November 12, 2013, Maggie came into my life. She’s our eleven-year old English Springer Spaniel, the first pick out of nine puppies our family dog Freckles delivered. Maggie stood out from the very beginning, and we knew that she was the one for us. Since then she has been the sweetest dog I have ever known.

Our pets live outside; my dad doesn’t believe animals should be in the house. That hasn’t stopped Maggie from being my best friend. Every day, she races to my truck with her green dinosaur in her mouth as soon as I pull into the driveway, her tail wagging furiously. A quote that has always stuck with me is, “Maybe God made animals unable to talk so we can understand that love isn’t shown through words but through actions.” My girl proves that every day. Our routine is simple but meaningful. Once she meets me at my truck, I go inside to change, and she waits patiently at the door. Then we head out to the barn together to load my truck up with hay for the cows. When we return, she runs straight to the outside fridge, where her treats are, and sits there and looks at me. Then, of course, I give her one for being such a good girl.

March 15, 2024, my birthday, I noticed a lump on Maggie’s stomach. My heart sank; I knew exactly what it was, a tumor. Memories of Freckles came rushing back. She had developed a tumor before we lost her. So, we took Maggie to the vet, and she confirmed that Maggie had breast cancer. Due to her age, surgery wasn’t an option, so we went home with medication to slow down the spread. Since then, I give Maggie her medicine every single night, as advised.

Towards the end of August I was convinced that I was going to lose Maggie. She started having seizures uncontrollably and could barely stand up, eat, or drink. I was terrified. I stayed by her side day and night, cuddling, watching movies, and comforting her. I also stayed home from our family vacation because I knew I would never forgive myself if I wasn’t there for her when she passed. Those nights were long, and I did everything I could for her to feel loved. Miraculously, by the end of that week, she snapped out of it and bounced back to life. She returned to her cheerful self, although she has slowed way down since then.

Fast forward to December 13, 2024. I brought home a new addition to our family, Lainey, a three-month old English Springer Spaniel. I wanted to give Maggie a surprise, a new friend. Since then, Maggie and Lainey have become best friends. Watching Maggie in her old age, keeping up with Lainey’s energy is the most heartwarming feeling. Although training Lainey has been a challenge, as she's quite the troublemaker, she has brought such life and joy to our home.

Losing Freckles was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced, and Maggie’s cancer diagnosis was another stab to the heart. For a good while I felt completely hopeless at the thought of losing yet another one of my best friends. But, going through these experiences I’ve found a purpose in it. These moments have inspired me to become a veterinarian. I want to help others with the heartache of losing a pet, and provide care for animals that mean so much to their families. And what better job is there than to hang out with animals all day?

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