05/27/2026
“Maddy (Madison)”
Nicole Short, Owner
2012-May 20, 2026
A compassionate heart forever changed two lives in the wee hours of a chilly October morning in 2012. A frightened, little puppy eating discarded food in the Lowe’s parking lot grabbed the attention, as well as captured the heart, of employee Nicole Short who had to clock in minutes away. Thoughts of the cute Rat Terrier, however, stayed with Nicole throughout her shift, plus she shared the story with co-workers. The eventual owner soon learned that the sweet canine had been living between the company’s fence panels and before Nicole’s first break the puppy had run in the paths of three cars. Immediately after her shift ended, Nicole headed to the Jefferson County Animal Shelter where a Lowe’s employee had caught and taken the abandoned pup. In accordance to shelter policy, Nicole had to wait seven days before adoption proceedings could commence in case the original owner claimed the dog. But in Nicole’s heart, the deal was unofficially official. She went every day to visit her soon-to-be lifelong friend during the restricted period. Before long, the adorable puppy became Nicole’s “canine daughter.” Nicole named her new companion of joy “Madison,” but that moniker soon evolved into the shorter version of “Maddy.” Like any animal that has been neglected and perhaps mistreated, Maddy at first expressed intimidation in her new surroundings but that hesitation soon dissipated as a result of Nicole’s love pats, treats and comforting lap which was reserved exclusively for Maddy. Nicole laughingly recalls Maddy’s first few weeks in her care. Still at that puppy stage in life, Maddy liked to chew on things. And chew on things she did, including four plastic pipes in the laundry room. The only solution, Nicole recalls, was to go metal. Except for the early pipe episodes, Maddy merited an “A+” behavior the remaining 13 years. And like all pets, Maddy treasured the extras in life – treats and toys. As to food delights, Maddy preferred crunchy Milk Bones, chewable pig ears and the homemade peanut butter banana bread which Nicole baked especially for Maddy and her two canine siblings Myah and Mazy. Although they looked like David and Goliath lying on the couch or walking along Madison’s riverfront together, Myah (a large German Shepherd) and Maddy were best buds despite the large size difference. Maddy sweetly accepted all of the pet siblings that resided at the Short home over the years. Nicole abundantly blessed Maddy with lots of fun toys, but a stuffed sheep merited the highest rating. The sheep toy and Nicole’s lap made the perfect combination. But with any life, sadness also intervenes. In January, Maddy was diagnosed with cancer. Despite the veterinarian’s medical expertise and Nicole’s tedious care, the cancer continued to spread, limiting Maddy’s mobility and negatively impacting her overall health. The day before Maddy passed away, Nicole tucked her precious pet, along with the sheep toy, in a stroller for one last ride outside. The long walk duplicated a ritual the two had enjoyed voluminous times in loving, healthier days. Because of Nicole’s compassion for a cute, hungry little puppy, the darkness and chill of that early October morning turned into nearly 14 years of joint love and warm, perpetual sunshine. Maddy crossed the Rainbow Bridge May 20, 2026.
