Video of Mack from Liza

Sadly, I didn't take much video of Mackie but thankfully Liza took plenty and shortly after Mack passed away, she shared some of her videos with me.

A beautiful gift

I went out with my hiking friends a couple of nights ago to celebrate Mack's life and they gave me this sublime painting of Mackie. A beautiful gesture that brought tears to my eyes. It was done by the amazing artist Koko Loco. It really captures Mack's indomitable, larger than life spirit and I love it so much. A very precious gift that I will always treasure.

Painting by Koko Loco

Drawing by Anusha

Thank you

In loving memory of Mack (2004 - 2023)

Mackie passed away a couple of days ago, just two months shy of his remarkable 19th birthday.

It's hard to put into words what it meant to share so many years with such an extraordinary soul. 

The lessons Mack taught me are imprinted on my heart:

• His constant display of unconditional love, shared abundantly and wholeheartedly.
• The priceless bond of true companionship and heartfelt connection.
• His transparent emotions, ever evident in his joyful tail wags and earnest eyes.
• The simple warmth of snuggling close, or just resting his head on a knee, shoulder or comforting lap. 
• The wisdom in his intent listening, reminding me that not every silence needs filling.
•  His ability to be wholly present, savoring every sound and scent during our walks.
•  The immense exuberance he found in fun, playful pleasures, even if was simply chasing after a ball.
•  Just how high you can leap if you put your mind to it, especially if you’re chasing after a tantalising rodent.
•  The importance of having boundaries, especially if your space is invaded by an overly spirited yapper snapper !
•  The living embodiment of virtues like patience, adaptability, curiosity, wonder, loyalty, trust, enthusiasm, alertness, forgiveness, and countless others.

Mackie was ready to go but the void left by his absence is profound. I’ve been doing lots of walking around Waverton to help process my sadness and every path I take is suffused with memories of Mackie, sniffing at every bush and lifting his leg to mark his favourite spots. I’ve had some beautiful cries, and its been a much needed release.

A heartfelt thanks to those who had a particularly special connection with Mack and helped enrich his life: Ally, Liza, Jasper, Chris, Yogi, Srini, Xenia, Shushann, Sharon, Martin, Matt, Sue & Alex, Dani, Lizzy, Chrisel, Russell, Elna, Jilly.

Mack, until our paths intertwine once more. The anticipation of our reunion brings visions of jubilant tail wags, playful dances, and exuberant panting. No doubt, Mackie will show signs of excitement too 🙂

Rest in peace, dear Mackie

To Liza

We had a beautiful get together at The Botanica yesterday. So many memories to share and everyone was very loving and supportive. Shushann brought beautiful Anush who I have a special connection with and she settled at my feet the whole time, as if she knew I needed solace.  It was all so bitter sweet.  I kept looking at Mackie's chair, where he used to snuggle into his blanket and pervade the scene, and it was empty.  The staff at The Botanica were so crestfallen to hear about Mack. And Steve and Vula, too, who run the Waverton Grocer. For such a little thing, Mack featured so large in Waverton. His loss is  being felt by all the people who knew him and loved him.

The most support I'm getting is from people who've also lost doggie soul mates. Jane, who was there yesterday, lost 17 year old Harry last year. And Heather in South Africa lost 21 year old Sally a while ago too. They both spoke about the crushing emptiness and loss that they felt and still feel from time to time, enough still to bring them to tears.

I've been doing a lot of walking in Waverton as it helps to process and settle the grief. Every path I take is pervaded by the memory of Mack sniffing shrubs and cocking his leg every 10 metres or so. I've had some really strong cries on the walks, and it feels good to do it.

From Liza

• I can recall every photo you forwarded of Mack at Botanica, and it was very, very clear he loved beyond measure being there, being with you there, and being with you and Chris there. It was always so truly delightful to experience Mack's enjoyment of sniffing, caressing plants, marking his spots etc.
• I genuinely hope you do really well in processing your grief, and recalling happy times Graeme. Mack loved you very, very much and for sure loved his home with you; I adored every photo of him on HIS balcony when he was a heat seeking doggie. I'm not able to recall any thing much just now but, for me, there won't be a doggie companion, as special, ever. Mack is, was, remarkable in so many ways. I feel proud of him, and of my contribution to his life Graeme. Meeting him with Mum on my birthday was an amazing thing, and there has not been a day I have not loved Mackee since. 
• For Jasper and I there was not a day we didn't look forward to Mack's arrival.  I loved his enjoyment, as an old fella, of night walks, his sniffing the ground and air; for month's now that was early mornings and as soon as the sun set. 

From Chris

So, So Beautiful Graeme. Now that is friendship. That is love. And you shared him with us all. You had a little engine of joy there.  He is a fond memory in many peoples minds, but I somehow imagine that in the big scheme of things when little Mackee was choosing which  human, he chose you and he was a winner.

Dear Liza. Our precious little friend has gone, but what a friend he had in you. I must say I have never seen such a beautiful connection between a dog and a human than between dear little Mackee and you.  You made him feel so special. Thank you for sharing him with me for some enjoyable times. I will miss him too. Take care. Wishing you all the best. 

From Ally

Hey G, was just calling to say how sorry I was to hear about Mack. What a lovely tribute to him - totally had me in tears!! He was one of the most special little souls and he will live in our memory and hearts forever. I am so glad you got to spend so much time with him.  I truly hope you are okay.  Sending you a special hug and love 💙

From Shushann

Ohh dear Graeme just read your beautiful piece on Mack. It has brought floods of tears. Sending you blessings and love over this heartbreaking but unavoidable letting go of our beloved fur babies. Until you meet again. Somewhere over the rainbow🙏🏽🧡🌈

Oh my goodness the photos were stunning. They could be a book in themselves. They tell many wonderful stories.

From Yogi

Sorry to hear your sad news. Mackie Boy was an exceptional dog - what great mates you were!  He gave you so much joy, & vice versa. He lives on, forever young, in your blog. 

From Srini

This message was sent by Srini from a mountain hike shortly after Mack passed away. Amazingly, he had no knowledge that Mack had gone. It was one of those beautiful synchronicities and deeply comforted me.

Richard

Shirley

Facebook condolences

Final photos of dear Mack

He was ready to go and had been in some discomfort for a couple of days. He was extremely peaceful at the end. Liza was present at his passing.  Rest in peace, beloved, beautiful Mack.

A nice photo of Mackie taken by Liza

 

Visiting Jilly with Mack, Shushann and Xenia

Mack was a real Trojan. It was a long day for him and he is not usually a fan of car drives, but he coped remarkably well. Jilly was delighted to see him.

Mackie at Brennan Park

Beautiful boy. 

 

Mackie photos taken by Liza over past couple of years

There can be no doubt: Liza truly loves Mack with every ounce of her being.  He is very blessed to have her in his life and so am I.

Ally's 50th birthday

 Hi there Ally

Just a little note to wish you a very, very happy 50th birthday. Hope you have a very special day and that your 50's are full of love, connection, fun, laughter, wonder and adventure.

There's another very special little being who wants to say "Happy Birthday."  Mackie is now 18.  He's as beautiful as ever and doing remarkably well for his age. His days of ball chasing are over but he still adores sniffing and peeing on just about every bush.

You and I have lost contact, which is entirely natural, but know that I think of you often and it's always with a deep sense of love, affection and appreciation.  You were and always will be the great love of my life.

How wonderful to be able to spend your birthday in South Africa.  Hope you are having a beautiful time there with your family.  Thank you for staying in touch with my family too. They appreciate it so, so much and so love seeing you.

Sending lots and lots of love to you all  💛💚

Graeme & Mack

Photo from Ally's visit with Jo & Antony

Ally's reply

Hey G, 

Sorry it has taken me a while to respond. I have been trying to find the rights words....something you are so good at!

Firstly, thank you so much for your birthday wishes. I had the most awesome trip and day. It was truly special to see everyone in Cape Town including your mom and Jo. Mack crosses my mind often so I loved seeing the pics of him. Seeing his smiling face was so lovely 😍 

I too think of you and sincerely hope you are well and enjoying life. Gosh, we had some really great times together! You taught me so much. I will always be externally grateful for the time we had together - what fun, adventure and love we had. 

Your mom mentioned that you will be going to Antarctica soon. How amazing is that!  Another adventure, I have no doubt you will get the most amazing photos....have fun and hope it us not too cold.

You are a beautiful person and deserve happiness and peace. 

Please take care of yourself and Mack.

Lots of love 💙🤩💚

My reply

Hi there Ally

Thank you for your message and your lovely, affirming words. We both wish so deeply for each other's happiness, and that is such a beautiful thing.

Oh, your doggies are so gorgeous! I am sure that they are the most loved doggie pair in all of Sydney and that they were super excited to see you when you got home!

Yes, I'm feeling so blessed to be going to Antarctica. I got to see 7 polar bears in The Arctic and now I'll get to see hundreds of thousands of penguins in Antarctica. For a photographer lover, it's a dream come true.  We're spending some time in Buenos Aires on the way to Antarctica for team building, so I am sure that will bring back lots of memories of our time there.

Sending love. I hope you're settling back nicely into Sydney life after your time away.  I'm so glad you had such a wonderful birthday and trip.

G

Nice to be a kid again!

A frolic of a time with Xenia, Shushann and Lydia at the Milson's Point Park after some lunch.

 

Sitting and being at the park with Mackie

I've been spending many days at Brennan Park sitting on the bench, just sitting and being. The park is a beautiful place to just be.  Mack loves it to and he gets to potter.
 

Mackie turns 18 !!

 Liza made some wonderful birthday things like cupcakes to celebrate.

Mack at The Botanica

Photos from Liza

 Liza sent me these wonderful photos of dear Mack.

Mack - priceless memories and moments

To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.  Mary Oliver

Walks 

• Trotting when walking, tail up 
• Peeing on every bush
• Running up to dogs, then ignore them.
• Pull back on lead to pee, ages to walk,
• Refusing to go, stopping.
• Smell all them smells with all his being.
• Zen, immersion in the moment, in his senses. He was a spiritual master.
• Walking him at Balls Head, Waverton, Brenner Park 
• Meeting up with other dog owners at the park,

Games

• Demon doggie - growling, pulling, shaking his head.
• Love of ball.  Running for ball for ages and ages.
• Panting like a steam train. 
• At Andreas's party.  The kids throwing the ball, entertaining them for ages.
• Wrestling. Biting but not hurting.
• Chasing after dogs, barking.

Stories

• Jumping onto the bed and startling mum when she visited.
• Runing after blondes at the park. 
• Liza and the doggie flap. 
• Sudden leap onto lap.  
• Perched on pillow after book from Craig. 
• Liza finds Mack after runs away.
• Meditation bell.
• Plastic in poo .
• Jumped up to smell bottom.  
• Ears. Key ring. 
• Girl in bikini at Manly. Mike impressed.

Loving

• Licking my neck 
• Lie behind my knees 
• Murmurings of pleasure like a cat purring.
• Yip. Yip. Yip. When dream.  
• Ally and me - between us.
• Snoring gently when slept.
• Leaps onto lap unexpectedly 
• Meditation, lie on chest, paw me to come up.
• Head or paw onto body.
• Ears up, listening intently.
• Pure pleasure when stroke tummy, eyes closed, fang out. Would purr.  
• Sudden lick face,
• Want to come on lap. 

Mannerisms

• Ears up, look intently into distance,
• Lick his lips and nose
• Break in with computer - he barked and I ignored it.
• Tail showing his mood.
• Hackles up, chest out. Stance.  
• Broad chest
• Grouchy snap with puppies.  
• Nose up on covers. To get under.
• Frantic scratching of ears
• Scratch himself using bed
• Wrestle.  
• High pitched bark when doorbell rang.
• Greeting when been away. 
• Pore at me when want come up onto my lap.
• Leap into car. 
• Shake after pet 

Loves

• Playing 
• Connects to people in neighbourhood. Lots of interactions.  
• Swimming. 
• Massages, cuddles.
• Love of sleeping. 
• Different moods.  
• Beg to play. 
• Love of sun, lie in sunbeam, go onto balcony
• Love of heater 
• Real chicken 

Not so happy

• Grass seed in neck. 
• Vet - unhappy. 
• Kennel - photos. 
• Fussy eating. 
• Scared of vacuum in beginning.
• Nightmares, wimpering 
• Hang dog if tone. Sensitive.  

Rituals

• Run up to room when Liza drops off.
• Re-united after hols. 

Experiences 

• Forrester 
• Blue Mountains 
• Lake with Doug 
• Manly 
• Farmers market
• Bark at Park 
• Chiefy's birthday park 
• Beach with Lizzie

People

• Run up to women after Ally. 
• How loved Ally. 
• Loved people special to me, Jo, Mum, Chrisel, Dani, Ally.
• Pick ups from Liza, swop stories.
• Lizzy and Gem.
• Connection with Liza. 
• Use in dating profile pics. 
• James