Amazing Maisie

February 2020

Having lived with guilt of not enough time to devote to a pet, I don’t want to bring a new dog home until life is settled, so the last three years we’ve been dogless. Now, I’m retired after twenty-five rewarding years in the classroom . . . it feels right. We reach out to Laureen Camisi, but are disappointed to learn she won’t have a litter any time soon. “I am looking for a possible show home for a puppy my dog Scott sired down in North Carolina. Would you consider that?”

I spend a few days on the phone finding out what would be involved with being a “show home” for one of her dogs. Dan and I go back and forth about the pros and cons. I’ve only ever spoiled and loved my dogs. The training and grooming responsibilities of having one of those perfect looking animals might be too much.

A week after our daughter moves out, I’m wandering around an empty nest when I get a message from Laureen, with a picture of an eight-week-old liver and white springer. “Do you want this puppy?”

Don’t show me a precious little springer puppy and then expect me not to want it. There is nothing cuter in all the world! “Of course, I want that puppy!” The decision to become show-dog folks is made instantly. I pour over the cast names of It’s a Wonderful Life hoping for a successor moniker to my Zuzu and Bailey, but Dan isn’t satisfied. He keeps coming back to “Maisie.” I finally give up on Georgi, and agree with him thinking it will be fun to say, “That’s amazing, Maisie!”

Two weeks later we pick up our puppy. I am deliriously tickled with this furry distraction from the worrisome news headlines that a deadly virus is heading our way. I am shocked when in another two weeks, New Jersey shuts down. I spend 52 days isolated while Dan goes to work. I wrap my puppy in a soft snuggly blanket and rock her like a baby. The dog shows we were to train for—cancelled. Puppy classes—cancelled. Luckily, life will not be cancelled for my amazing Maisie.

She house-trains quickly, takes me for walks, practices yoga, enjoys endless games of tug and fetch. My constant companion and source of smiles, I call her my providential puppy.

August, 2020

After six months of “pandemic-ing” we are used to wearing masks and following six-foot protocols; time to venture forth in search of normalcy. Laureen registers Maisie for a match, an event to get inexperienced puppies ring practice. Maisie is nine months old when she gets her first show grooming. Her hair shines and flows as she moves across the ring. Unfortunately, on her first time “down and back” and “all the way around,” we don’t get to say, “That’s amazing, Maisie.” She looks totally clueless! I love my puppy, but am disappointed Laureen doesn’t have a winner. “All the Covid puppies are in the same boat. We’ll get her practice and keep trying,” she assures me. We will enroll in puppy training classes, and Laureen plans to have her over to practice weekly.

Our hopeful plans are made in vain. It is not to be. Laureen starts feeling sick on the way home from the match. She’s admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery. No one is allowed visits due to Covid protocols. Laureen’s life hangs in the balance; her friends feel helpless. Three weeks later she has another surgery. All we can do is pray while she spends the next 90 days in the hospital. We all want to help, but even when she is released from the hospital, our germs are a danger and she can’t eat much food we bring. The next months are just as agonizing as we watch her struggle each time she has to get out of her recliner. She is determined for me to keep Maisie in shape and sends me instructions on what to do to have her ready to show. I wonder if it will end in more disappointment or even if Laureen will be able by then.

April 2021

As soon as she is healed enough to drive, Laureen registers Maisie for two days of dog shows in Pennsylvania. We attend weekly handling classes in prep for the big event. It pains me to watch Laureen, who is very thin and tires easily, but she won’t quit. Maisie learns the ropes and likes her show training, especially the stinky cheese her fairy-dog-mother finds to motivate her.

Friday morning of the show, Laureen spends hours trimming, washing, combing, and blow-drying dogs, which is exhausting for a healthy person. (I’m worn-out from my little bit!) When Maisie’s ring time comes, it looks like she and Laureen do everything just right. Maisie stands perfectly for the judge’s inspection. I love the way her fringe and ears flow so beautifully when she runs. What a happy sight she is! Please oh please, let my providential puppy make Laureen’s tough fight worth it! But the judge lines her up at the end of the line and there is no ribbon for her, I’m heartbroken.

Well, that’s that. Maisie has two swings and two misses. I’m sorry we’ve let Laureen down. Maybe my “show-home” needs a make-over if we have a complete strike-out tomorrow.

Saturday morning, we do the whole routine again. Maisie is entered in the sweepstakes, which seems like a big deal, but what do I know? Laureen is upbeat and looks strong as she handles Maisie in her age class. You’re amazing, Maisie! You got a ribbon. Another round and she is the first in her sex! Another time you’re amazing, Maisie. You’re the best girl. Finally, all males and females of all ages are together in the ring one last time. Laureen has to be exhausted from all this effort, but hers and Maisie’s run is smooth and elegant.

All the springers line up once more after the judge has them follow each other around for her inspection. I wait to see who she will pull out and point to for first, second, third today. Then what happens? Instead of rearranging the dogs in order for a winner, the judge walks to the middle of the line-up, puts her hands gently on Laureen’s shoulders and says, “Best in Sweeps.”

There isn’t a dry eye among those of us who know Laureen and watch her get her first award in over a year. Her words that night say it all: “A few months ago, while in the hospital, not being able to even stand up, I thought this part of my life was over for good. Thanks to all my amazing friends, family members and amazing husband, who encouraged and pushed me to keep my goals in sight. I was excited and rusty but I was determined to get back in the ring. Sweetpea and Saphires Perfect Pearl “Maisie” Best in Sweepstakes at her first weekend of showing. . . so emotional on so many levels.”

Whether she becomes a champion or this is her one big moment, I thank God for my providential puppy. You’re Amazing, Maisie!

Your Turn: How have pets impacted you for good?