Maddie was a difficult dog. She was always trying to get into anything and everything. She knew how to open every baby gate put in front of her, every pull out freezer drawer, every fridge door, every doorknob she could turn, and every garbage container she could knock over. I like to think that the medications she took for her epilepsy made her exceptionally hungry but in reality I think she was just the most intelligent and determined dog I’ve ever met.

Maddie had a heart of gold and not a malicious bone in her body. A truly misunderstood and intelligent dog. She was unbelievably patient and gentle (until it was time to eat, then she danced impatiently and wooed). She always seemed to truly appreciate what she gained when she joined my family only 2 years ago. Every time she got herself into trouble she proudly carried part of whatever she was getting into right over to her people–in true Golden Retriever fashion. Anything she could pick up she brought to me, be it her tiny human co-conspirator’s jammies, a bone, or a knife she stole out of the kitchen sink.

Maddie was a big personality in our household that is already and will continue to be missed.