From my very first ultrasound with Madeline we knew there were problems. Being somewhat superstitious, I was afraid to buy anything for the baby. That didn’t stop me from going to the baby stores, though. I spent many lunch hours browsing racks of baby clothes – never touching anything – until I came upon the toys. Toys didn’t have a gender, and for some reason they felt safer. I found this adorable plush dog that could be a rug or a stand up toy. When I let myself touch its soft fur I knew I had to get it for my baby.
Maddie used it a bit when she was little or tired.
But she never wanted to stay in one place too long. One day after Maddie and I crawled away from what we nicknamed the Dog Skin Rug, I turned around and saw someone else had taken up residence.
The funny thing was Rigby only wanted to be on the rug AFTER Maddie had been on it. As if she wanted Maddie to warm it up, or maybe she wanted to smell Maddie as she drifted off to puppy dream land.
For the last five months, the rug has laid empty.
And then this happened:
I don’t know what changed, but it was comforting and gut wrenching.
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy says:
Rigby must be feeling lost too. Here’s hoping Dog Skin Rug brings some comfort.
.-= Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy´s last blog ..General Mills: Company Environment =-.
Bobbi Janay says:
Maybe Rigby was feelign lost and the dog skin rug made him fell better.
.-= Bobbi Janay´s last blog ..Other places you can find me =-.
dysfunctional mom says:
I like to think maybe Maddie was there warming it up for him….
.-= dysfunctional mom´s last blog ..I can’t imagine =-.
Kelly says:
Yes – I do too. This response made me smile
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..At the park =-.
Ashley Hast says:
I was thinking the same thing….
.-= Ashley Hast´s last blog ..Violet, do you have beer in your bedroom again? =-.
kristen says:
a beautiful image…i believe it, too.
xo
kristen
Jo says:
I agree. I thought it as I read it and then saw that other people thought it too. *hugs*
.-= Jo´s last blog ..I R FAMOUS =-.
Rachel says:
Couldn’t agree more. Maddie paid a visit and Rigby knew.
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Really?? =-.
Nicole says:
Agreed..Maddie was there, Rigby knew….maybe she knew that you would know that she had been there if Rigby curled up on Dog Skin Rug….lol…thats a cute name! HUgs to you!
Diane says:
I agree 100%. It was her sign to you.
Tracy Summers says:
My thoughts exactly! Little Maddie was there and Rigby knew it.
Manda says:
tears!
Cassandra says:
I agree and was thinking this same thing. Glad to see other people feel that too. You are never alone now. There will always be your Maddie watching over her whole family.
Sandra says:
I agree. That is what I was going to write too.
.-= Sandra´s last blog ..A quick list of my life lately =-.
Jamie says:
My thoughts too. I think animals are more sensitive than we are and I think Rigby felt Maddie close by.
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Things I would like to do (but won’t) =-.
Amyinbc says:
Too precious…
I like to believe Maddy made a visit and Rigby being a wise dog responded.
Erica says:
O how precious, Heather. Thank you for sharing. I often think of your ever so cute Rigby and wonder how she is doing. Give her a big cuddle from me please. And please have a big hug for yourself. You are one amazing lady and have such amazing talent as a writer. Your posts always provide such food for thought and your words remain with me throughout my day.
Sending you love and best wishes from afar.
With love
your friend, Erica in Luxembourg
Kate in NZ says:
Awww, Rigby. Hugs to you too, little one!
.-= Kate in NZ´s last blog ..Two! =-.
Tam King says:
Maybe Rigby was looking for comfort, and a way to be close to Maddie And to help you heal, just a little bit. xo
.-= Tam King´s last blog ..Finding myself breathless =-.
Sally says:
Oh our dogs know. They just know. So precious Heather. Thanks for sharing.
.-= Sally´s last blog ..The "C" word =-.
Candice says:
Maybe Rigby did like always…and went on the rug right after Maddie was there. That’s what I like to think.
.-= Candice´s last blog ..A Fabulous Saturday =-.
Louise says:
Thinking the same thing! What a sweet story. Dogs definitely know.
Kelly says:
Apart from the lovely thought that Maddie was warming it for Rigby, it could be that Rigby knows you are pregnant, which in turn makes her miss Maddie.
When I was pregnant we started having behavioural difficulties with my cat. A trip to the vet had him asking me if I was expecting. We had only just found put a few days earlier, so my cat knew that we were expecting before we did!! Apparently changes in behaviours are quite common among heavily bonded pets when their owners are pregnant.
Whatever the reason, I think it is lovely that she wants to be near Maddie. Heartbreakingly so.
Hugs to you, Mike, Binky and Rigby
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..At the park =-.
Nicole says:
i agree with you on that point! My husband had a dog for about 6 years before we got married. Lucy (the dog) liked me ok, but was never very protective over me like she was my hubby. UNTIL i got pregnant with our daughter, Lucy all but abandoned my hubby and would follow me every step i took. She would even come and lay her head in my lap and sniff at my belly. She knew, and knew that i needed more “protection” at that point. After the baby was born she was all about her, me and hubby were all but forgotten!! LMAO!!
Amyinbc says:
That is fascinating! Have never heard of that happening before but I believe it.
Tamela says:
Our beagle Fletcher was the same way practically from the day we found we were expecting our first son. He always sat with his head in my belly, siffed my belly, and became extremely protective of me. He’s the happiest dog, but he’d growl if he heard noises outside and stand in front of me. He was extremely intune with the changes inside of me. He even stopped sleeping on our bed when my belly got big and I couldn’t sleep comfortably.
My first thought when I read your post was that Rigby was getting ready for Binky. But I love thinking he felt Maddie’s presence.
Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) says:
Awwwww… Glad you got a pic of that…
.-= Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)´s last blog ..The Men’s Den at the Yellow Daisy Festival =-.
Beret says:
Maybe Maddie and Rigby are warming it up for Binky. Rigby could NOT be cuter by the way.
Laura says:
I like that idea! They are patiently waiting for “their” new baby to get to use the dog skin rug!
((Hugs))
amanda says:
Rigby’s way of being close to Maddie, I think. (btw, the dog on the Dog Skin Rug is so funny to me, for some reason..)
xo from CT,
Amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..me, my dog, my life =-.
Jennifer says:
Maddie is there with you always…
I think little Rigby could sense that too and found comfort on that little rug.
Kristen McD says:
Oh, sweet Rigby.
Scary Mommy says:
Dogs know. My Penelope picks up on everything and I swear can sense spirits. Or, Rigby just knows that the rug will be warmed up by Binky soon. Either way, it’s amazing.
.-= Scary Mommy´s last blog ..The glass is half empty and I’m never answering the door again =-.
Barb says:
Dogs are extremely amazing. Rigby is probably still consoling his heart over the lost of his friend and after watching you surround yourself with reminders of Maddie he wanted to too. I don’t doubt that Rigby realizes you are pregnant (I know my dog knew and I know my dog realized I was sick my entire pregnancy although I looked the same) so maybe he realizes there will be a little one that he needs to prepare for….
.-= Barb´s last blog ..Good Time At Grammies! =-.
Jen @ lifelove'n'wine says:
Awww, Rigby is so adorable. She must miss Madeline too.
.-= Jen @ lifelove’n’wine´s last blog ..Munchie Mondays – Ravioli Lasagna =-.
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
It amazes me to see these photos of Maddie when she was just a little infant. Even back then, she looked like Maddie: always beautiful.
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..Frozen grasshopper tastes like chicken. =-.
ali (adil320) says:
This is one of your “ladybug moments” Heather.
xoxoxo
.-= ali (adil320)´s last blog ..Help Me Pick! =-.
Nicole says:
I think Maddie was there….Rigby knew it.
Aunt Becky says:
Totally making me cry.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Songs To Break-Up To (Part Number =-.
Midwest Mommy says:
I do read everyday but don’t always comment. I just wanted to let you know I was here today. This one brought tears to my eyes. Not sure why but it really got me.
.-= Midwest Mommy´s last blog ..Totally Ticks Me Off Tuesday! =-.
nic @mybottlesup says:
this is going to sound entirely bogus…. but once i hit 20+ wks when i was pregnant with jackson, our dog red had to be taken to the vet. he wasn’t sick but acting really REALLY strange. paul was deployed at the time, and i was worried, so i took the red in to the vet. our vet told me that he’s acting strange and protective because (and i shit you not) “the dog can hear the baby’s heart beat.” the vet than told me that sure, red’s being more protective knowing that paul is gone, but in addition to that, dogs hearing is so very sensitive that once a pregnant woman is around 20+ weeks along, their dog can hear the heart beat of the baby and is aware that there’s another being around… on the way….
i know how crazy it sounds, and yes, our vet was a total hippie vet (who i LOVED)…. but it’s just a thought. dogs do grieve in their own ways and in their own time, just like we do… but rigby may also be aware that there’s another spohr on the way…. just sayin.
xoxo.
.-= nic @mybottlesup´s last blog ..toddler puke =-.
Alli says:
Awe, those eyes are just full of expression on what looks to me to be sadness. Dogs are smarter than we think sometimes.
~Hugs from TX
.-= Alli´s last blog ..Friend Makin Monday…or Tuesday! =-.
Dana says:
I truly believe that Maddie’s spirit was there watching over you and Rigby knew and now he felt ok with lying on her rug. I do believe that dogs can sense things way beyond what humans can. Maddie knows and loves you so much that she also wanted you to know that she’s ok and she knew you’d pick up on the fact that Rigby was now on her rug This just brought the biggest smile to my face today!
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Thu, Sep 10, 2009 =-.
Jenn says:
Hi Sweetie,
Not to freak you out but maybe Maddie was there and maybe was/did lay on it for a minute so Rigby was drawn to it. I always did feel like Maddie was never far from you guys. I believe that with my whole heart & soul.
When my God daughter passed, her mom went to a psychic. The psychic immediately not only nailed the passing of her baby but told her how and why. And then she said this….”At her funeral, you played the song “In the Arms of an Angel”, well, she wants you to know that is exactly where she is…with the Angels and they are holding her but she also visits you a lot…especially at night when you call to her at bedtime”. She also said right now she is spending a lot of time up in heaven with her brother…the baby you will give birth to in 9 months. My friend was SHOCKED since she had no idea she was preg and a lot of things the lady told her, no one knew!, But, she was also relieved to know her daughter was truly Okay and she was still beside her. In July, she welcomed that little baby son just like the pyschic said would happen and he has his sisters eyes.
I’m glad seeing Ridby on the dog skin did bring you some joy and comfort. I hope that continues. I also hope whatever you believe – it brings you comfort and a real sense of solace.
Take Care,
Your Friend,
Jenn
Mandi says:
This reallly brought tears to my eyes….your sweet Rigby is missing his sweet gir.
I have to tell you this dream I had about Maddie. Although I’ve never met you or Maddie. It was amazing how I felt like I’d known her all my life and I had only met her in my dream. She had the most awesome smile and even let me hold her. She was just the sweetest thing. I know its really crazy to say all this that I remember from a DREAM. You’re right though…your sweet Maddie really brightened the day of anyone she met. Even in my dream……
Jessica says:
Makes me think Maddie is there looking over all of you. I love the extra senses animals have, how special to have that ability.
Karen says:
I just read the comments and am crying again! I hope our comments don’t make you sad but confirm what you’re already thinking. Maybe this is Maddie’s way of saying it is ok to use some of her things for her sister or brother. She doesn’t want you to worry about that the way you do.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Baby Forever =-.
m says:
beautiful!
.-= m´s last blog ..That Moment in the Evening =-.
J says:
Rigby looks very sad and wise in that last picture. I’m with everyone else that thinks maybe Rigby’s sensing something we just can’t.
Dogs are amazing.
Vicky says:
I’m thinking that lil Angel Maddie might have been sitting there and warmed it up for Rigby. I wish you could have seen her.
Lisa says:
Awww, Rigby needed a little reminder of his little friend. I like to think, like the others above have mentioned, that maybe Maddie laid on the rug to warm it up for him so he was able to get back on.
Hugs.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..First Camping Trip =-.
Mandy says:
I’ve been looking for one of those everywhere, even online with absolutely no luck. Do you have any idea where you found it? I have a Mady who is 15 months and would love that. And we have all ceramic tile floors, rugs don’t do much justice. I also have a maltese, named Lucy. She jumps into the spots where Mady has been also. Too cute!
MBKimmy says:
wow … I too think that Maddie came for a qucik visit … she was with you and Rigby was just waiting to take the warm spot … she will always be with you!
.-= MBKimmy´s last blog ..Look for a CHANGE =-.
Patty says:
Animals definitely experience loss! We got our cat from a family that had lost a very young child (3 year old) and this cat did grieve. He is also different, unlike any cat I have had before. He is loving and u can just tell he adores children. He will sit there and let my children do anything without it bothering him , but he’s very scared of almost anyone else (adults) except for myself and my husband! Rigby is most cerainly wanting to be close to maddie! So very sweet! Soon(but not TOO soon!) u will see how much rigby will adore Binky!
.-= Patty´s last blog ..Here I am, thanks to Legolas! =-.
Momma Uncensored says:
the pup gets it.
sees it. feels it.
the pup’s expression is so determined. you can see in rigby’s stare there is something to be said..
“it’s ok. she’s still with us.. don’t worry if binky tries to squish me or take my sweet collar bling, maddie is still here – and i love her”.
dogs are amazing creatures and good for the soul.
.-= Momma Uncensored´s last blog ..banshee =-.
Krissa says:
Gosh. I don’t know what to say, but I feel really emotional about this one. Sending hugs to you all, Rigby included.
Abby says:
Oh, poor sweet Rigby…such a little darling dear. Those eyes…you can see right to her soul. Hugs to you both!
maya says:
Animals are smarter than we give them credit for. Rigby senses things. She may be warming up the spot for maddie’s little brother/sister…
.-= maya´s last blog ..Suspended Animation =-.
themaggers says:
I think Sweet Rigby misses his little friend dearly and just wanted to be close to her again. I wonder like everyone else if maybe Maddie stopped by to let you know she’s still with you everyday.
Love You
Love Maddie
.-= themaggers´s last blog ..Thank You =-.
Shannon Kieta says:
Do you ever see Rigby staring into space? Probably Rigby communicating with Maddie. Dogs can see spirits. And Maddie and Rigby had and amazing bond. It’s no wonder he lays on her rug, which is now HIS rug. AMEN.
Courtney says:
Rigby was missing Maddie! Can’t imagine how difficult everyday life is! God Bless.
.-= Courtney´s last blog ..Weekend Wrap-Up (kind of) =-.
Trisha Vargas says:
Rigby misses her sweet Maddie too! Perhaps her loneliness got the best of her and she decided she would go to the one place where she could always count on Maddie’s warmth to be.
As everyone has said above, dogs are so smart and have such a keen sense of awareness. Maybe Rigby felt Maddie’s presence with her on this day.
Either way, it was hard to read and not cry. I am sure you were just overwhelmed when you saw Rigby head over to that pillow.
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Erin says:
I think that Rigby must be warm in it up for Binky!!! Stay on that rug Rigby its not time for Binky to come out to play yet!!!!!
AmazingGreis says:
Rigby misses his friend!
I have no doubt that she’s with you EVERYDAY.
Thinking of you today.
Missing Maddie always!
XOXO
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..It’s opening day… =-.
Jennifer says:
That’s the most beautiful photo of Rigby. He obviously misses her too. Soon there will be another baby keeping that rug warm.
PrincessJenn says:
Dogs have an amazing sense of things. When I was pregnant my dogs became incredibly protective of me. That transferred to V when she was born. So, perhaps Rigby is warming it and getting it ready for the day when Binky can enjoy it.
.-= PrincessJenn´s last blog ..OverSelfPromotionalizing =-.
daisybv2 says:
I too think Maddie Warmed it up for him and there he sat…. Too cute
.-= daisybv2´s last blog ..I wanted to stab my eyes out =-.
Katie says:
Its a sign of good luck! Everything will be fine this time, *try* not to worry! I will be praying for you!
Mindy says:
Maddie’s Mother,
Your liitle girl will always be with you,in your heart, mind and I believe spiritually. You never have to let her go. Talk to her, embrace her, look around to see what she is trying to show you and you will find her there….never to far from her family that loves her. I wish for comfort for you and your husband. You don’t have to move on and try to have a “normal” life. You get to take her along too in a very special way.
Danes says:
Wow. I clicked through to write, “Look at Rigby’s face in the last picture. Maddie’s there and it’s like she’s trying to tell you. I’ll bet Maddie warmed up the pillow for her,” and then I saw all these other people saw the same thing. You can also see how much Rigby misses Maddie. That picture speaks volumes – shivers…. (in a good way)
Karen says:
Oooh, Rigby misses Maddie too! My heart just broke a little.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..The Passing of My Youth =-.
Karen says:
I’m thinking Rigby’s decided to warm that dogskin rug up for Binky…
.-= Karen´s last blog ..I wonder… =-.
Jessica says:
Animals grieve just like us humans. It sat empty b/c Rigby knew she was gone and it hurt him as much as you. Maybe now this is his way of saying he’s okay with a new baby. But the rug is still his.
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..9/11 Remember Francis J Sadocha =-.
Michele says:
Jessica wrote exactly what I was thinking – I believe Rigby is grieving with you but is now also signaling that Baby Binky is welcome…and perhaps, as many others have written, Maddie warmed the rug up for Rigby so Rigby could send this message along to you!
As an animal lover, this post really touched me. Rigby looks so small and sweet on that big rug.
Thinking of you and your family everyday,
Michele in Staten Island, NY
Danielle says:
Dogs have a keen sense. They know things that we don’t know or get. I too get good goose bumps from this. Maddie warmed it up for him with her amazing smile.
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..Gimme Smore 4 day weekends please =-.
Casey says:
Dudette! Animals KNOW. Like, they really, really, KNOW things. I think this is Rigby’s way of letting you know it will be OK. There will be a new baby to warm the dog rug. Rigby seems like a love muffin who is eager to meet its sibling.
.-= Casey´s last blog ..Is It On My Pillow? =-.
Lisa_in_WI says:
What a heartstrings-tugging picture.
I’m not sure if you believe in the afterlife, but I agree with many of the commenters. Maybe Maddie stopped by to check up on you, Mike, Rigby and Binky, and Rigby was just doing what Rigby always does…
I’m glad you took some comfort in it, and can continue to do so as Binky’s arrival gets closer and closer.
.-= Lisa_in_WI´s last blog ..Weigh-in, Week 30 =-.
Mrs. Wilson says:
Aw! I don’t know what else to say, but wow.
.-= Mrs. Wilson´s last blog ..Kent Hearted =-.
Melinda says:
I come here everyday but I’ve never commented. And everyday after I come to your site I pray for you comfort. Let this bring you comfort.
Meg...Ct says:
It is so hard…living without her. Wishing you peace.
I love the picture of her sleeping…so peaceful and beautiful.
Toni Jones says:
Maybe she came by to let Rigby know that she’s still there watching over you all and maybe this was her way of telling you she’s there.
.-= Toni Jones´s last blog ..Football Season 2009 =-.
Amy Collen says:
Oh sweetie, oh…just…wow! I am sitting here with my huge Tinkerbell mug full of coffee and big big tears welling up (don’t know why I mentioned the mug, just wanted to mention it). This is just such a bittersweet image. Rigby’s eyes…they just seem to say so much. I hope this is a sign that everything will be okay with your Binky :). Much much love to you!
Marcela says:
Oh wow Heather; this is a short post, but it was wonderful. I almost cried with mixed emotions. As many have said, I am sure it’s a combination of things. Maddie will always be with you, Rigby senses your pain, Rigby misses Maddie, God wants to send you little signs of hope, Maddie did come by to visit, that rug brings back lovely memories, and somehow your pet has told you they’re not entirely gone. Much love to you,
Marcela
Jenny says:
Rigby’s eyes look so wise and sad. He misses his Maddie so much. I’m thankful for any piece of comfort you find, even when it comes with a side of gut wrenching. Much love to you Heather & Mike.
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Maddie =-.
Janet says:
You just made me cry, thank god i didn’t put my makeup on yet…………….. Dogs are something else, maybe she felt it was ok now…………..or maybe she was showing you how lonely she too is…………
.-= Janet´s last blog ..Monday =-.
Glenda says:
awww Rigby…she misses Maddy too…and she was letting you know… they just have that keen sense. Maddy will always be with you. Sending you, Mike and Rigby hugs XXX
tara says:
rigby misses dear sweet maddie and wants to be close to her. that image brought tears to my eyes. thinking of you, and sending you love and hugs, every day. xoxo
Chrissie says:
(((HUGS))))
Maybe Maddie was there, and asked Rigby to start getting it warmed up for her Baby Sister (or brother) Binky.
Notesfromthegrove says:
Animals are so smart and keen. My cat is always looking around like there are ghosts in my house. She’ll pick a spot in mid-air and just stare at it. In some ways, it’s creepy…but mostly, I just think it’s cool. Maddie is always with you. Rigby knows that too. Maybe that was her way of saying, “Hi Maddie!”
.-= Notesfromthegrove´s last blog ..Not "99 Red Balloons", Just 99 Posts… =-.
Marti from Michigan says:
I fully agree with you. That was a nice, comforting post!
Marti from Michigan says:
Awwww, that big stuffed dog skin rug is adorable! I believe animals grieve, how can they not? Maddie was part of Rigby’s life too.
I think that is adorable with Rigby laying on the stuff puppy rug.
As the person above said, animals are more aware of “other beings” in the room – I believe Maddie paid you a visit and Rigby sensed it.
Please know that you and Mike can talk to Maddie and she will hear you. She knows how much she was loved and how much she is missed. She helped give you Binky. Maddie’s presence and her spirit will ALWAYS be with you two.
Lots of love from Michigan!!
Zakary says:
Sweet Rigby. He misses her too.
.-= Zakary´s last blog ..Its A Hustler’s Ambition, See My Vision =-.
Erin says:
Seeing this post absolutely made me cry. I read your blog everyday…this gave me goose bumps.
Dogs just know.
DOG spelled backwards is GOD.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Day at the lake =-.
Jenn says:
I think that Maddie was there too, warming it up for Rigby and Binky
Dogs just know..exactly like Erin said above.
Also, gave me BIG goosebumps.
Much love, Jenn in CA
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Life’s not fair =-.
mythoughtsonthat says:
Maybe your girl had just been by for a visit….
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..On A More Positive Note =-.
Issa says:
Maybe Rigby has decided to keep it warm for Binky?
.-= Issa´s last blog ..Just when I thought I couldn’t love her more =-.
Melina says:
This got me…thank you, as ever, for sharing.
.-= Melina´s last blog ..The one where I’ll NEVER forget (and neither should you)…. =-.
Anne says:
Hey, I’ll be the nutty one and go ahead and say it… I do believe in spirits visiting us after they pass on (not necessarily “ghosts” which I think makes for an unfortunate context). Maybe Maddie visits you all the time, to help comfort you, and you don’t even know it. Maybe Rigby jumped up there after Maddie visited. I’m not religious in the least… I’m actually a quasi-atheist (agnostic?)… but this is how I’ve come to deal with my loved ones who have passed on. I believe they do hang with us (eventhough we can’t see, feel or necessarily sense their presence), especially when we need them most.
ps. My hub and I have been trying to get pregnant since January with no luck. I certainly know what you mean by jealousy….. I think (hope) it’s a normal part of the process, but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier.
Peace — Anne
Kelly says:
When we started trying to get pregnant, we got told not to stress or even worry about tests/therapies/etc until we’d given it a good twelve months of trying (or longer if on the contraceptive pill right up to the date you started trying!!). It is normal (so far), and I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you that you fall pregnant soon! =)
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..At the park =-.
Carla says:
I guess the way I like to think about this, after reading today’s blog, wasn’t necessarily that Maddie warmed up Rigby’s spot, but, that Maddie let Rigby know that it was “alright” to lay on the rug without her warming the spot….perhaps, Maddie even let Rigby know how it was now her job to help you get ready for Binky, and how Rigby needed to take over warming the spot…I don’t know if I’m correct or not, but I liked thinking of it that way…
Erin says:
THis made my heart mealt….Maddie kept it warm for him.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Thinking Back =-.
Tami says:
This also made my heart melt. I bet Rigby was missing maddie to and needed that comfort.
thatgirlblogs says:
I think Maddie was there. If only for a moment. Maybe it’s a sign? Excitement for a new baby to share toys.
emily b. says:
My 14 year old terrier who’d slept on my feet in bed every night his whole life stopped when I hit about 7 months pregnant and never asked to sleep on the bed again. I still wonder about that. Thinking about you.
Debby says:
I think that Maddie was there and it’s a beautiful sign from her letting you know that all is well.
Rigby is now warming it up for Binky.
.-= Debby´s last blog ..A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT AND A DEAD DUCK =-.
Dawn says:
Wow! Chills. Tears.
Hugs to you.
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..birthday blues =-.
Molly says:
What a good little dog.
Liz B. says:
I think Rigby is warming it for Binky.
Giant hugs,
Liz
Stephanie says:
Thank you for this post. I wondered about how Rigby was doing through all of this. The bond between people and their pets is so strong, and the love between Rigby and Maddie was so obvious in the pictures and posts that you have shared with us. I’m certain she misses Maddie very much.
eliza says:
I think people stick around after they die. I really do. I don’t know why, but that’s been my experience. I am not christian or particularly religious in any way, but there are too many signs, stories, evidence that people are still with us on some level. I think she’s still there. I’ve thought since you announced you were pregnant how that is just one more story, piece of evidence that my theory is true. Maybe she had a hand in that. I’m not sure if you were pregnant when Maddie passed or became pregnant just after, but it doesn’t really matter either way. Life is just weird that way. That just doesn’t seem like coincidence to me.
Your post also made me think of another blog I follow of a mother who lost her 5 year old a few years ago. After she died, her 2 year old little girl kept pointing to places saying her sister’s name insistently as if she were right there. I am posting a link to the page where many of these type posts were added by her. Don’t go to this if other people’s stories are hard to read. This woman is very inspiring and just incredible but it’s heavy stuff. She’s doing great now, as great as she can, and she is on the other side of the raw, horrendous side of the grieving experience. I think at some point you might find her helpful in some way. Maybe.
Here’s the post:
http://hannahandlily.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2007-09-09T14%3A42%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=50
Lauren says:
That’s so sweet. Also, what a cute dog!
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..Lolly McChunkybutt =-.
Jayme Q. says:
I’m so glad that everyone else is thinking what I thought as I read this. Our dogs know, they just do. They’re amazing and I think he knew that Maddie was there and together, they wanted to prove it to you. ((Hugs))
Bec says:
I don’t really have anything to add, just that I’m thinking of you, as always.
.-= Bec´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Mary says:
Maddie’s Mom:
I am mom to a 24 weeker still in the nicu-I found your blog while googling micropreemies. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter-it is so horribly unfair.
Sher says:
Maybe Rigby finally could lay there again. Just as you are able to do something today that you couldn’t do 5 months ago.
This woman http://www.tammybears.com/custom.html
Makes beautiful memory bears. I know you may not want little Bink to wear a certain something of Maddie’s, but maybe she can at least be able to hold something that was made from a blanket or dress of Maddie’s.
TwinCitiesLynn says:
I have to agree with everyone else, that Maddie paid a visit. They say animals and children can “see’ things that others can’t simply because their minds are still open (whatever that means). Keep that in mind when someday you walk into the room and see Blinky smiling and laughing while staring off in the distance, you can bet it will be big sister Maddie singing and dancing that (s)he sees. What a beautiful thought. I hope today sucks a little less for you, you are stronger than you realize.
Adelas says:
Even halfway across the country, that pillow (or one like it) says Maddie to someone who never even met her in person.
I have the giraffe “version” of that pillow, and I had noticed your puppy pillow one in some of your videos. We play with ours daily- hourly, even – so it doesn’t pop in my mind every time any more, but for several weeks it was constantly reminding me of Maddie when I would see it or use it.
Now that the association is refreshed, I know I’ll be thinking of Maddie – and of you, and praying for you – all the more often again.
Al_Pal says:
Very sweet and heartwarming post!
The idea that Rigby saw Maddie, or is welcoming Binky [or both!] sounds very plausible to me.
*HUGS* to you all.
Maria Delgado says:
Oh my gosh. That just made me cry.
Thank you so sharing that photo.
.-= Maria Delgado´s last blog ..My new hair! =-.
Stephanie Stearns Dulli says:
I’ve been to your blog so many times but I’ve never commented because everyone always says everything better than I could, and really? I’m just a stranger, BUT…Rigby on the puppy rug? It’s too much. That’s got to be a sign! So sweet!!!!