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.
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| Painting by Koko Loco |
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| Drawing by Anusha |
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:
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
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.
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.
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 💙
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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
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 💙🤩💚
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.
A frolic of a time with Xenia, Shushann and Lydia at the Milson's Point Park after some lunch.
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
