We greet spring with the Brookhart Family; Marta, Larry, and their precious canine children Maggie and Bailey. Larry and Marta’s beginning together was a fortuitous one. They met at a jobs fair in Washington D.C. Larry attended the event with another couple. They sat in the last row, occupying 3 of the 4 seats remaining. Marta walked in and took the last remaining seat. That was 44 years ago and they’ve been anything but back row people since!
After retiring from the corporate world over a decade ago; Larry from the US International Trade Commission and Marta from Arthur Anderson, living in Virginia lost some of its purpose. Being the parents of an Ole Miss graduate and Marta, an Ole Miss Alumni herself, meant they had spent lots of time in Oxford and was versed in its charm and abundance of activities. Oxford went to the top of the list for their retirement years. In 2005, Larry, Marta and their Schnauzer Eli, moved to Oxford and haven’t slowed down since.
After settling in they decided to get another Schnauzer as a pal for Eli and a pups for both their laps. They found a nearby breeder in Hattiesburg and when they visited the facility, one of the pups was taken with Eli and wouldn’t stop following him around the yard. Thus, began the life of Maggie Brookhart, named after the state flower, Magnolia. Eli and Maggie traveled together, went boating and everywhere their parents could take them, together. Many, many hours were spent floating around the back waters of the Chesapeake Bay, a family favorite. Of course, they always wear their safety vests but on one occasion, Maggie accidently learned how to swim after falling off the helm seat of their sailboat! “Glad Daddy could hear me….!”
As some years passed, so did Eli. Maggie was so sad and lonely, missed her dearest friend and co-conspirator. The Brookharts embarked on another search, a desperately needed companion for Maggie (and of course that 2nd empty lap!) They found Bailey, in a picture of adoption hopefuls in nearby Memphis. The family was in for a real treat. Bailey, named for a favorite cousin, is a “me first” and “I’m in charge” girl full of personality. Whenever Maggie is getting affection or attention, here comes Bailey to “elbow” her way into the space. She likes to take play things from Maggie, who willingly acquiesces, and hoards them in a pile, in her special spot in overlooking the kitchen. Bailey is her Daddy’s constant shadow and is fond of placing her confiscated toys in his lap to initiate toss and fetch time! She is also fond of cuddling when they are reading or napping. Maggie loves lap-time too. She loves to sit in Dad’s lap in the morning, while they read the paper, watch the news and he drinks his coffee. Maggie shakes her tail “faster than a wire doorstop” every time you greet her.
Our pet nannies love this pair of girls and always enjoy caring for them. They are so easy to love! But if their meals aren’t prepared correctly Maggie will stomp her little feet, huff and let you know of her disapproval! They enjoy fetch-time and neighborhood walks. If the weather isn’t up to par, they have all types of inclement weather activities, many invented by Marta. Their best friend is their neighbor, a beautiful Schnoodle named Dodger, (also a Homeward Bound favorite!) Much larger than these two, he is very gentle and has even taught these very vocal girls not to bark around him, honestly.
Our team loves to see a family lavishly love their furry children which is why they have been chosen them as our April Pet Family of the month. Thank you Brookharts for sharing Eli, Maggie and Bailey with us! It’s truly our privilege to be a part of their lives.