Chasing Joy: Lessons from Our Dog Maggie May
New Feature: Click here and listen to this week’s post on my new Substack webpage– The (Dis)Abled Writer.
Maggie May doesn’t care that I’m disabled.
Maggie May doesn’t care the act of walking for me is like a spirited bout of Neuro-Roman wrestling between my body and brain. Maggie May doesn’t care about my vulnerabilities and fears or how I look or if I’m having a ruff day (couldn’t help myself there) and want to sink into a three-hour nap.
Because she’s there, selfishly wagging her tail, ignoring my feelings, reminding me that life is meant for chasing joy—even when I’d rather chase sleep.
Maggie May is a bitch.
She’s also part Labrador, part Beagle and all heart. Non-judgmental, a passionate foodie, and endlessly playful.
Before we rescued her from a Alabama kill shelter in 2021, I was indifferent to dogs. Our kids were advocating hard for a dog. My wife and I were not. Neither of us wanted more financial and social responsibility that comes with owning a dog.
The kids won.
Since bring her home–to me–Maggie May has become more than just a dog. She’s a reminder that love doesn’t come with conditions, that joy can be found in the simplest of things—a wagging tail, a gentle nudge, or a shared moment of quiet companionship.
Through her, I see and appreciate a world that’s filled with possibility, where every day is a new opportunity to play, to laugh, and to love. She teaches me that resilience isn’t just about facing challenges, but also about celebrating joy in the simplest of forms.
Maggie May is never more excited than when she knows she’s going for a walk. The moment I grab her poop bags from the closet and my old headphones from the kitchen drawer, she hops around the house like it’s her birthday and Taylor Swift just knocked on the door, holding a chocolate cake, bacon-flavored balloons and it’s raining glitter and kibble outside. It’s as if she believes we’re off to an epic adventure— a limo ride, a backstage Milk Bone buffet, and front row tickets to the Eras Tour concert. She doesn’t seem to care that we are simply walking the same suburban streets we always do.
When we picked her up from her foster home, the woman who cared for Maggie May as a puppy remarked on her innate trust. To this day, Maggie May will roll onto her back, offering her soft belly—the part where her ribs do little to protect her—without a hint of hesitation. “When a dog does that,” the woman said, “you know you’ve found a good one.”
For Maggie May, offering her belly is second nature. Leading with vulnerability is something I admire in her, and something I realize I need to embrace more in my own life. Even though I know how cruel and judgmental the world can be. Maggie May reminds me that true strength lies in openness, and that the best adventures often come when we let down our guards and allow ourselves to be seen—flaws and all.
In her playful spirit, I find encouragement to explore new connections, to laugh at my own missteps, and to trust that, like her, I can navigate the world with vulnerability.
Life—even if it consists of mostly walking around suburbia—is a lot more enjoyable when you’re brave enough to show your true self.
Be well,
Jay
Are you writer? Are you looking for writing advice or writing tactics that you can help guide you on your writing journey?
One, Line, One Love: Episode 41: A Creative Conversation Between Two Everyday Writers
In this episode of One Line, One Love, Gail and Jay react to a video where renowned English author Neil Gaiman shares his sage advice: “Finish things.” They dive into how completing a writing piece—regardless of its length—can foster the confidence that every writer needs. Gail and Jay also share their own experiences with finishing projects and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. If you’re a writer grappling with finishing your work, this episode is a must-listen!
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Warm greetings to everyone who found me on the University of Pennsylvania’s Ataxia Clinic’s website! Thanks for stopping by. I have ataxia and though I’m not a doctor, I hope my words comfort, encourage, empower, and serve as good company on your journey.
Jay Armstrong is a speaker and an award-winning author. Despite being diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, that impairs his movement, balance, eyesight, and speech–Jay presses on. The leader of the Philadelphia Ataxia Support Group, he hopes to help you find joy, peace, and meaning in life.
