Owners create shaved ice mini-mountain to give Maggie a final happy moment.
Owners create shaved ice mini-mountain to give Maggie a final happy moment.
A young couple in Utah proved man is a dog’s best friend.
The pair scoured their area for fake snow, so their beloved dying dog could roll around in it one last time.
Elijah Saltzgaber and Marianna Wilson from Salt Lake County learned in July that their 11-year-old dog, Maggie, had cancer.
Aware that her time with them was short, the couple thought of ways to make her last months memorable. They decided to compile a bucket list of all the things Maggie could enjoy one last time — and then checked off each one.
After the dog’s diagnosis, the couple took her camping and paddleboarding, among other favorite activities.
However, the one thing Maggie loved most was rolling in the snow. Knowing that she would not live until winter, her owners got creative.
To create a snow mound in September, the couple explained their situation on social media and asked for help.
“Does anyone have a shaved ice machine they have put away for the season? Our sweet dog is passing of cancer, and … we want to build her one last snow bank to roll in,” Saltzgaber said. “Saying goodbye to her Monday around noon, so willing to pay and pickup Monday morning.”
Someone suggested approaching skating rinks. The couple called the Salt Lake County Ice Center to ask for their assistance in pleasing Maggie, who was ring bearer at the couple’s wedding.
“I think we can help out,” said ice rink director Tiffany King.
Staff members gathered ice shavings produced by the rink’s resurfacer and delivered it to the couple’s garden for Maggie.
“Today, our staff shaved some extra ice, loaded it into bins and buckets, and the owner took the snow home, to Maggie’s backyard, where she enjoyed it with her family,” the ice center posted on Facebook.
“Sending our love and condolences to Maggie’s family. We appreciate the unique privilege of providing her a little heaven on earth.”
The center headed its post with “WARNING: Tearjerker.”
Images show Maggie sitting on top of the mound of artificial snow while playing with a tennis ball.
Hours later, the couple said farewell to their cherished pet.
Edited by Fern Siegel and Judith Isacoff
