Family Makes A Snow Mountain In Their Garden So Their Dying Dog Can Play In It One Last Time
Maggie, a delightful blend of St. Bernard and Newfoundland, was destined for a life nestled among snowy peaks. From her earliest days as a puppy, she gravitated towards the chilliest corners of the house for her naps and leisure time. But when her family decided to whisk her away for a weekend adventure, the once-vibrant pup was grappling with illness.
Their escapade took them camping and canoeing, lavishing Maggie with stomach rubs and her beloved meals, not to mention her cherished ball for playful moments. Recollections of Maggie’s return depict her as ‘joyfully exhausted,’ yet her guardians yearned to gift her one more romp in the snow, a joy she’d always reveled in.
The news of Maggie’s cancer struck her family like a thunderbolt, prompting them to swiftly map out their remaining time together. Maggie had been a faithful companion to Elijah and his spouse on countless outdoor escapades over the years.
In winter, she gleefully chased skiers, while summer saw her gracefully perched on her mother’s paddleboard, soaking in the sun-drenched waters.
Maggie’s mother, Marianna Wilson, explains :
“She’d sprawl on her back, rolling gleefully in the snow like a 120-pound puppy. It brought immense joy to witness her sheer delight in frolicking amidst the winter landscape.”
Mariana continued :
“I can scarcely recall a time when she wasn’t by my side, a constant companion shaping the rhythm of our days and even our vacations. From dawn till dusk, she was there, an integral part of our existence. Our commitment to ensuring her happiness was unwavering, a dedication that enriched our own lives immeasurably.”
Maggie’s family meticulously orchestrated an entire camping excursion around her, recognizing her struggles with heat, particularly exacerbated by her battle with cancer. With the absence of snow, they sought to provide her with the utmost comfort and care during her final days.
Elijah recalls :
“We aimed to simplify things for her, and that’s when the idea of those snow machines struck me. I pondered, ‘If we rented one, how much snow could it churn out?’ So, I posted a query online, and that’s when things took a turn.”
Elijah recounted an overwhelming community response. Scores of individuals offered suggestions, some even proposing to bring their personal snow cone machines for a snowy celebration. Remarkably, one individual offered to wield a hammer to assist in breaking down ice chunks.
Notably, various eateries, cafes, and coffee houses stepped up, offering to empty their coolers and contribute their ice cubes to Maggie’s cause.
Amid preparations for his final camping weekend with Maggie, Elijah endeavored to coordinate with those who offered ideas. He noted mentions of quality snow from local ice rinks in comments and swiftly reached out to two establishments. The following day, Tiffany King from the Salt Lake County Ice Center responded promptly.
Elijah tells the story :
Upon our emergence from the woods on Monday morning, we were warmly greeted by him, with everything meticulously prepared. Alongside Jimmy, the adept Zamboni driver, they had navigated the course twice, surpassing their usual routine. Additionally, a substantial snowdrift had accumulated outdoors.
Despite Elijah’s efforts, only a fraction of the snow could be accommodated in his pickup truck as he made his way to the ice rink. Maggie and his wife were utterly astonished when he returned home with the load.
Mariana recalls :
“It’s indescribable, the overwhelming surge of emotions that swept over me when he pulled up on Monday morning and we swung open the van doors. ‘What’s happening, guys?’ Maggie’s voice trembled as tears streamed down my face, his eyes welled up, and my mother joined in with her own tears.”
In an instant, Maggie grasped that this mound of snow held a special significance just for her. Her mother scooped some up and offered it to her, which the adorable puppy eagerly devoured. Underneath a shaded tarp, the family transferred the contents of the vehicle to a corner of the backyard.
Seeing that Maggie was still trying to grasp the situation, her parents decided to engage in some snow play. Maggie eagerly jumped onto the snow pile, displaying a remarkable sense of ease and comfort, so much so that she seemed on the verge of dozing off.
