Cash and Madison

For over 14 years Cash and Madison were my co-pilots, not only in the car but in life as well.  Madison you found me in Boulder. You were wild and crazy, and who won’t be after being in the pet store window for so long.  Still I was hesitant to bring you home. Your energy was infectious and you picked up a frisbee immediately.  You were a year old when Cash came into the picture from the humane society. We were in Longmont then and the two of you quickly became inseperable. You took over cleaning Cash’s ear, sharing your toys and kennel as if he were your brother.  Between playing with our rabbit Walter and your friends Chopper and Simon you generally enjoyed life in the city.  Then, we got the opportunity to move to the Foothills and live in Sunset near the end of Four Mile Canyon where you could run.  And RUN you did! You two goofballs ran after squirrels, racoons, deer and a bear. To which thankfully when you got too close you chose to run the other way. You also chased almost anything on two wheels… We hiked, biked, snowshoed and even did some backcountry skiing in our time near the Switzerland Trail.  We spent many days snowed in during the winter and always enjoyed cooling off in the the creek in the summer. Rob was a trooper and didn’t complain too much when you guys tracked mud all through the house. Thanks Rob! We stayed in tents, cars, hostiles, hotels and cabins. From Silverton to Aspen. To Winter Park to Left Hand Res. We took many roadtrips to Minnesota. You guys were great long-distance travellers trading shot gun at each gas and potty break.  We would spend the days on the pantoon and swimming in the lake. Cash you were the best canoe captian (Papa Kobi was always impressed with you doing that).  While Madison was sure to keep on eye on us from shore.  Our “Good Life” was about to get better when we met Sara, or Mama as she quickly became. She was not a dog person and was slightly afraid of both of you, especially you Cash.  Madison you changed her mind with your loyalty, obedience, and tenderness, not to mention that you listened when Cash wouldn’t. We moved from Sunset to Rollinsville in 2007 where you embraced the title of Mountain Dogs with gusto!  In 2011 you welcomed another title to your growing resume – Family Pet.  Harrison was born and I am sure you had no idea what you were getting into. He was immobile at first but that quickly changed. We were apprehensive about you Cash, our pitbull.  With all the poking, prodding, pulling of tails and general roughhousing you were gentle, patient, cautious and gracious. You changed many people’s opinions about your breed.  You were always sure to snuggle up with Harrison and his blankets, especially if there was a blueberry muffin nearby.  Madison you took a lot less of Harrison’s silly games but were always a good vacuum under the highchair and dinner table.  You were also there every morning to help us wake him up and every evening to put him to bed.  You both kept up with this family as best you could.  For as long as you could. And you both did an awesome job, which isn’t easy with a toddler – that would leave anyone exhausted!  We knew you were slowing down, although you never wanted to show it.  You were still trying to protect us from the inevitable, I guess.  Old, limpy, sore and lumpy your bodies were giving out on you, although I am not sure your hearts ever would have.  Friday Jan. 17, 2014, as you did so many times before you layed down next to eachother in the living room for you afternoon nap. Peacful and quiet as it often is here at that time of day. The sun shining brightly through the windows warming your soft fur for the last time.  I am sure you both knew and were ready for the journey ahead of you. You were stoic and brave through life to the end together. Running side by side in the Great Meadow beyond. Shush and Behave yourselves and be sure to listen to Papa, Gramps and Gramms. I will whistle for you when I get there. Mama and I can’t get over how empty the house is without you and Harrison keeps saying “Hi Dogs” when we come home. Thank you for every memory the two of you have ever given me. I am Truly blessed to have been able to call you “My Dogs”. I Love You and Miss You very much.