours and has been for awhile.  Her Inflammatory Bowel Disease seems to have stabilized, and as long as she continues on her diet and has no other food or treats, she does okay.  One little thing can and will set her off. 
Maddie seems to know that it is okay to be herself around us.  She is challenging Rosie Fiona for the alpha-female position and this has been quite interesting to watch.  We try to reinforce Rosie's position by feeding Maddie last, but she's pushing it everywhere she can. 

We have not had Maddie to a vet since July.  We hope and pray that she continues to do well and does not have another severe flare up of her IBD. 

Updated 11/14/04

Maddie got a great haircut this afternoon.  Because I see her every day, some of her changes are subtle.  Her coat, for instance, has grown back thick and beautiful.  It is shiny and she doesn't have the dull, lifeless coat she had at the beginning of the summer.  Maddie has not had a flare up of her IBD for a long time.  She is healing inside and out and we hope and pray she continues. 

This is a picture of Maddie after we got home from "Aunt Linda's" where Maddie got a beautiful haircut.

Maddie recently stayed with a friend the first week of November while I attended a conference in San Francisco.  We got all of her meals made up and packaged ahead of time, and included her worldly comforts with her crate, bed, pillows and blanket.  Maddie did fine staying with Morty and Max in their home.  Morty is another Scottie who is a member of the Memory of Monroe Class of 2002.  Max is his Sheltie brother.  Morty and Maddie played and had a great time together.

We are thankful that Maddie's life has stabilized.  She has shown much improvement, and seems to be okay with all she's gone through.  Of course, we are still very diligent with her nutrition and health.  That is top priority and always will be.  She is good with the rescues who come into our home, but lets them know that this is her house.  She's our girl.

Updated 8/4/05

We have had some rough times this summer with our girl.  Towards the end of May, Maddie began having trouble with her digestive system.  Accidents were frequent, and she became sluggish.  Her beautiful coat became dull and flaky.  She would occasionally vomit, and everyone noticed the change in her disposition. 

Thinking she would bounce back like many other times, I waited until early July to take her to the vet.  While at the vet, she was scolded (who am I kidding, I was scolded!) for allowing her to gain weight.  Maddie weighed in at 26.1 lbs and needs to get down to 21-22 lbs.  The vet could tell her intestines were inflamed as was her gall bladder.  After giving Maddie an acupuncture treatment, she prescribed a drug for her to help calm her body, and we were to check back in two weeks.  Shortly after the prescription ended, Maddie's problems returned.  We went back and Maddie was given another product to help with her digestive system.  This is a Chinese herb called Bao Ha Wan.  It is sprinkled on her food and she eats with gusto.  I cannot believe the difference in her.

We've recently had a lot of work done on our house.  Our backyard, deck, and fence are being repaired/redone, and Maddie does not appreciate change, or strangers coming and going.  She does, however, seem to enjoy the new deck and has sought out a shady area where she likes to rest. 

I know how much everyone loves their Scotties.  When I had Monroe, I couldn't imagine loving a dog more than him.  Then I got Rosie Fiona.  I love her dearly, but it's a different, unique love.  Maddie is completely different from Monroe and Rosie Fiona, and her love is also unique.  I feel so very lucky to have these three wonderful Scotties in my life -- and the countless rescues who I got to know and love while they were with me (and a few Westies!).  Our dogs are here to teach us lessons, and I have learned so much from mine. 

From a proud mom, Jan (who is off to mix up more food for Maddie - a never ending labor of love)

Updated 7/3/06

It's been nearly a year since I updated Maddie's webpage.  She's a funny girl, and always is ready to snuggle and love. 

Maddie has been diagnosed with high-grade Lymphosarcoma.  This is a sad time for those of us who love her, but we are committed to keeping her comfortable and letting her know how much we love her.  We do know one thing and that is we will not be doing chemotherapy on her.  Maddie cannot tolerate much in her system, and we want what days she has left to be comfortable. 

Despite keeping her on a home made diet, not using lawn care products and a plethora of other "keep your dog safe" tactics, this lovely six-year old girl has contracted this deadly form of cancer.  There are no guarantees with these dogs.  It's all a matter of the heart, which Maddie has taught us so well.

 Updated 7/21/06

Maddie is here and is hanging in there.  Ninety percent of the time, she is her normal happy, bouncy self.  She sleeps a lot more and her tummy is uncomfortable.  Although she has not been x-rayed, we feel the cancer is in her liver and spleen now.

We've been enjoying each and every day as a gift.  Maddie has come on more errands with me and has had a lot of one-on-one time with me.  It's been a roller coaster of emotions - I'm so sad that we're going to lose her, yet I feel so very thankful to have this time with her to love her up, and tell her how special she is.

Maddie accompanied me on an adoption two weeks ago, we've run errands, got a bath and haircut, picked up Steve at the airport, visited Dave and Elaine, and Maddie is bound and determined to get Elmo, Steve's cat.  We've got another vet appointment next week. 

Here is a photo of Maddie with her "Vacation Mama and Papa", Dave and Elaine, on 7/20/06.

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 Updated 7/29/06

Another week with our girl!  That's a good thing!

On Sunday, July 23rd, I didn't think Maddie would make it another week.  That particular Sunday was a tough day.  She seemed very depressed, but perked up at dinner time and was in pretty good spirits the rest of the week except for later in the week.

On Monday of this past week, Maddie had an appointment with the nutritionist/holistic vet.  The lumps have grown significantly since she was last seen, but nothing could be given to us as far as timing goes.  The vet could see many changes in Maddie's condition.  None for the better, sad to say.  The following night, we had a vet visit with our regular vet, Dr. Harris.  He, too, noted many of the same physical conditions that were identified the prior evening.  We got another prescription for Prednisone and had a long discussion regarding end of life issues.  I am thankful for Dr. Harris and all he has done for us and our dogs.

Maddie had several visits this week by friends who want to see her and cuddle.  This is such a darling picture of Maddie's "Auntie Sue". 

 We had an evening of laughs, tears and talk about our dogs.  We were also joined by our friends Linda, Mark and Deb.  Here's a picture of Maddie with "Auntie Linda"

 Maddie forms some very special relationships with certain people.  She met Mark and Deb two years ago when they came over and helped with a major housing project (THANK YOU!).  Maddie took to Mark in moments, and although she's only seen him a few times since, she remembers and is all excited to see him in a way that she does not do for others.  We'll just say Maddie and Mark have a wonderful and unique bond.  Maddie was very happy to see them!

 Maddie has been lounging around much more than usual.  She is laying down, but doesn't have her eyes shut.  She will cuddle more than any Scottie I've ever known, which is another reason why she just gets into your heart in a moment.  She loves Frasier, our Miniature Schnauzer, and he loves her, too.  They have been such good buddies.  Here they are taking a rest on the sofa.

It was a month ago today that Maddie had her biopsy done.  I am grateful we've had this time together to love her up and say goodbye.  We have no idea how much time she has left.  Until then, we'll make sure she is happy and comfortable - she deserves all of that and more.

Updated 8/5/06

Maddie is still with us.  She is having more bad days than good, but she's still here and we're doing all we can for her at this point.

The big changes this week are that she does not want to be held except for very short periods of time.  She's weak and cannot jump up on the furniture any longer.  She's having multiple accidents despite being let outside often.  Still, when I put my face to hers and ask for a kiss, she gladly complies.  She's eating well and will run outside to see if the neighbor's cat is perched on their deck.  Other than that, she sleeps a lot and is very listless. 

This morning, she got a bath and I think that helped her feel a little bit better.  She snarkled along the rug and wall for a bit as she always does after a bath.  When I put her collar back on her, she was shaking.  I'm sure she thought she was going to get a haircut.  No, Maddie, your haircuts are all done, darlin'. 

For those of you who check in regularly to see how she's doing - I appreciate your thoughts and prayers, as does Maddie.  Maddie lives in my house and I care for her, but she belongs to all who know her.  She's a special girl, that Maddie.  Of all the rescues that have been through my home throughout the past nine years, she's the one I kept.

Updated 8/7/06

Today was the day - the end of a road with our girl.  Late yesterday afternoon, I pretty much knew that today would be the day, but wanted to see how she was.  Maddie and I took off on her last Sunday night and went to a local Lake and park.  She was excited to go for a ride, and sat on my lap for the drive.  I rolled my window down and she had her head out part of the ways.  We were determined to have a fun evening. 

We got to the park and walked down to the beach and picnic area.  Maddie had that familiar skip in her step and did not stop to rest.  She smelled things by the grills and tried to eat some remnants of another family's feast.  We found a nice spot under some large oak trees and watched a glorious sunset over the lake.  Maddie sat in my lap and we had a long talk.  We waited for the sun to go down and watched the last remaining swimmers come out of the water and leave.  The weather was perfect and there were no mosquitoes.

We went back up to the car and once again, she sat on my lap.  She was tired and slept most of the way home, not caring to hang her head out.  When we got home, she fell right to sleep. 

I didn't sleep much last night.  I alternated watching Maddie and trying to get some sleep.  Last night she slept in her crate which was the first time in many, many days.  She had to get up several times to go potty.

This morning I woke up early.  I let the dogs outside, and watched as Maddie chose to stay on the deck.  While not cold, it was a little chilly and she was shivering.  I brought her blanket out and wrapped her up.  She seemed content.  

There were several things this morning that solidified my understanding that today was the last day.  Maddie was not eating or drinking, and she began to vomit a couple of times. 

We spent a long time cuddling and talking before our last drive.  Maddie was greeted with care and dignity and passed into her next life with our family vet, Dr. Harris, his assistant, Sandy, and I with her.  She left this world knowing how much she is loved and adored, and now, missed terribly.

Is Maddie different from most rescues?  In some ways, yes.  She had a horrendous start to her life with many, many bumps along the way.  She was only six years old when she died.  Was she loved any differently that most rescues?  No.  She entered our hearts and that's where she will stay.  I learned more from Maddie than any of my other dogs.  I watched an aggressive girl turn into a sweetheart, ready to cuddle and love at a moment's notice.  I also learned a great deal about health issues.  Maddie was in my life for a reason and I probably will not understand the full reason for awhile.

Thank you to all who offered support and words of encouragement.  We'll remember our sweet girl forever.

Maddie's mom, Jan

Copyright 2004 - 2006 - Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue

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