And then, out of the blue, came Bluey
Oh, boy! We always said we wouldn’t get another dog after Maddie—but then came Bluey. From the moment he arrived, he and Maddie shared an unspoken bond, as if they’d known each other forever.
Bluey’s journey to us was nothing short of extraordinary. Found in Fallbrook, CA, on November 17, 2024 with no collar, tag, or microchip, he ended up in a shelter where time was running out.🚨
Thanks to Passion For Pitties and his incredible foster, Molly, Bluey’s life was saved, and that’s where our story began. We first met Elise, the founder of Passion For Pitties, at Liberty Station. Rolling through with a wagon full of paralyzed pups, we naturally caught her attention! We exchanged info, and a few months later, she reached out, asking if we could help care for some fosters. Molly was the first foster we worked with, needing holiday care for Bluey.
The moment Bluey arrived, he and Maddie were inseparable. It was as if he knew his mission—to love on Maddie and steal our hearts forever. Bluey spent Christmas with us, and after that, we couldn’t let him go—so we made it official and adopted him. It didn’t take long for this big meatball to claim our hearts…and our bed!
Looking back, it all feels like fate. Along the way, we’ve gained not only Bluey but also a lifelong friend. Molly, with her heart of gold, is on a mission to save as many dogs as possible, and we’ll forever be grateful that Bluey was one of them.
Less than two months after we adopted Bluey, Maddie crossed the rainbow bridge. Though our hearts ache, it brings us comfort knowing she had a loyal companion by her side in her final days. Their bond was instant, as if fate had brought them together for a reason.
Some connections feel bigger than coincidence. Maybe Maddie knew her time was near, and the universe, in its quiet wisdom, sent Bluey to ease her journey—and ours. Perhaps their souls had met before, finding each other again when it mattered most. Or maybe Maddie, with her gentle heart, was meant to show Bluey what love and family felt like before passing the torch. However it happened, it feels like something bigger was at play, something divine. Their bond, so pure and effortless, was a reminder that love transcends time and space, and sometimes, our hearts are guided by forces beyond our understanding. 💙🌈
Bluey’s DNA Results
Adopting Bluey kicked off an adventure with a scientific twist. We couldn't help but wonder about his mysterious lineage, so right away, we sent off an Embark DNA test.
Was he a mix of unexpected breeds or a secret medley of genetic treasures? We eagerly awaited the results, knowing that every answer would add another delightful chapter to our journey together. Here’s what we found…
100% Hippo
With his stout little body and chubby cheeks, his signature waddle and undeniable charm, Bluey’s one-of-a-kind mix makes him exactly the companion we never knew we needed.
The Hardest Goodbye
We are heartbroken. On February 10, 2025, we said goodbye to Maddie. For 15 years, she was our baby—our steady, unwavering companion through every season of our lives. From our mid-twenties to our early forties, Maddie’s radiant smile and presence became a daily comfort. She was my best friend, my shadow, my heart. We shared an unspoken bond that words will never fully capture.
The truth is, I never felt the need for children because Maddie filled that space completely. And when she became paralyzed, unable to do anything on her own, I vowed to carry her everywhere—just as she had carried me through life’s hardest moments.
We walked together every day, and every day, she smiled back at me. Our walks weren’t just a routine; they were therapy. Drenched in sunlight, each step felt like a daily rite of passage, grounding us in the present. If love alone could have saved Maddie, she would have lived forever. But in the end, her Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) slowly crept up her spine, and it became clear her comfort and quality of life were slipping away.
Saying goodbye was a heart-wrenching reflection of a life so deeply loved. With the compassionate support of Dr. Toni from Paws Into Grace, we were able to give Maddie the dignified rest she truly deserved. She passed peacefully in our garden, cradled on Michael’s chest, wrapped in warmth, and bathed in sunlight.
The house is quieter without her. The weight of her absence is immeasurable. I just keep holding on to every moment, every memory, and every ounce of love she gave. Maddie had a rare way of connecting on a soul level with everyone she met, leaving an imprint on our hearts that will never fade. No amount of time would have ever been enough to give her everything she deserved in this lifetime. Maddie was simply the best!
