Over the last eight years, our family has gotten to know a
gentleman at the end of our street thanks to his doggo, Maverick. The man’s
name is Jim. Maverick was the first dog we met in the neighborhood, and Jim was
the first person who didn't live directly next door. Halfway through our
growing friendship, Jim’s son, Adam, came into the picture. Adam has an English
Mastiff named Roxy.
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| Maverick |
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| Roxy |
When Jim takes Maverick for a 30-minute walk, it turns into
two hours. Everyone in the neighborhood comes out to say hi to Maverick! As
Rylee has gotten older and gained confidence, she’s visited Jim, Adam, and
their dogs as they sit in their driveway on gorgeous MN weather days. As
Maverick started to show his age, Rylee became more concerned about Maverick
possibly passing away soon. Jim went through a serious heart attack last year,
and we offered to watch the dogs if needed. We were worried for Jim, obviously,
but also Maverick. Dogs worry about their humans, too! We truly feel like part
of a community in these moments.
Well, the weather has warmed up, and people are coming out
of hibernation. So, dogs are outside more as well. A week ago, Rylee and I were
headed out to run an errand when we saw Roxy outside and noticed Maverick was
absent. We turned the car around and knocked on Jim’s door. We were worried
about them. When no one answered, I texted Adam. He let me know Jim was just
fine. Unfortunately, Maverick had passed away. Jim and Adam had gone on a trip
to Hawaii, and Maverick passed away the day after they got home. It’s like he waited to so he
could say goodbye. Obviously, we are so sad for Jim and his family. We offered
our condolences and left it at that. Then, I received a text from Adam with a
sweet picture of Maverick and Roxy in a special frame. I felt honored to take
pictures of their sweet pups. They are always puppies to me! So that was that.
Or
so I thought!
On Wednesday, March 20th, I came home to my husband standing
in the driveway, smiling ear to ear.
“Rylee has some news to tell you. Don’t worry, I won’t steal
your thunder, Rylee!”
Rylee comes walking toward me crying. My mom-stinct jumped
at my daughter’s tears.
"What happened?!"
“It’s good news! Jim and Adam got a new puppy, another
English Mastiff. AND THEY ARE NAMING HER AFTER ME!”
“WHAT?! OH MY GOD! LORD THANK YOU! What a sweet blessing!
Grab your shoes, we’re going to Jim’s!”
Rylee rings the bell. And we are now, for the first time,
standing in Jim’s house. They knew they wanted to name a puppy they hadn’t even
met after my daughter!
Everyone,
say hello to Rylee and her namesake, Rylee!
Rylee may get a part time summer job for walking this cutie. You tell me who is
going to walk who!
