From the moment we discovered I was pregnant with Madeline, we knew it was just a matter of time before Rigby threw us over for the baby. It started right away.
her pride is evident
She even came to visit when I was on hospital bed rest.
it was totally allowed. cough.
And when she couldn’t visit Maddie in the hospital, she sent a stand-in.
almost life-like!
After Maddie came home, Rigby realized she had a new partner in her favorite activity – snuggling.
They shared tons of good times together,
laughing at jokes,
playing ball,
keeping each other clean,
sneaking food,
and dressing alike.
In the morning when we’d wake up, Maddie would make a beeline for where Rigby lay sprawled at the end of the bed. One of Maddie’s first words was Doggie. She loved her puppy SO MUCH. On Maddie’s last night at home, Rigby was glued to her. She insisted on sleeping right next to her instead of at our feet. When Maddie would wake with a little cough, Rigby would nuzzle her hand or foot. Rigby was there for her best friend, and Maddie knew it.
They will always be the best of friends.
pamela says:
ok crying now. so sweeeeet
.-= pamela´s last blog ..NaNoWriMo is kickin’ my butt.. =-.
jayneoni says:
We all miss Madeline sooo much!!
Steph says:
Those are the sweetest pictures. Animals can feel love and pain just like the rest of us. I am sure she misses her best friend.
.-= Steph´s last blog ..Girly Giveaway Time (boys can enter too) =-.
Heidi says:
What beautiful pictures! I can’t believe it’s already November. Sending you all of my strength for Wednesday. 11-11 is such a cool birthday.
.-= Heidi´s last blog ..Single White Male =-.
MelissaG says:
So sweet…I bet she misses Maddie so much too.
kathy butler says:
Thank you for sharing the pictures of a mutual adoration society..Hope to see some with Binky and Rigby too but not for at least 3 or 4 months from now.
gina says:
precious… you are in my thought Heather…
Cinthia says:
I’ve always felt bad for you guys and your family for losing Maddie, but I never thought about how much it would hurt Rigby. Poor puppy… She looks so adorable dressed in matching outfits with Maddie and cuddling…
Kate @ UpsideBackwards says:
Oh, that is so adorable! And I’m not usually a dog person. But you can just see how much they love each other in those photos. How’s the back? I hope you’re feeling better!
.-= Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last blog ..Heard the one about the pocket? =-.
Janeen says:
I’m with Kate, but WOW- these pictures and stories of a special friendship are so touching. My absolute favorite is the one with the two chairs and those 2 characters sitting there laughing at the same jokes.
I’ll be saying some special prayers and sending love to your family of five (ie, w/2 kids and pup), especially over the next few days. I hope you spend Wed in a way that further reinforces your ongoing mothering ways for Ms. Maddie.
.-= Janeen´s last blog ..Any Given Someday =-.
catherine lucas says:
Utterly precious. Rigby will have another girl to be fond off, and be a good friend to. Rigby might like the fact that Binky is also a girl.
I am sure that she grieved for Madeline too. In her own doggie way.
I love the one with the two blue seats… Precious, precious…
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..The farmed fishy stuff… =-.
A N N A says:
Your last paragraph left a crack in my heart. Darling baby, devoted puppy.
.-= A N N A´s last blog ..In Memory of Magnificent Madeline =-.
Girl With Curious Hair says:
Your posts always so touching, but the pictures of puppy love were just precious.
I hope you’re feeling better and the back is easing a bit.
.-= Girl With Curious Hair´s last blog ..With a Flood of Pictures Come a Flood of Memories =-.
Kelly says:
Just gorgeous! Rigby has got to be the most adorable puppy on the planet. I love how she loves Maddie. I’m sure she has already decided that Binky is hers!!
We have three cats. MY cat (the other two are my husbands) has decided that our little girl is hers. It amazes me how tolerant she can be despite the tail pulls, ear grabs, body slams, etc. They absolutely love each other
love and hugs to you all
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..My dodgey toddling pool =-.
Krissa says:
Trying to write through tears. I often wonder how Rigby’s doing. From firsthand experience I’ve seen how dogs/cats grieve the loss of a human family member…their family member. … Keeping you all in my thoughts and heart and prayers. (((Hugs)))
Sarah says:
I absolutely LOVE that photo of Maddie and Rigby in the blue chairs. They really do look like friends sharing a joke.
Love to all of you guys, and special headpats and tummy tickles to Rigby.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Sick =-.
Bec says:
aaaww they were adorable together
amanda says:
That pic of them in the chairs is the BEST. I’m a huge dog person, so I totally get this bond – nothing cracks me up more than the very sibling-esque relationship my daughter has with my dogs. xoxo to Maddie (and Rigby)!
xo from CT,
Amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..weekend. update. =-.
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
I LOVE dogs, and I love seeing how Maddie and Rigby were so connected…
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..When it’s bad to blend in =-.
Anna Marie Hinnant says:
This is such a tough week for you, Mike and Rigby. Know you have hundreds (thousands?) of people sending you good vibes and we are all missing Maddie along with you.
Karen Chatters says:
Poor Rigby, I know how she must miss Maddie. They were such a cute pair!
.-= Karen Chatters´s last blog ..Wordless Week, Part 3 =-.
ClassyFabSarah says:
Sweet adorableness.
.-= ClassyFabSarah´s last blog ..Happy Place =-.
red pen mama says:
Those are so sweet. Thanks for sharing.
ciao,
rpm
.-= red pen mama´s last blog ..Rest for the Weary =-.
defendUSA says:
What caught my eye is the ultrasound pic. I am always amazed at how once we see the baby with the “details” how much the “bones” pictures look just like the baby! So amazing.
Ms. Moon says:
Mmmmm.
Sweetness. I’ll bet that there will be another love affair when Binky is born. He will know that this is not Maddie but another child given him to love and watch over.
.-= Ms. Moon´s last blog ..They Are Home! =-.
edwina says:
ahhh those pictures were beautiful.
i dont have any children yet but i do have a dog (a small one like rigby) and i love her so so much. they really do act like little humans sometimes with their emotions. its lovely to see that rigby loved maddie so much and visa versa.
im sure rigby will have just as much fun with binky
love from australia
maya says:
I am so glad they had one another.
.-= maya´s last blog ..Dear Judgmental Reader, =-.
Leslie says:
That is so cute! I especially love the one with them on the chairs, so priceless.
tina says:
Beautiful pictures. Sending you love and strength Heather.
Jenn says:
Hey Heather,
I love your pictures. My favourite is the one with the balls. I just LOVE Maddie’s chubby little cheeks there!!!
Animals are amazing healers and they are the best therapy. When I became sick, my good friend bought me a puppy so I didn’t have to face my faces along. We also bought my son a puppy to add to our already 2 dog family.
On days when my pain is making it too hard to even draw in a breath, they are there, On days when I feel so lonely and isolated, I could cry….they are there and on days when I think nobody cares and life would be better without me….they are there and for that….for them, I Will be eterally grateful….just as I know you, Mike, Maddie and Binky are and always will be for your Rigby!!!
suzanne says:
Rigby is a good, good doggie.
Lisa says:
Awww, that’s so sweet and brought tears to my eyes. The pictures of Maddie and Rigby are adorable.
Love and hugs.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Maya! =-.
Momma Uncensored says:
you can’t fully comprehend the love between a girl and her best friend. we just lost our family pooch.. the worst.
miss rigby is a treasure.
.-= Momma Uncensored´s last blog ..RIP : Sandy Girl =-.
deej says:
Those are adorable pics – Maddie is always so happy!
It seems she lived a lifetime full of happiness in those 17 months.
Hugs to you, Mike and Rigby.
.-= deej´s last blog ..Don’t Look Back =-.
Kristen McD says:
Little loves. How adorable.
Domestic Extraordinaire says:
How is Rigby doing? I am sure that when Binky gets here she and Rigby will be fast friends!
.-= Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..Growing up Giggles Style =-.
Pam says:
I just had to laugh at all the Gymboree boxes stacked in the background of one of the pics! She is well loved:) I’ve never commented before, but have been reading for some time. Thoughts and prayers to all of you – and happiness for Binky:)
Laura says:
I noticed thos gymboree boxes too!! Maddie, the fashionista, always needing the latest look!!!
Adorable!!!
Colleen says:
Rigby is definitely a puppy person.
cindy w says:
I don’t think I ever saw that picture of them in their matching red-and-white outfits before. That might be my favorite.
Cutest baby girl ever, cutest dog ever. (Seriously, Rigby makes me want a dog, and I am not a dog person. That’s saying something.)
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..leetle peeg, leetle peeg, let me in =-.
Molly says:
What a touching post. Thinking about you lots during this difficult week.
Tiffany says:
My eyes are filled with tears. Everyone misses Maddie…and I’m sure Rigby feels just as much sorrow as everyone else does.
As always, thanks for sharing.
.-= Tiffany´s last blog ..Croup =-.
Sheila says:
I never thought of how much Rigby must miss Maddie too. Those pictures are adorable.
kbreints says:
That was a darling post. So touching.
.-= kbreints´s last blog ..Weekend Ramblings =-.
Tina says:
What beautiful pictures. SO much love shared
XOXO
Alexandra says:
Oh, what a tribute to the family pet!
Just beautiful. I can see these pages in a book about what pets are to us.
Wonderful.
Patty says:
BEAUTIFUL! Absolutely beautiful and touching! Rigby and binky will likely have a relationship like that! Animals really are amazing especially when it comes to their special friends! Love from AZ!!!
.-= Patty´s last blog ..I Am =-.
Lindsey says:
What sweet pictures! I am a dog lover, so I know how special this relationship really was, you can just tell how much they loved each other.
.-= Lindsey´s last blog ..TMI =-.
Katrina says:
Very touching.
I’m so glad that Maddie was able to experience love from a loyal pet
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Capturing the moment =-.
Manda says:
I went to visit my uncle on Thursday, he was not doing so well, his dog Baby was glued to his side. On Sat after he passed, I went to visit my aunt. Poor Baby would not stop crying for her papa….she wandered around the house, crying.
love this post!
Aunt Becky says:
Okay, now that is freaking adorable.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Go Ask Aunt Becky =-.
Michelle Pixie says:
So, So Sweet.
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..The Ball =-.
suzy says:
what a special gift you have in rigby since she has the same unconditional love for Maddie as you do! those pictures are the most adorable pictures i’ve seen – they were truly connected. i’m sure rigby is glad to snuggle with you to be close to maddie as you are with her
Lisa says:
What perfect friends. I’m sure they got into a lot of trouble together!
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Pumpkin for Breakfast? =-.
Christy says:
Adorable!
Maria says:
Your dog is awesome.
.-= Maria´s last blog ..Girl Talk Thursday – job venting =-.
Noelle says:
What a sweet post. I loved all the pictures, but especially the one where Maddie and Rigby are dressed alike. You can see the special bond between the two of them. I guess even a puppy couldn’t resist that magic smile.
.-= Noelle´s last blog ..Before and After =-.
ali says:
oh, Heather. The one on the chairs? PERFECT. They were such a great duo, those two. and you are right…they will always be!
.-= ali´s last blog ..Today. =-.
Shana in Texas says:
So beautiful – the relationship, the pictures, the writing!
Jaden says:
OMG those pictures are just too much. How amazing that you captured all those wonderful moments together.
.-= Jaden´s last blog ..Apple Picking at Wellwood Orchards, 10/11/09 =-.
Laura says:
That puppy of yours is pretty darn special. Dogs are all so wonderful, but it takes an especially sweet one to love a child so deeply like that!!
I loved this post, and I love that Miss Maddie got to experience the joy, love, and laughter that comes with an adoring doggie. Isn’t it so cute how dogs decide the baby is “theirs”?
I know Rigby must be missing her little partner in crime. But I like to think that somehow she can still see her- or feel her in some way. I loved the pictures a few weeks ago- how Rigby finally would go sleep on Maddie’s rug again. Maybe he could smell her, or feel her presence, or she somehow knew that Maddie was ok. I would also like to think that she was curled up on that rug to bring some peace to her mommy~ to show you that Maddie will live on in all of our hearts- even the puppy ones.
Love to you always, but especially this week. I know that so many of us will think of and miss your precious little Maddie even more on Wednesday. There will never be another Veterans’ Day that we don’t think of and honor your darling daughter.
((Hugs))
Laura says:
Sorry about the typo- I meant “she”~ I know your pretty puppy is a girl!!!
xoxoxo
Courtney says:
These pictures are beautiful! Maddie had a good friend in Rigby! God Bless.
.-= Courtney´s last blog ..I’m around… =-.
Jodi says:
Adorable pictures, but so very heartbreaking. I can’t even begin to imagine how heartbreaking it is for you.
God Bless.
Jodi
Lindsey says:
Two things: in that first picture, I love Rigby’s little “R” on his collar. If you could share where you got it, I would love to know. (My dogs name is Igby . . . if he could he would high five Rigby for the awesome name)
Second, that little pink “worth the wait” onesie (sp?) tugs at my heart every time I see it. My husband and I have been trying for five years to have a baby, and I bought that several years ago when I saw it at Target, we still have it upstairs, waiting for whoever will wear it. I will think of Madeline when that day happens, and of you.
.-= Lindsey´s last blog ..TMI =-.
J says:
I think that picture of Maddie with Rigby in the little sweater just might be my favorite picture ever. Wonderful.
Dogs are the greatest. I’m so glad Rigby and Maddie loved each other so much; every child’s life is better with a pet, I think.
.-= J´s last blog ..(Anti)social media =-.
Tara. says:
I loved that story. That’s just so sweet how much they loved each other. Rigby will have another best buddy in Binky.
.-= Tara.´s last blog ..# 8. =-.
missy says:
Isn’t amazing how tuned in our pets are to us, and us to them? They know more than we think. Love Rigby & Maddie, they were buddies, you can see it in both of them. I’m sure Rigby will be most pleased when Binky comes home, fill a spot in his heart too. Love you all!
nic @mybottlesup says:
please don’t ever stop writing. ever.
.-= nic @mybottlesup´s last blog ..dear marilyn from denver, anonymous from whateverville, and the rest of you… =-.
cj says:
i could not agree more. please, Heather, don’t ever stop sharing your stories with us.
Susan (5 Minutes for Mom) says:
Those are some of the most precious photos in the world!!!!!
Isn’t it amazing the powerful bond a child and a dog can have?
Thank you for sharing!
.-= Susan (5 Minutes for Mom)´s last blog ..5 Minutes for Books: America’s White Table =-.
Sandra says:
The animal/child connection is so special and precious. Loved the look alike one.
.-= Sandra´s last blog ..My oldest has braces =-.
Restless Mama says:
That was a beautiful and sweet post. I’m so glad that Maddie & Rigby were best friends – dogs and babies are so loving.
Lots of aloha.
.-= Restless Mama´s last blog ..Follow the Friday Brick Road……. =-.
Glenda says:
So sweet! I’m sure Rigby misses Maddie too Hope you’re feeling better Heather! Have a good week! Sending you hugs XX
Shannon Kieta says:
Heather…
I know that dogs can sense when someone is gong to pass, I am sure Rigby knew something was up that night. I send lots of love and prayers your way. Especially on the 11th. Luv you, Shannon
chatty cricket says:
ok, in the blue chairs: really? And the matching outfits? pure squee.
Jewl says:
the one in the matching outfits is just priceless. I would blow this thing up to about 3 feet by 3 feet if I was you and hang it right inside your house for everyone to see, priceless, thoughts and prayers… take care of yourself and that baby!
Rebecca says:
That was so sweet. All dogs go to heaven, right? I’m sure Maddie is looking down on all of you and smiling.
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Bad Bad Bully Becky =-.
Camie says:
They are so gorgeous together– Maddie wrestling the cuteness crown from Rigby and Rigby letting her. I am thinking of all of you this week and sending lots of love your way.
Jacquie says:
Oh my so precious, the 2 of them sleeping on the red blanket (I think it is) is my favorite.
Tami says:
The pictures are adorable and sweet. As my eyes fill with tears.I bet Rigby misses her so much. I also bet Rigby knew she was really sick that morning as to why, she didnt leave her side. She will also be so protected with Binky and find a friend in her. Big Hugs!!
won says:
Adorable! Absolutely beautiful.
And that floor pillow in the fourth photo…I have that same pillow.
.-= won´s last blog ..Like a Blanket…It Covers Us =-.
Jenn says:
It is obvious the mutual love they have for each other!
The pictures are soo precious! What a great dog Rigby is to not leave her side when she wasn’t feeling well….just like a best friend would do!
Binky will be soo lucky to have such a great companion!
I’ve been thinking about you alot as Wednesday approaches and want you to know that we are all here supporting you.
Much love, Jenn in CA
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..For Stellan =-.
jana says:
my heart just shattered (again) a thousand times over. dogs DO rule, i bet rigby “knew” something; they can be so intune with both psychological and physical “issues.” (lack of a better word)
i’m sorry for rigby, too.
Marti from Michigan says:
OMG such adorable pictures of those two!!! Thank you so much for sharing them. I have tears in my eyes now too.
Dogs and other animals have a 6th sense I think. I believe Rigby knows when Maddie’s angel is nearby. Both Rigby and angel Maddie will watch over Binky, and you two, also.
Erin says:
SO sweet, i teared up and then looked at the pics again, and realized, Maddie is still with Rigby. I know it!
Debby says:
They are all adorable pictures but I really like the one when they are dressed alike. Priceless!
.-= Debby´s last blog ..DEBBY DOES…… =-.
Amy S. says:
All of these pictures are precious but the one of them dressed alike is priceless.Thank you for sharing.
Alexandra :) says:
Of all the posts I have seen on this website save the one that your friend posted on the day Maddie passed, I think that is the saddest one ever. And the sweetest. Does it seem like Rigby picked up on your and Mike’s saddness or that she’s still waiting for her best friend to return?
tara says:
precious, beautiful pictures. sending you lots of love…xoxo
Mary Ann says:
How sweet! Those pictures are precious. How wonderful that Maddie had such a great friend in Rigby. I’m sure he misses her – we all do.
Rebekah says:
What a wonderful story. It sounds like Rigby knew from the start that Maddie was “her girl.”
Heather says:
so sweet!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Do over???…minus a few things.. =-.
MBKimmy says:
Love this post the pics are great … how is your shoulder feeling?! All going well?!
.-= MBKimmy´s last blog ..Halloween =-.
susan says:
I LOVE IT!
Jenny says:
These are great pictures and memories. Rigby looks like a very patient dog.
Kindra says:
Heather.
Thank you for your stories of Maddie. I truly enjoy this site so very much and will treasure more stories to come.
Amyinbc says:
Absolutely precious.. What an adorable pair they make in the pictures.
kris says:
do you know how many people get rid of their dog when they have a baby? especially a baby that has some special needs? but you knew that they would be THE BEST OF FRIENDS! how smart you were to figure out that they would love each other unconditionally.
mythoughtsonthat says:
Your girl and her dog are so very sweet.
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..I Wish I Knew =-.
Jill says:
awww….the picture of Maddie laying almost on top of Rigby on what looks like a bean bag chair is the cutest thing i have ever seen. thank you for continuing to share your baby girl with the rest of us
.-= Jill´s last blog ..life is beautiful. =-.
K says:
Poor little Rigby, I’m sure her little canine heart was shattered when Maddie passed. Dogs really DO grieve for their people…when my grandma died and the people came to take her to the funeral home, her dog followed them through the house and out the door, crying the whole way. And I know another dog who escaped and followed the funeral procession after her owner died until a friend got out of the car and dragged her barking and fighting back to the house.
What kind of dog is Rigby? She’s adorable! ♥ Love her on the little blue chair and in her little striped sweater.
Jen says:
There is nothing more precious than this sort of puppy love
Every picture was my favorite, but if I had to choose just one, I would have to say it would be the one with her and Rigby joking in their cute little matching chairs!!
Sarah says:
The high-chair picture is my favorite. Probably because it’s the naughty picture! I’m sure Rigby is excited for Binky to come almost as much as you and Mike.
monica says:
Melting. Those pics are so precious! I never tire of looking at Maddie’s gorgeous blue eye with those long eyelashes! =)
Karen says:
Those are beautiful and precious. So sweet. Thanks for sharing your beautiful meories with us. Bless you.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Our Summer in a nutshell =-.
Al_Pal says:
So very sweet. Sending love to you all!
Maria Delgado says:
That is just so precious.
Jenny says:
Your wolf pack is expanding. I hope that you saw “The Hangover” otherwise that won’t make any sense.
Either way, I’m so happy to see your newest pack member.
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Hippos and Baldies =-.