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A Celebration of "Mac" Moments

By
Industry Observer with Nature As Neighbors

 

This is a joyful farewell to one of the most amazing creatures we have ever known. Last week, our white Golden Retriever, Mac, became extremely ill with a disease called acute fulminating myasthenia gravis. Within 24 hours, he had pneumonia, could no longer swallow, and was completely recumbent. 

 

He went to sleep on Friday afternoon with Bernie and I at his side reminding him of all the wonderful adventures we shared. Oh, and we did tell him, at least 100 times, that he was the world's best dog. Truly he was, and is well-deserving of the title. 

 

There will be no more tears. We've shed plenty. Now, we are choosing to move into the celebration of 11 years of happy moments and memories thanks to our best buddy. Many of our friends and family members are helping us with reminders of their favorite and/or funny Mac moments. 


A friend, I (Debb), met at the dog park when Mac was just a puppy, reminded me of the day he rolled in mud and had to ride home in the front seat of our Audi TT. She says he looked so proud and regal sitting in the passenger seat, convertible top down, and covered in mud from head to tail. 


Alexandra ( Ron and Alexandra Seigel ) reminded me of Mac's insistence that she feed him breakfast when they first came to visit us. It was his way of telling her she was special - and that he was too! While Ron shared his favorite vision of Mac, winking an eye in one of our videos. 

 

Sharon Lee sent me an email reminder about the day we took her to see the lovely Skamania Lodge in the Columbia River Gorge. Mac, who always attracted a lot of attention, hurried out to the manicured lawn, and in front of admiring onlookers, did what dogs sometimes need to do-doo.   Handsome yes, but he was never much for putting on airs. 

 

We could go on and on with funny stories, poignant stories, and favorite moments we spent with our dear Mac. Today, we enjoyed a lengthy walk along his favorite trail at Lacamas Lake. We easily imagined him trotting along beside us, nose sniffing the wind, and a big happy grin on his face.  It's how we will always choose to remember him. 

 

(This the last photo of Mac, and it was taken several hours before he first started exhibiting signs of his illness. Not sure what compelled me (Debb) to take it, but I'm grateful.)

Posted by


Debb Janes  Bernie Stea
Brokers/REALTORS®
Call or Text 360-608-4900

We help buyers and sellers in Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie/Hockinson, Salmon Creek, Felida, and other Vancouver, Washington Areas. 


We bring our passion for nature and beautiful environments to Real Estate. Multigenerational and family estates, country land and homes, and small farmsteads are our speciality.


We agree with our clients, "The true luxury of rural living is having elbowroom for the soul.

 

Comments (69)

Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I am sorry for your loss. Your fond memories will have a long life.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Mar 17, 2020 08:57 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - Thanks for the memories. Yes! Mac always played the role of being a video star with unconditional love and humility. You know, you never really lose a dog. Pieces of dog hairs are everywhere! May this true experience of mine, put a big smile on your face:

When I lost my Old English Sheepdog, it was very difficult for all of us. After all, we bought our dog as a puppy before we had any furniture. Our backyard backed up to the Forest Preserves and we walked there all the time. The following spring, I found a bird's nest. You see, by then, my kids and  I climbed trees. Only you could imagine the happiness I felt, when we found a birds nest stuffed with our dog's long gray and white hair right behind our house. 

Unconditional love, never dies and neither does dog hair. 

Mar 17, 2020 10:55 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

My post this morning was a tribute to Mac and the loss I know you are feeling...

Bless your memories Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD 

Mar 17, 2020 12:04 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

How kind of you Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS - I thought it was a wonderful kismit, now I'm quite touched. We both thank you so much. 

Mar 17, 2020 12:34 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - I feel attached to Mac through your videos.  He was really a beautiful dog.  Our only regret is that our best friends don't live forever.

Mar 18, 2020 07:57 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Beautiful post and remember Mac so well from your posts and videos. So sorry for your loss. 

Mar 18, 2020 10:22 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Roy Kelley we do have many fond memories. So grateful for the time we had with this very special boy. 

Mar 18, 2020 10:26 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP - aw, what a sweet take on this and so true. I was cleaning up this week and kept finding dog hair in spots, I got a black sweater out of the closet and voila - long white, wavy dog hair. It brings a sweet tear and chuckle. I'm hoping to see for a long time. 

Mar 18, 2020 10:29 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - for every single hair you find, may it warm your heart with fond memories of Mac. Yes! It's nature's way of bringing back a "sweet tear and chuckle." He's always there!

Mar 18, 2020 11:13 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

When you think about it, we really do put ourselves out there for the heartache when we make them a part of the family. They are not intended to live as long as we do, but it would be a nice option. Thanks Grant Schneider 

Mar 18, 2020 10:30 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Thank you Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor® we are both trying to make the other laugh with goofy Mac memories. This will take some time, but we both know the pain is going to ease up as time goes by. However, he will never be forgotten and will live on in our hearts. 

Mar 18, 2020 10:31 AM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Oh, Debb! I am just now seeing this and crying for you! I'm so sorry! Mac was such an institution and my favorite dog that I never got to meet. Huge and sincere virtual hugs to you, my friend. I'm so terribly sorry. 

Mar 19, 2020 06:49 AM
Debb Janes

Thank you Mimi, I should have brought him to breakfast. ;) 

Mar 22, 2020 11:52 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

What a beautiful tribute to Mac. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is really one of the hardest things to do in this life. Hugs to you.

Mar 28, 2020 12:01 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Debb  & Bernie it's so hard to let our fur babies move on when they need to. I certainly know how tough it is and yet at some point it's time to celebrate the love and joy they brought to everyone along the way.  You are giving him a lovely, lovely send off with joy and love in your hearts.  He'll always be a part of the family and the AR family as well!!

Mar 28, 2020 01:55 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD ,

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Mac..what a special family pet and we all enjoyed the many stories you shared with us. He will definitely not be forgotten..but cherished by everyone!

Mar 28, 2020 06:00 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

What a fitting tribute for World's Best Dog, Debb. I remember thinking what a wonderful dog he was when I read about how he showed your Dad so much love. Mac had World's Best Parents - what a wonderful life he had with you and your family. 

I know the broken heart and my best advice is to sit with Bernie and look at old pictures, reminiscing about the wonderful times you all shared. It will lift your heart tremendously.

Sending you hugs...

Mar 29, 2020 08:16 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Kat Palmiotti it's hard to say goodbye to such a devoted family member. He was a fabulous dog. 

Mar 29, 2020 09:26 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Anna Banana Kruchten Broker, CRB, CRS We are doing just that - laughing about the funny moments with him and being grateful for the 11 years we got to be his people. 

Mar 29, 2020 09:27 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Debb that's what we do to this day with our precious and spunky little shitsu Wookie. He had a good long life, 18 years of being the boss. Such a sweet little soul full of love and spirit. He makes me laugh to this day. One day he showed up at the family room door - his entire face was full of mud!  Of course he thought I should let him in.  How the heck did he find some mudd to get into (he was a rooter).  I found the source and put in yet another fence. Still makes me laugh seeing that muddy little face! And he went to doggie heaven in 2006.

Mar 29, 2020 09:33 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Thank you Dorie Dillard CRS GRI ABR - we both appreciate it greatly. D

Mar 29, 2020 09:27 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Debe Maxwell, CRS - we are doing just that too. Thank you for the kind and compassionate message. We loved him with all of our hearts - and he gave it right back tenfold.  We are so lucky to have spent 11 wonderful years with him. 

Mar 29, 2020 09:29 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Debb and Bernie:

I so enjoyed reading this again. Mac was such a wonderful part of your family and we were blessed that you shared him with us over the years!

Jeff

Mar 29, 2020 11:58 AM