Photos: Maggie; Maggie & Rocket – courtesy of Michael Routh
Today, one of my best friends, and talented photographer, Michael Routh is having to say a sad farewell to his beloved Maggie, following a fight against an increasing painful cancer. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing a number of photographic adventures with Michael, Maggie, and Maggie’s ever present companion Rocket. These are dogs you could literally lean on while relaxing on top of a rock, looking out over a grand desert vista. Despite her near 100 pounds of pure muscular body, Maggie was truly a sensitive, affectionate, and smart-as-heck canine of the first class order. Thanks to Michael, Maggie lived the penultimate dog’s life. I know she’ll be missed beyond all words. Michael, the thoughts and prayers of my entire family are with you and Rocket on this heartbreaking day. I know Maggie will live forever in your heart.
Woof.
Sorry to hear. RIP Maggie.
O no, that is sad. Michael treated those two dogs better then most people treat their own kids. They were both sweet dogs – my heart goes out to Michael and Rocket.
Ron
Thank you Gary. You are a great friend.
Maggie is truly in a better place. I always called her “The Dog From Heavenâ€. (Rocket is “Mr. Enthusiasmâ€.)
I took Maggie to our favorite trail yesterday for her last hike. But she could only walk about 20 feet because of the pain. When we arrived home, I noticed a growing rainbow in the sky over my house. It was the first time I had ever seen a rainbow at my home. We watched it together for 10 minutes until it grew to a full 180 degrees above our heads. I know it was a sign from “above†that it was time for Maggie to come. When we came inside for less than a minute, I noticed the rainbow was gone from the sky – covered by clouds. It was the Rainbow Bridge. (Please see poem below.) I held Maggie in my arms all night, as I have done for most of the last two weeks.
Without question, I credit Maggie for me becoming a nature photographer. When she was a puppy, known then as, “Maggie The Terroristâ€, I was compelled to take her hiking in the woods…so she wouldn’t eat my house. It was during those hikes that I reconnected with the beauty of nature. Soon after that I drove to Brooklyn, NY from NJ to buy a Canon 35mm system (at a discount). But Maggie’s help with my photography didn’t end there. She was my inspiration and motivation on ALL those Saturdays & Sundays, when I was stuck to the couch with my feet in the air, to grab the camera pack and gear and head out for an adventure. On those weekends, she would sit and stare at me while I was on the couch until I agreed to go take photographs. She was with me for 95% of my photography (even when I would sneak her on the backcountry trails at national parks).
So thank you Maggie for a wonderful nine years. You truly were a gift from Heaven. I know you have crossed The Rainbow Bridge…and I will join you there one day…
Please see poem below.
________________________________________________
The Rainbow Bridge
Because of its many colors, the bridge connecting Heaven and Earth has come to be known as the Rainbow Bridge.
Just this side of the Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills and
lush green valleys. When a Beloved pet dies, this wonderful
place serves as their new home. There is always an abundance
of food and water and warm sunshine. Old and frail animals
are young again, and those who have been maimed are made
whole. They make new friends and play all day.
There is one thing missing from these carefree surroundings though,
the companionship of their loving masters. Time passes and
soon another day comes when one of them is distracted by a
familiar scent. With nose twitching, ears at attention and eyes
staring in delight, this one runs from the group. . . .
You have been seen.
As you embrace, your face is kissed again and again and again, and
once more you look into the eyes of your Loyal companion.
You cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
We Can Only Hope. . .
Sorry to hear that Michael. I hope Maggie can find peace and best of luck to you.
I am so sorry to hear about Maggie. I had the pleasure of Maggie herding me, when Michael and his two companions hiked up the McGee Canyon with me. I was much slower than Michael, so Maggie run back and forth between us. She only knew me for a couple of days, but had excepted me as part of the “herd”. I will cherrish the images I took of her forever. She will truely be missed. I am grieving with you Michael, may the end of the rainbow bring her the piece and calm it promised.
Inge Fernau
It is surreal to think about not seeing Maggie again. She was one of the sweetest, most affectionate dogs I’ve ever had the pleasure of spending time with.
She would always move closer to you, insisting on being inseparable. I’m not surprised that she was chosen to comfort those who were confined to their hospital beds.
When I think of Maggie’s passing, I can’t help but remember the movie “What Dreams May Come,” where a man is reunited with his dog in the afterlife. It is practically a carbon copy of Michael’s poem “The Rainbow Bridge.”
Maggie will be sorely missed, at least in this lifetime.
Jason Esswein
Truely a great loss. Maggie was the best! Michael you gave Maggie a life that most dogs dream of. Give Rocket a good scratchen for me. Take care.
Scott
I have known Maggie for last few years. One thing I can tell about Maggie is that she knew how to get your attention. Even when she was not feeling good, she made sure you say hi to her first. And, I know for sure, she has reserved a spot in your heart Michael you will never forget. She will be missed.
For photographic outings, we brought the photographic gear, but Maggie and Rocket brought the energy. They really wanted to get out and explore and that energy got us out in the landscape and good things happened. Some of the most magical experiences I’ve had in nature were with Michael, Rocket and Maggie.
The name Michael Routh is synonymous with Maggie and Rocket. When I think of Michael, I see him and his two beloved Rottweilers, by his side. They really are inseparable. On this dark day, I know a piece of Michael was lost with Maggie’s passing, and my thoughts and best wishes are with you my friend.
Michael, We will all miss Maggie very much, she ws a great companion on those photo trips. When we were hiking, Rocket would always take the lead and Maggie would always follow at the back of the group, just to make sure that we all kept together. Sitting in your truck, she would usually manage to get her head on my knee, looking up at me with her big brown eyes and a couple of times, when I was not looking, I would suddenly find 100lbs of Maggie sitting on my lap.
Maggie, I will miss you very much. Michael, I wish you the best as you work through the loss. Take Care!
Hi Michael,
I’m really sorry to hear about Maggie. I will always miss her. I will always remember how she(and ofcourse Rocket always gives me the sniff ) greets me whenever I come over to your home for barbeque :). I will always remember all our trips to the Eastern Sierra along with Maggie and Rocket. Up to this day, I still wonder how we manage to get back home to the Bay Area with 4 Guys, Maggie, Rocket and everyone’s camera gears in a Toyota Rav4. Maggie, you will always be missed by all of us. From here on, you will always be remembered whenever I go to the Eastern Sierra.
Maggie, about the “Jelly role vs Alpha Role”, you are definitely the alpha role(just kinda keep this between you and me ok ?:) ).
– Jose
Hello Michael,
To Maggie,
The love which you and Michael shared is not lost, not changed and not forgotten! I remember you well from our trip to Death Valley a few year ago. And I’m sorry that you can’t enjoy the company of your master or Rocket; however, I know that Saint Francis of Assisi has made a bed for you at Rainbow Bridge. I know it is a warm place to rest!
Maggie was Michael’s first experience with Pet Ownsership, and I’m sure that Sweet Maggie was instrumental in helping to form the Michael we know (and love) today.
Maggie was (as a lot of dogs are) all about love & “belly rubs” as Michael would affectionately put it.
We hiked the ridge of Mt. Mitchell in NC with Michael & Maggie, and she sure stepped to the plate when we suddenly and unexpectantly came upon Galax pouchers. It’s a real problem in the NC mountains, but I don’t think Maggie knew about that. She just knew that folks stomping in the woods, off the trail, with large bags slung over their shoulders didn’t seem right. When we got near them, she let out such a grizzly, low, ferocious growl that I just bet they remember it to this day. I do.
After that, I seriously contemplated getting my own Rottweiller. But no-one could be a better Rotty owner than Michael.
When I die I think I’d like to come back as his dog. Right now I am very glad to be his sister.
Michael,
Thank you for allowing me to work with Rocket, because it allowed me to spend time with Maggie, who really was a wonderful dog.
I am sorry to hear about Maggie, it is so hard to loose a companion as sweet as her. Why is it that the good dogs are taking from us so young. I know she will be missed every day. It is never an easy task to lose a best friend and it is even worse to watch them suffer. May the fond memory of Maggie be always with you and I do believe she will be waiting for you when you reach the Rainbow Bridge.
I too have my best friends waiting for me on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. And I can say from experience that their soul never leaves you as long as you remember your experiences together.
My prayers go out to you, Rocket and Maggie. God Bless your pack.
Dear Uncle Michael,
You and Maggie have been filling my thoughts these past few weeks. The rainbow story is so magical- The love you showed her and the bond you clearly had blessed both of your lives. You are the kind of pet owner the rest of us aspire to be like. Thank you for the inspiration.
Maggie is the dog that God created doggie heaven for. She was the sweetest dog. I have been fortunate to have spent many good times with her.
The first time I came to see you, Michael, in San Jose I remember you picking me up at the airport. I sat in the front seat. Little did I know this was Maggie’s seat. Within 30 seconds Maggie was on my lap willing to share her seat with me. From that point on I knew that knowing Maggie was going to be an experience I would enjoy. Maggie knew how to bring joy to one’s life. All she wanted in return was a belly rub or a piece of beef jerky. Maggie made our photography trips a much better experience.
Michael, there is also a spot in doggie heaven for you (people heaven too). Maggie and Rocket are always first on your mind. No matter how tired you were at the end of a long day of photography, there was time for Maggie and Rocket. Whether it was to take them for a hike, go to the butcher to get them their well deserved bone or give them a belly rub you were always there for them. Even when we went to places Maggie and Rocket were not allowed to go, you would make sure they were not only safe but comfortable. You would do just about anything to not leave them home so that you can go on a photography trip. I quickly found out why, they are definitely part of the TEAM.
Michael, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
Rocket, you need to step it up for Michael.
San Miguel will continue on. It will not be the same without Maggie. She will be missed but she will always be remembered.
Thank you Maggie for all of the good times! I will remember you with every click of the shutter.
My time with Maggie, Rocket and Michael deep in the wilds of Death Valley and high on Wheeler Ridge in the Sierra Nevada are among the fondest I have of from my travels. Like her companions, Maggie was a terrific adventurer … always with a smile on her face. She was born for adventure, and couldn’t have had better companions for it than Rocket and Michael.
Happy trails, dear friend …
Michael, I know my Emma was there to greet Maggie as she crossed over and is showing her the ropes in her new home. Maggie will always be with you, just as Emma is always with me…please remember she is no longer in pain and is running free and happy.
All the Plumridge Cavaliers send you happy thoughts and are wishing happy memories for you now…we’re glad you have Rocket to keep you company. Lean on each other and that’s what will get you through this.