Everything you need to know to live your best (and most beautiful) life with dogs! Plus the story of how Maddie and Cisco came into mine!
It’s A Dog’s Life
You can be honest with me.
It won’t hurt my feelings. Well, not too much.
Are you here for home decor and Maine life?
Or are you really here for Maddie and Cisco content?
If you are in the latter group, you are in luck today!
And also if you have a dog or dogs of your own.
Because today I am sharing everything you need to know to live your best (and most beautiful) life with dogs.
And as a bonus, I am sharing the story of how Maddie and Cisco came into mine.
Our Story
Empty Nest
Maddie and Cisco became a part of our family in October 2013.
That summer we had lost our beloved family dog, Shamu. And our youngest was headed to college.
With my husband working out of town, I was looking at a very very empty nest.
There are those, after the loss of a cherished pet, who cannot open themselves up again to the vulnerability of loss that comes with getting another pet.
I am in the opposite camp — the best way for me to start to heal my heartbreak is to get a new one. To open my heart up again to new love.
Meant To Be
So, almost immediately after we had Shamu put down, I started thinking about a new dog.
This time, though, the hole in my heart was so large, that my family convinced me I needed two puppies instead of one to fill it.
I began searching the internet for Springer Spaniel puppies with no success. In the 14 years since we had last gotten a new dog, things had changed. Now, it seemed, you needed to reserve a puppy long before they were even born. My heart began to feel even heavier.
One morning I decided to give one more look at the local classified ads. And there it was — an ad for two litters of Springer Spaniel puppies coming soon! When we called the breeder, we learned that one of the mama dogs was already in labor. The puppies would be born the next day, August 19th.
My birthday!
It was meant to be.
Maddie and Cisco
There were 7 puppies in the litter born on the 19th, 4 males and 3 females.
The breeder sent me photos of each group. The moment I laid eyes on Cisco, I knew he was the one for me.
Maddie, though, was playing coy in the photo, and I couldn’t see her face. (Ironic, considering how she now poses for the camera!)
We visited the puppies later that week. By that time the second litter had been born. So many adorable puppies!
Just as he does now, Cisco immediately clung to me like velcro. And I loved the predominately dark markings on Maddie.
My heart was set.
Lobster Paw
Even after I learned that Maddie had a bone malformation in her front left paw that I had not noticed. The condition is called ectrodactyly, also know as “lobster paw” because of the split claw appearance of the paw.
Maddie’s deformed paw did not seem to affect her at all, but our primary vet was concerned about how it would impact her mobility longterm. We took her to a veterinary orthopedic specialist who assured us that her condition was not severe and that, other than an increased risk of arthritis, she would live a normal life.
And mostly she does. There is definitely tenderness in that foot at times. Sometimes she limps and even holds it up and hops on three legs. But I am always proud of the way she runs and almost keeps up with her very athletic brother.
Most of the time I forget that she even has a bad paw.
It has just become a part of who she is — quirky Mads, always uniquely herself. Lobster paw, and all.
The Three Musketeers
After I brought my two sweet puppies home and had fallen head over heels in love with them, I learned of something called “littermate syndrome”. Most professional trainers strongly advise against raising littermates together because, they say, it can lead to bonding and aggression issues.
Maybe we just got lucky, but we have never had any problems with Maddie or Cisco. They are best friends. But they also like other dogs. And while they are always happy to see one another, they are perfectly capable of being apart.
They love every human they come in contact with, though of course they love me best of all.
They are mine. Cisco, my sensitive sock-loving athletic boy, always by my side. And Maddie, my sweet, independent, slightly-anxious girl who loves to pose for the camera.
And I am theirs.
We are the Three Musketeers, sharing this great Maine adventure together.
Run Free
Maddie and Cisco love to run and explore!
The yard in our home in Maryland was the size of a postage stamp. Well, maybe I exaggerate. But it was small. It was fenced, but due to the size, most of M&C’s exercise came from long walks on leash in the neighborhood.
When we did take them to a nearby wooded park to run off leash, they would take off. As hunting dogs, they love nothing more than searching for and chasing after critters.
In comparison, our property here in Maine, at 1 1/2 acres, is huge. But the road we are on, while not extremely busy, is one of the main roads on the peninsula. In our early days here, M&C did escape a couple times and took off across the road. It was terrifying.
I knew I needed some way to allow them to run the property, while keeping them safe.
A physical fence would have been extremely expensive, unsightly, and logistically problematic. And there is always the risk of gates being left open by mistake. This would happen at our previous home and the dogs would take off around the neighborhood like maniacs. So dangerous!
Invisible Fence
A neighbor recommended an “invisible fence”, also known as a “wireless” or “electric” fence. A wire is buried underground and the dogs wear a collar that “buzzes” them when they cross the wire.
I was naturally hesitant about using something that would cause my dogs any kind of pain and was also doubtful that it would actually be effective. Remember — Maddie and Cisco really really love to run!
With a full money back guarantee, though, I decided I had nothing to lose.
To say that the invisible fence has been life changing for us would not be an exaggeration.
We did go through a month of fairly intensive training. And I felt terrible the few times early on that M&C were “zapped” when they crossed the line.
But they quickly learned the borders. Now they still wear their collars daily, but I can’t remember the last time they even went close to the line.
They can run from the top of the field down to the water’s edge, up to the guest cottage and back to the house.
They are safe, but still free to live their best Maine lives!
Keeping Life Beautiful (and Clean!)
I get questions about how I keep the house clean with two dogs. Here are my tips and tricks for keeping your home both clean and beautiful, while still accommodating your canine friends.
Slipcovers
We made the decision to allow Maddie and Cisco on the furniture. It is just how we choose to live our life with dogs.
To keep the furniture clean, I use slipcovers. When they get dirty, I simply take them off and toss them in the wash.
Most of the living room furniture is made by Four Seasons Furniture and comes with slipcovers made from pre-washed fabric.
I had slipcovers custom made locally for the Braxton Culler swivel chairs by the fireplace. We lived with regular upholstery on them for a while and it did not work for us.
Be sure your slipcovers are machine washable!
Dog shower
If you are building or remodeling, I highly recommend a dog shower!
From a simple muddy paw rinse to full-body rolled-in-deer-poo or sprayed-by-skunk (more on that below) wash, the dog shower has been a game changer!
Towels
This probably goes without saying, but we have lots of dog towels. They are good for drying dogs off after a rinse, wiping wet paws, and cleaning up general pet messes.
I have tried the fancy microfiber pet towels, but find that cheap cotton terry towels work best. Mine come from Walmart.
Pet-friendly rugs
Our downstairs rugs (the ones that get the most exposure to tracked-in dirt) are mostly natural fiber.
Vintage Persian rugs are ideal because they are already broken in, the oil in wool acts as a natural dirt repellant, and the pattern hides spots.
I have also found sisal and seagrass to be very forgiving.
The rugs in the mudroom are flat weave indoor/outdoor that I can throw in the wash periodically. Mine are from Annie Selke and come in lots of fun colors and patterns!
I use Nature’s Miracle, an enzymatic cleaner, to directly treat specific spots, stains, and odors. (You know what I am referring to….)
Vacuum
It goes without saying that I vacuum A LOT.
I find it oddly satisfying to empty the canister full of pet hair (remember we have two cats too!) into the trash.
Sometimes I feel like I could stuff a pillow with all the fur I vacuum up. Or knit a sweater.
Yuck!
Since I use it frequently, I chose a lightweight cordless Dyson that has a hand vac for upholstery.
Mine has been acting up a bit recently, but I have had it for a while and it gets a lot of use. So I would still recommend it.
Pet Hair Remover
When I don’t want to pull out the vacuum for furniture, a small mechanical pet hair remover works well.
My daughter recommended the one linked below to me. With a husky, she knows all about dog fur!
Again, I find it weirdly satisfying to see how much pet hair I get up with this device!
Dog food container and bowls
Because I like everyday items to be beautiful too (form and function!), I use a tall antique faux woodgrain flour bin to hold the dog food bag. Previously I used a large stoneware crock. It is fun to get creative!
And why shouldn’t the dog bowls be decorative too?! Maddie and Cisco enjoy their meals in blue and white porcelain bowls from my friends at Caskata. I am sure their food tastes better in these pretty dishes!
Dog bed
While M&C do enjoy lounging on the furniture, sometimes they actually prefer a regular dog bed.
Well, I wouldn’t exactly call this Dogwood dog bed “regular”. With its blue wicker finish and designer fabric cushion, it is full of Molly-in-Maine style!
The cats like it too!
The Foggy Dog
The Foggy Dog also sells dog beds made from fun fabrics, as well as collars, leashes, toys, and, my favorite, seasonal bandanas and stylish bows.
You can see Maddie and Cisco dressed for July 4th last year in the photo at the top of this post. So fun!
It’s Not All Fun and Games
Having pets isn’t all fun and games.
Ticks
We live in an area that has a real tick problem.
You know I still want M&C to live their best outdoor lives, though. So I treat them monthly with Simparica Trio, a chewy tab which fights against heartworm disease, five types of ticks, fleas, roundworms and hookworms. And while they have both tested positive for tick-borne illnesses a couple times, they have never been ill or exhibited any symptoms.
Unfortunately ticks are just a reality of life here in New England and we need to remain vigilant.
Skunks
Skunks are another hazard for dogs this time of year. I have been through this ordeal with Maddie and Cisco twice, and it stinks — literally!
The old-fashioned remedy of bathing your dog in tomato juice has been proven to be pretty much ineffective — the tomato juice does not react chemically to destroy skunk odor.
Instead, wash your dogs in a mixture of 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon Dawn dish liquid, making sure not to get any in their eyes. Rinse thoroughly, then wash with pet shampoo, and rinse again. Towel dry.
While I have not found this method to completely neutralize the odor (I have a very sensitive nose), it certainly helps a lot. The faint lingering odor fades with time.
I keep these ingredients on hand, because skunks always seem to spray late at night. DO NOT, however, store any premixed liquid! It can cause the container it is in to explode!
This Week Into Next
I hope you enjoyed Maddie and Cisco’s story and that you also learned something useful or were inspired to add some beauty into your life from the rest of the post!
This week I am coming off a wonderful visit by family (more on that another time!) and next week I am hoping to finally share my little kitchen refresh with all of you (still waiting on one more thing!).
This post turned into a long one, so I will leave you now with these two classic Maine images that I snapped when I was out and about this past week.
Oh, how beautiful you are, Maine!
Be well, friends!
Such a cute post Molly, love them both so much, dogs are the best!!
Thanks, Ann! I literally can’t imagine life here without them!
Enjoyed your post. We have not had a dog in years. But so enjoyed her so much. My heart was broken when she died. I could not imagine replacing her. Also we were getting at the stage when we could travel often.. Had a great kennel for Kenzie but would have hated putting her there to much. Having her in our lives was definitely an enriching experience.
Hi Kathleen! Thanks for reading! I understand your choice not to get another dog, especially if you have plans to travel. Maybe the time will come when you are ready for another pup in your life.
I think Springers are beautiful dogs. I love their freckles! We live by a busy road so we walk our dog on a leash. But our vegetable garden is surrounded by a tall fence and that’s where we’ve let our Lucy run. She is 13 now and having mobility issues. Loved your post about your pets!
Thanks for reading, Jane! I fell in love with Springers when I was in college and my parents were living in London. Maddie and Cisco are our 3rd and 4th! I love their freckles too — and their long flowing ears. Give your sweet Lucy a good rub from me!
We have had dogs for 29 years… and lost our last one in March. We were so heartbroken that we donated all our remaining supplies, leashes, etc. to our local humane society. We were supposed to enjoy our new “freedom” to travel and go places all day if we wanted… well… I saw a puppy on Mother’s Day and almost cried while lovin’ on it… this ignited “puppy fever” in me. I’ve been trying to wear down my hubby ever since. He’s a pushover for puppies too… I’m just afraid to step back into that world again… but I miss my furry babies so much. We’re empty nesters too… I think seeing your post and reading this story is a sign! 😆
Oh, I am sorry for your loss, Karen. I can’t imagine my life without a dog or two in it. Good luck with your decision process. If you do get another puppy, I would love to see a picture!
Great post! Thank you for sofa info, as we started a search about two weeks ago for dog-friendly fabrics, and had not yet discovered Four Seasons.
Hi Michelle! Thanks for reading! One of the great things about Four Seasons Furniture is that they have a wide range of fabrics to choose from for the slipcover, with most of them machine washable. You can also order replacement covers from them. I hope you find what you are looking for!
Hi Molly! Loved your blog on dogs. I am a dog person as well. We live on 3 acres in Alabama. Some is heavily wooded and we keep our boys out of that area. It’s full of critters and ticks and other indiginous creatures I’d reather Roscoe and Comet did not make acquaintance with. Both of our dogs are rescue animals and although I was very concerned about behavior etc, issues from poor treatment, I have been blessed with two of the nicest Shih Tzus ever. Both are super easy going, friendly, non-barkers who could easily have been named velcro 1 and velcro 2. I can hardly go anywhere inside or out that at I have at least one and very frequently two folloers. They love to play outdoors with me. I recently had a full knee replacement surgery and it’s taken a while to get back to walking without the aid of a walker or a cane. Now that I’m walking well on my own they think we should be back to playeing ‘Zoomer Dog” where we all race and run up and down our very long concrete driveway. All I have to do is call out Zoomer! to them and the chase and race begins. They always run back to me to give them a pat on the head and tell them how great they are and they off they go again. I cannot imagine how anyone could have ever mistreated either one of them. Comet is the least affected as he as basically he was just neglected and chained under a pine tree and covered in sap. We had to have him shaved to the skin to make it so he could even walk normally. He was 4 years old when we got him. We got Roscoe from a foster dare giver who had taken care of him when his original owner fractured his skull, broke his hip and his back right leg. He was well by the time we got him but suffered with major seizures which required medication. With good care and proper attention he only occaionally has a petit mal seizure. The vet has gradually reudced then eliminated his meds and he does very well. Can you even imagine damaging a puppy so severely.at less than a year old? We got him when he was past two and he still had issues with potty training. Now that he’s six and in a solid and loving environment he does well with almost never an issue. My boys are not siblings but are the best of friends and play, sleep and explore together. The only thing they dont have in common is a love for the weimming pool. Roscoe hates the pool and Comet loves to get in and float on the float pad with my husband. When he’s done, he’ll jumb off and swim skillfully to the steps, get out, skake then lay on his towel in the sun. So funny. We love our boys and hope they are ours for many years to come. Thanks for all you share, Kate
Aw, thanks for sharing the story of your two sweet pups. I can’t even fathom how anyone could abuse a creature capable of such great unconditional love. Bless you for rescuing them and giving them such a wonderful life. It sounds like they brighten your every day.
Maddie and Cisco are so loved. They have a wonderful life with you and your family in Maine. How do they like the kitties? Our family is all cats but we love being able to pet dogs when we go for walks. Of course we always ask if it’s ok. Thank you for sharing their story. Maine is one of our top vacation destinations. The lupines are amazing!
Hi Carla! Is it that obvious that I adore Maddie and Cisco, haha?! I feel like they were always meant to be Maine dogs. They love it here and it brings me such joy to see them living their best life. They generally get along with Tuck and Izzie. Tuck, the boy kitty definitely rules the house, ha! If you have never visited Maine, you definitely need to plan that trip!
Chom chom roller for life! Loved reading this little love letter to Maddie & Cisco ❤️❤️
Thanks for reading it, honey! Margaux fell in love with the roller when she was here too!
Molly
Love all your posts, but I must admit I love seeing the pups, especially Maddie posing! We just lost our 3rd dog. She was a 16 year old cavachon. We are heartbroken because she was such a sweetheart. I want another dog, but my hubby said he is not ready and we are too old to start again.
I have a grand dog that we babysit for and there is a schnauzer in our neighborhood that loves me so I guess that will do for now.
I also know a springer named Jack that I love.
Thank you for all your beautiful posts🐶🐶💙💙
Hi Diane! I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet leaves such a hole in your heart and life. I am so happy that you enjoy my posts. I too get a kick out of the poses Maddie strikes. She cracks me up on the regular! Thanks for taking the time to say hi and share your story with me!
Great post as I also have a Springer an have had Springers for many years. Your advice is spot on and love following all of you
Hi Denise! Thanks for reading my post! Springers are the best!
Those two certainly are an attraction! My sister had a Springer called Clover. I think she had some minor imperfection also, but was a darling dog. I used to pet sit for her. She was black and white and had the cutest walk, kind of a little prance. Maddie and Cisco, what a good life!
Hi Lynda! Aw, Clover, what a sweet name! You can see that our previous Springer, Shamu, was also black and white. The brown and white goes better with our home here in Maine, haha! And yes, they are living their best Maine lives! Thanks for taking the time to say hi!
I can’t imagine my life without a dog! Like you when one passes I’m ready in a very short time to rescue a new pup to give him/her its very best life. Love your blog.
Hi Shannin — I feel the same way — can’t imagine life without a dog (or two!)!
We had a black n white springer “ Holly” – such great dogs! How did you come to give them such great names? Thanks for sharing.
Hi Lisa! You can see in the post that our previous dog, Shamu, was black and white. Maddie (actually Madaket) and Cisco are named after beaches on Nantucket, where we vacationed for years. Springers are the best!
Oh Molly this was such a fun read. I equally love seeing M and C along with your home, and life in Maine. Summer of 2004 we dropped our youngest off at college and drove 1000 miles to the next duty station. It was a shock to my system after decades of kids and animals to suddenly find myself with neither. With many deployments ahead of us I knew I’d need a buddy to keep me company. Not only did I get another dog, but also “adopted” my son’s Brittany when he moved to DC and had a third floor apt. The best dog ever. I’ve always wondered where Cisco and Maddie’s name came from. They are so much fun to follow on Instagram and truly living the dream. Thanks for another great Saturday blog.
Oh, Julie, I get it! There were a couple months between when my son left for college and when we picked up M&C, and I was definitely not in a good place. And one daughter was in New Zealand and the other in Spain. Maddie and Cisco really saved me. I also couldn’t have done this move to Maine without them. They are named for Madaket and Cisco beaches on Nantucket, where we vacationed for years. Thanks for reading!
I forgot to mention I had just put out 14 yr old German Shorthair down before moving, and becoming an empty nester. It’s an understatement to say I was not in a good place…no kids, no dogs…oh no.
Molly! Absolutely my favorite post ever! I love dogs. Although I was nearly 40 before I realized it. Now they’re an essential part of my life … and the most important part. Seriously. I loved hearing Maddie and Cisco’s story … it was truly meant to be. And I learned the hard way that two dogs are often easier than one … and I don’t feel as bad when I have to leave them on their own. They have each other. I ordered the pet hair remover … my two little pups are 12 lbs each but I say that the hair they shed could stuff a sofa. Every week. Anyway, dog content is the best … cat too! Thanks so much for sharing your lovely story. xo
Thanks, Juliet! I have had dogs my entire life — we had four when I was growing up! We were that crazy dog house! And one of my main goals when I graduated from college was to get a dog of my own. They are the best companions! I think you will get good use out of the pet hair remover with your two little shedders!
Hi Molly
Our cocker spaniel died in May last year she was 18 . I’ve cried every day and still do a lot but since following you on Insta and seeing your two absolutely beautiful Springers I made the decision to get one. So now I’ve got Holly she’s 4 months , very naughty and very spoilt. She looks just like your Springers too. So Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home and pictures of your 2 babies . I enjoyed reading your post. Ps I’m down under in Sydney Australia Holly is snuggled up next to me now grunting in her sleep and making sucking noises
Hello in Australia! I am so happy that you have found puppy love again! Give Holly some sweet kisses from me! Spaniels are the very best dogs!
What a fun post, your dogs are adorable. I do think you needed 2 puppies to fill the holes left by your youngest heading off and losing you beloved family dog. We have a long haired Chihuahua that has my heart. My favorite pic is Maddie sitting up proper with the expression, “what? I said I’d do it later”.
Thanks for reading, Pamela! And yes, Maddie and Cisco were exactly what I needed — then and now! Yes, that is an absolutely classic picture of Mads — sitting upright, elbow leaning on the arm of the chair, feet crossed, and giving me that sideways look. What on earth was she thinking?? That girl is a mystery to me. Whereas Cisco is an open book, ha! Give your sweet pup a kiss from me!
A delightful blog post as always! Love this topic too – dogs are the best! You sure let your dogs live their best life and yet your house and its decor are still perfect. It was so fun to see how you do it. I got some good tips about the best tools like the cordless vac and the roller. I can’t wait till Lizzie gets to live the best Maine life – she just loves to do zoomies around your house! But most of all I think she loves seeing what your dogs are up to! I’m starting to practice come and sit with treats so she won’t stray too much! As always the pictures really made the post for me. C&M sure were and are cute!!! I’m thinking of the cascata bowls for Lizzie! I know the food is more delicious in them!
Amy
Thanks, Amy! Can’t wait for you all to visit! I think Lizzie definitely needs a pretty blue and white food bowl! And maybe one for water too!
Loved hearing about your dog journey. We had the same 3 dogs for 16 years. One-by-one, their long lives came to an end. When we found ourselves with only our cat left, it definitely left a dog-shaped hole in our hearts. Three months later, Charlie and Henry, came home with us. They are miniature Longhaired Dachshunds and brothers/littermates. We had also heard all the warnings about taking more than one per litter, but this was the entire litter! Mom only had these two and there was no way we could leave one tiny baby behind. They are inseparable! And we love them like crazy! We’ve recently added a GSP puppy, Gus, who has grown exponentially!! He’s a big baby, but Charlie is definitely in charge.
Thank you for all you share. I’m a South Florida resident who is a Mainer at heart. It is my happy place. I feel that somehow, someway, I will be able to call it home someday…even if it’s seasonally. It’s my dream!! In the meantime, I’ll live vicariously through your blog posts and Instagram. Carry on!! xo
Hi Carol! Thanks for taking the time to reach out! It is so hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet. I am glad your heart is full with three again! We had GSP’s growing up! We even had two litters of puppies! There are so many people here in Maine who split their time between Florida and Maine. The best of both worlds! I so appreciate you reading my blog!
I love your posts. Your Springer Spaniels are wonderful and so are your decor and design ideas. I’m an empty nester and retired. When I lost my rescue Border Terrier/Jack Russell mix of 17 years I was ready to stop having a dog. One of my dearest friends gently persuaded me to get another puppy. I purchased a darling Bernedoodle boy I named Bentley. He has been the best thing I’ve done in a long time. Thanks for the tips on keeping order in the home when you enjoy a canine roommate. Haha.
Karen B.
Thank you for reading my blog, Karen! I am so glad that you found canine love again. For me it is the best way to heal my heart after the loss of a beloved pet. Give Bentley some rubs for me!
We had two Springers when we were first ma. Such great dogs! Great suggestions on slipcovers and a skunk remedy! Thanks!
Hi Julie! Yes, Springers are the very best! They do like to lounge on the furniture and sometimes encounter a skunk, ha!