Montgomery. It’s evening. Riverwalk Stadium is thumping. Tonight is a big night for the Montgomery Biscuits minor league team. Half the town is here.
The Biscuits are squaring off against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos in the Southern League playoffs. No hand is beerless.
I approach the stadium gates with a blind dog. Marigold the blind coonhound stands beside me, on a leash. Her nose is lightly pressed against my calf as we walk, so she can follow me. I am her Seeing Eye human.
Marigold has been accompanying me everywhere I go lately. She’s still sort of a puppy, and she needs a lot of help.
Her left eye is missing because her last owner took a blunt object to her face. Marigold was garbage to him.
Well, it’s too bad her abuser can’t see her tonight. Because tonight, Marigold is Queen of Montgomery.
Riverwalk Park has made special allowance for Marigold to be here. They’ve pulled out all the stops for her arrival. They rolled out the proverbial red carpet for her. A county judge is waiting by the gate to welcome her. Jay, the Biscuits’ front office guy is there, too.
“I feel like I know this dog already,” says Jay. “She’s famous.”
So management is making a big fuss over Marigold. People snap her photo. Staff employees treat her like a member of the Royal family. All that’s missing is her tiara.
Park employees are letting Marigold smell them. They speak sweetly to her. Ashley, who oversees retail operations doles out affection by the metric ton. “Who’s a sweet baby?” says Ashley.
It isn’t long before employees are trying to locate official Biscuits paraphernalia for Marigold to wear. In a way, it feels as though Marigold is the unofficial team mascot of the evening.
So we’re having a large night. Riverwalk Park is a loud place. Lots of sounds. Lots of smells. The crowd is screaming. There is pulsating music. Countless eruptions of cheering. Marigold is unsure about all this stimulation. But she’s hanging in there.
She is swarmed by gaggles of new admirers. Most of them are teenagers. They treat Marigold the way people once treated Elvis. They shower her with attention. At one point, I count nine hands simultaneously petting Marigold’s black-and-tan coat at once.
After the first pitch, Marigold and I visit a vendor. I get beer. She gets a hotdog. The woman working behind the hotdog stand wants her picture made with Marigold.
“She’s blind?” the woman says.
“Yes.”
“Like, blind blind?”
“Yes.”
The woman presses her nose to Marigold’s face. Marigold uses her nose to see the woman. The woman begins to weep.
“I love you, Marigold,” she whispers.
Soon, we are in our seats. We are seated just off the third-base line. It’s a good game. Third inning. The Biscuits are up by one. Marigold is still trying to adjust to all the attention. It’s hard being a mascot.
She sits in one of the vacant seats behind me. April, a former veterinary tech, is now holding Marigold in her lap. She feeds Marigold smatterings of nachos and other treats.
April is like Marigold’s PR person. If anyone wants access to Marigold, they have to go through April.
By the end of the sixth inning, Marigold is growing restless. There are a lot of smells here and she’d like to know what, precisely, they are. So we go exploring.
Marigold wanders between the aisles, making friends.
A little boy with Down syndrome sees Marigold pass by and shouts. “Can I pet your dog?!” Marigold is overjoyed to be loved by this boy. She gives as much as she gets.
A little girl with braided locks and beads in her hair lets Marigold give her a facial. “I want to keep this dog,” says the girl.
A young man dressed in a police uniform asks to get his picture made with her. “Who’s a sweet baby?” he says.
A flock of elderly women approach Marigold. Two old women sit cross-legged on the bare, sticky floor. They pet Marigold within an inch of her life. I’m surprised Marigold has any fur left.
Another older man asks to pet her. He looks like a rough customer. Tattoos, boots, cigarettes in his chest pocket. He begins to tear up when he sees Marigold’s scarred eyes. He wipes his face with his sleeve.
“This is some dog,” he says.
And so it was, on one summer night in Montgomery, when the crickets were screaming, and a ballgame was in full swing, Marigold the Magnificent was touched by almost every human in Montgomery County. People lined up for yards just to touch the hem of her collar.
She was greeted by policemen, EMTs, stadium employees, professional athletes, cheerleaders, beer vendors, sportscasters, TV journalists, news reporters, radio announcers, meteorologists, attorneys, musicians, children, and one notorious county judge.
For one night only, a blind coonhound was the most popular thing to ever hit Central Alabama. And well, I suppose I just wanted the man who wounded her to know that.
Biscuits win; 5-2.
95 comments
Grant Burris - September 22, 2022 7:09 am
That was a great one, Sean. I know I always say that but this truly was a great one, again.
Joni Thorington - September 23, 2022 8:24 pm
Definitely can NOT read that without shedding a few years…bless her sweet soul.
Debbie - September 22, 2022 7:12 am
Oh, my goodness. Sweet Marigold. I love her, too.
Barbara Zuleski - September 22, 2022 7:12 am
God Bless,
Claudia Kennedy - September 22, 2022 7:45 am
So sweet!!! Love Marigold!!!
PMc - September 22, 2022 8:04 am
All You Need Is Love… The Beatles said it best but you and Jamie gave Marigold the opportunity to live it best! God Bless You Both 🙏💞 🐕
Peace and Love from Birmingham
Danny - September 22, 2022 8:35 am
Picture?😁👍😁
Ed (Bear) - September 22, 2022 8:39 am
Yay Biscuits! Yay Marigold!
Who is some dog
Yay Sean of the South!
Don Bedell - September 22, 2022 8:44 am
The person who wounded her probably doesn’t read much. Next year you REALLY need to go to a Savanna Bananas baseball game. https://www.mlb.com/news/savannah-bananas-the-dancing-globetrotters-of-baseball-explained They may be sold out for 2023 however.
Lander - September 22, 2022 10:02 am
Sweet! This second chance for Marigold sure makes her shine, and lots of people are already being brightened by the light she brings to them.
Debbie - September 22, 2022 10:05 am
I was just wondering how Marigold was doing adjusting to her new life with you and your wife. So happy that she is experiencing the World giving her love. Please keep writing about Marigold.
cm - September 22, 2022 10:10 am
❤️❤️❤️
Gwen - September 22, 2022 10:17 am
❤️❤️❤️😭
Carolyn Allen - September 22, 2022 10:24 am
I just hope that piece of crap that treated her so awful will know that she is a loved and famous dog now! She will always be Marigold the Magnificent 👑 and he will always be a piece of crap!
Dolores - September 22, 2022 10:39 am
“Ask not what your _____ can do for you but what you can do for your ______.” Fill in those blanks with every thing, person or organization you have a relationship with and JFK’s truth prevails. Spouse, employer, child or pet: in short, you get out what you put in. Push your selfishness aside and roll up your sleeves because anything worthwhile takes work.
My hope is Marigold’s previous owner does some self examination and deals with his anger issues. This innocent dog is likely not an isolated incident. Trouble will follow him until he shakes his rage and asks forgiveness. Someday he’ll have to give account to the One who holds eternity.
Thanks for socializing Marigold and showing her a different world.
Ruth - September 22, 2022 11:33 am
Love that quote from JFK, I’m old enough to tear up thinking of that time in history. I second your thoughts. Well said Dolores😇
sandee clark - September 22, 2022 12:13 pm
Truth!
Te - September 22, 2022 10:43 am
Clover! I’m shedding tears of joy for her. Marigold is living the good life. She may well rival Uga in fame — and certainly in beauty! She deserves every pet and admiration! Marigold may well become Alabama’s state dog, if her popularity continues to grow. Now you know why you moved, Sean.
Roxanne Taylor - September 22, 2022 11:01 am
Thank you for sharing how your sweet baby Marigold is touching hearts! She is one special dog and is so blessed to be part of your family!
Susan - September 22, 2022 11:01 am
Awe, sweet Marigold! I just love this! She deserves every bit of the attention she is getting♥️
Joann Thompson - September 22, 2022 11:10 am
I’m not sure who rescued whom, but I thank you for sharing Marigold with the people of Montgomery and your readers. You are both amazing..
Brenda Stone - September 22, 2022 1:44 pm
Marigold deserves every bit of love she is getting and more. Her previous owner needs to rot in hell.
Joy Jacobs - September 22, 2022 11:10 am
Sweet. ❤️
Tess - September 22, 2022 11:14 am
Outstanding piece, Sean … simply beautiful! God bless you and all other fans of the Montgomery Biscuits for loving Marigold!
Diana - September 22, 2022 11:25 am
Beautiful story and I hope the SOB who abused Marigold is getting an eyeful.
Julie M Williams - September 22, 2022 11:28 am
I ain’t crying. I’m not! I sprung a leak.
Sally - September 22, 2022 11:42 am
Sounds like a lot of people won that night , besides the Biscuits. Bless you!!
mccutchen52 - September 22, 2022 11:51 am
I have said it before about the Bar-B-Que restaurant. Marigold at the ballgame is crying out for a song. You can slide your name in there if you have to. I am glad she gets to travel and experience life the way she was supposed to.
Ramona - September 22, 2022 11:59 am
Just wondering Sean, how do Thelma Lou and Otis like their new sister?
A - September 22, 2022 12:01 pm
Write about Marigold every day. 😭❤️
Catherine BIRCHFIELD - September 22, 2022 12:04 pm
Somewhere Ellie Mae is smiling a huge smile, so pleased and so proud.
sandee clark - September 22, 2022 12:12 pm
Oh my goodness!! What a story, you get me every time. As I wipe my tears, I wanna pet this sweet girl too!🥰
Joy V. - September 22, 2022 12:13 pm
A friend and I were wondering if we might send a check to help with Marigold’s vet/food/chew toy bills. Could you please post an address? (Certainly not your home address – you don’t want to be stalked by us 75+ year old, dog-loving women.) Thank you for introducing us to Marigold, the Magnificent, and may God continue to richly bless you and Jamie as you give her her best life.
Kathy Bergloff - September 22, 2022 12:13 pm
Is it known who the person is that hurt Marigold? Can’t they be arrested for animal cruelty? They should be hung by their toe nails!!
I receive and enjoy your email every day. Thank you so much.
Theresa - September 22, 2022 12:22 pm
Made me cry to know there is still loving people in this miserable world…..thank you for being good to Marigold…
Bobby Crew - September 22, 2022 12:25 pm
Thanks for coming to Montgomery and bringing your precious friend. Could the local authorities charge the person that assaulted Marigold ?
Kathryn - September 22, 2022 12:33 pm
Just give me the name of the low-life scum that hurt Marigold. I know some Bubbas that would be more than happy to make sure that he never harms another living creature.
Sean of the South: Montgomery Biscuits | The Trussville Tribune - September 22, 2022 12:36 pm
[…] By Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South […]
Hosea Long - September 22, 2022 1:01 pm
I’ve had a dog at just about every stage of my life. I’m 72 years old. I’ve got a ShiTzu now. I love dogs. Most everybody loves dogs. I wish we loved each other at least that much.
donnablair - September 22, 2022 1:07 pm
But, don’t you still have a bloodhound? I am so happy for you and your honey❤️ Love your new home.
Jane Padgett - September 22, 2022 1:27 pm
I wish I had been there to love on Marigold! She is a beautiful doggie! I love her!
Carol Ham - September 22, 2022 1:30 pm
Pet sweet Marigold for me! Thank you, Sean!
Cathy M - September 22, 2022 1:47 pm
Somebody has stolen your heart and I love it! Lucky dog and lucky you❤️ I wish I could see a picture of the two of you together. I am currently care for my 10 yr. Old rescue. He looks like Benji. Was picked up on the streets of Warrior and I just happened to watch the news at noon one day and he was in the lap of someone from the shelter. I drove straight to sad shelter. I knew instantly that we needed each other. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor last Nov. and the wonderful people at Vet. Speacialty clinic here in B’ham put him on some meds and said we had some good time left. Here we are almost to October. They said he would let us know when he was ready to go but he is still eating, wagging his tail and begging for treats. Everyday is a gift. I am so happy for you and Lady Marigold🥰
Brenda Lynch - September 22, 2022 1:51 pm
I hope he reads this–Marigold is getting the love she deserves, I’m just sorry she had to take the long hard road to get to this place. Thank you for wanting and loving her!! And thank you to all those people in Central Alabama that loved on her too!!!
Carolyn Shomaker - September 22, 2022 1:52 pm
Special doesn’t even begin to describe Marigold and the relationship she has with you. I, too, have a dog that was abused but his scars are in his mind. He’s always “on his last nerve”, as they say. God bless you for loving Marigold and sharing her with the world. And thank you for sharing your story.
Carmen - September 22, 2022 2:01 pm
I love Marigold also. My heart swelled as I read this story. What a special night for a special girl, and her daddy. Marigold has hit the jackpot with you and Jamie. Keep on hitting em’ outta the park, Sean!
Patricia Gibson - September 22, 2022 2:04 pm
God bless you and Marigold, Sean! There are still lots of good people in this world🙏❤️
Sandra Bryars - September 22, 2022 2:04 pm
Sean, I have read all of your columns since you first started posting, have purchased all of your books & attended one of your speaking engagements. I have laughed & cried many times over your writing but for some reason this post about Marigold at the Biscuits game really, really got to me. My husband and I have 5 dog fur babies – all rescues from shelters but all were in good health. I cannot for the life of me understand how a human being could harm an animal but especially a dog. There is a special place in Hell for people who abuse children, the elderly and animals. I just want to thank you & Jamie for adopting Marigold and making sure she had a loving home for the rest of her life!
Marlo Kirkpatrick - September 22, 2022 2:08 pm
Marigold has found her forever home with you. She may be blind, but she’s loved. And as for her former “human” – and I use the term loosely. There’s a special forever place waiting for him, too. An exceedingly warm one.
flkatmom - September 22, 2022 2:10 pm
She is Marigold the Magnificent indeed! She is loved far and wide Sean.
That man is correct when he said, “This is some dog”.
Sending love and pets from Orlando!
P.S. If you should ever find out who did this, I’d like a few minutes one on one with them. There is nothing lower or more despicable than a person that would hurt a child, the elderly or an animal.
Stacey Patton - September 22, 2022 2:41 pm
You are spot on!
Gigi - September 22, 2022 2:12 pm
The Biscuits win, but Marigold WON ! ❤️❤️
Melanie - September 22, 2022 2:21 pm
🧡 and another little miracle happened 🧡
Stacey Wallace - September 22, 2022 2:38 pm
Sean, as always, thanks for making my husband’s day and mine. Today is Mike’s birthday, and this sweet story sure got this happy day off right. Love to you, Jamie, and Marigold.
David Britnell - September 22, 2022 2:48 pm
Loved the story!
Pat Thomason - September 22, 2022 2:49 pm
Here in Tennessee we have a special love for bluetick coonhounds. There’s one in Knoxville named Smokey that lives a pretty good life. Marigold is a beauty and I’m so pleased she has you and Jamie (and her fur siblings) to live out the rest of her life. Thank you for this uplifting story about her. She’s already lived through the worst part of her life and she has a great life left to live!
Nancy - September 22, 2022 3:08 pm
Dear Sean, here is a story I think you and Marigold will like.
Maggie Belle and Cooper were neighbors in a little community in the Florida Panhandle. Maggie Belle was a sweet-spirited, loving miniature dachshund. She was a piebald which meant she had beautiful rust markings on her white silky coat. Cooper was a lively and very proud Manchester Terrier. They were both about the same age and the same size. Whenever Maggie Belle’s human took her out for her daily walks, Cooper would often be enjoying a walk, too. The two friends would nuzzle each other and it almost appeared they would be sharing news and stories. It was a joy to see them together.
When Maggie Belle was diagnosed with severe glaucoma, the only solution to save her pain and discomfort was to remove her eyes. Everyone who loved Maggie Belle was devastated. Those beautiful eyes would be stitched shut. The first time her human took her out for a walk after her surgery, they met Cooper. That dear soul walked over to his blind friend and, without hesitation, tenderly licked those sightless orbs where Maggie Belle’s eyes used to be. Maggie Belle nuzzled Cooper and the two friends walked along together.
Maggie Belle and Cooper have both gone over the Rainbow Bridge this year – within a few months of each other. Their humans believe they are walking along together enjoying all the sights, smells and sounds of a happy world.
Debbie - September 22, 2022 4:43 pm
Nancy, thank you for writing about Maggie Belle and Cooper, it’s such a sweet account of friendship. ❤️🐕🐾🐕🐾❤️
MissT - September 22, 2022 3:21 pm
I love Marigold and you too Sean. I know there will be a special place in heaven for you and others like you. Heaven is a place where all the dogs (and cats and all the critters) you ever loved come to greet you! 💖🐶💖
Steve McCaleb - September 22, 2022 3:22 pm
Ever notice how abject soul-crushing cruelty in one human being brings out the absolute best God gave us in so many, many others ? It’s a shame it takes something horrid to turn loose our,” angels of our better nature” (Abe Lincoln). The duality of man? I don’t know. I’ve been trying to figure it out for better than 70 years and I’m no closer than the day I started. And so it goes…..
virginia westlake - September 22, 2022 3:25 pm
Beautiful!
artwimberley - September 22, 2022 3:29 pm
Regarding whoever hurt Marigold: karma. In the meantime, I love the image of Marigold giving a facial…
Tom Wallin - September 22, 2022 3:37 pm
What a wonderful story and evening for you and especially Marigold. It was great the reception she received from all the fans.
I am a Blue Wahoo’s fan from Miramar Beach but my wife loves the Monty Biscuits. I think we and the world were all winners that night due to Marigold. Is she more famous than you now? Ha.
Daisy - September 22, 2022 3:38 pm
I’m so glad y’all have Marigold. Not only will she have so much love, but also bring attention to animal abuse and hopefully encourage people to adopt and love a dog.
Kathy - September 22, 2022 3:39 pm
This has made me cry with sad and happy tears. Marigold come to Connecticut. We could use your love up here. Thank you Sean. Thank you
Jeff Webb - September 22, 2022 3:40 pm
Yep Sean, almost everyone in Montgomery county got to pet her. If I had known she was there, there would have been one more.
Ain’t nothing like our Biscuits, a hotdog and a half warm beer. Oh, and Big Mo.
Last night was a good night for a game. Not too hot!
sjhl7 - September 22, 2022 3:43 pm
Perfect!
LIN ARNOLD - September 22, 2022 3:55 pm
Isn’t it wonderful what a sweet soul and loving heart can do? LOVE THIS!!!
Bob Respess - September 22, 2022 4:24 pm
People who abuse animals are some of the lowest life forms on earth.
God bless Marigold!!
Peggy M. Windham - September 22, 2022 4:40 pm
I love Marigold! It makes me so sad to think of how she suffered from her previous owner, but I’m so glad she had you and Jaime now. She’s such a wonderful girl! Bless you, Sean, for rescuing her! 🙏💜
lindadmiresean - September 22, 2022 4:46 pm
this is one reason God allows bad things to happen. think of all the joy Marigold spreads! thanks, Sean, for sharing her with so many others.
Svetlana Lang - September 22, 2022 5:18 pm
It’s said that there’s a special place in heaven for those who treat animals and children with love and care. I’m pretty sure you’ll have a spot there, Sean. Right next to Marigold, of course. I’ve run out of words to describe my feelings, so I’ll simply say “Thank You!” for taking care of this lovely girl. Many blessings and hugs to both of you. <3
Jannie Bryant - September 22, 2022 5:27 pm
Marigold will only know love for the rest of her life. God Bless you for what you do Sean.
pattymack43 - September 22, 2022 5:46 pm
❤️❤️❤️
Kathi - September 22, 2022 6:05 pm
ENOUGH about Marigold—just kidding…but, it is difficult
to get work done when I’m bawling me eyes out. Love your stories, Sean.
gwenthinks - September 22, 2022 6:51 pm
wonderful. you have found a special dog. Our 1st dog was a bloodhound and our next was a coonhound. She will be loyal, maybe a little noisy! Congrats on the new relationship, and take care of that sweet girl.
Karen - September 22, 2022 7:01 pm
I am so happy Marigold is loved by so many. She deserves the best in life.
Anne Arthur - September 22, 2022 7:14 pm
Marigold, the Queen. Her best day was the day you found her.
Lovely story.
Joy Dollar - September 22, 2022 7:33 pm
I sure hope that man did see this! I bet the news people make it go around! I would love to give Marigold a snuggle myself….like the others, just to let her know she is loved! I’m so glad you “found” her, Sean! Now, she can rest easy, knowing she is treasured. God bless you!
Cynthia Garner - September 22, 2022 7:35 pm
Such a sweet testament to your love of Marigold, and the good people of the world. What an uplifting story!
Beryl - September 22, 2022 9:06 pm
You are a good human being Sean Dietrich. And Marigold is a beautiful manifestation of your deep love of life.
Linda Moon - September 22, 2022 9:43 pm
I loved me some biscuits made by my Mother-in-law, Victoria. She fed a family of 14 on them. They always got a big fuss from me, and so does Marigold!
MAM - September 22, 2022 10:09 pm
Sean, you and Jamie are Marigold’s angels. One happy, loved dog by two happy, loving people. But, yes, what do Thelma Lou and Otis think about their new sibling?
Sue Speir - September 22, 2022 10:32 pm
That was no man that wounded her! That was a monster that is beyond comprehension. So glad Marigold has a special life that is full of love now!
Patti - September 22, 2022 10:57 pm
Sounds like a perfect night!
April McGough - September 23, 2022 12:35 am
Go, Biscuits! Go, Marigold! Go, Sean!
patriciasimmonstaylor - September 23, 2022 2:23 am
This made me cry…so glad Marigold has a loving home and people to love her! What a special dog! What special owners she has now! God is good!
Alice-Ann Ferderber - September 23, 2022 5:20 am
Fantastic! Way to go Marigold. May you always and forever more receive only love and gentle touches! Sean, bless your soul. Ellie May would be so proud of you.
pdjpop - September 23, 2022 10:08 am
Sean,
This is a classic.
Thank you.
The Biscuits show good taste.
Vicki pParnwll - September 23, 2022 2:07 pm
No words can say it ❤️❤️❤️
Kathy Howard - September 24, 2022 4:55 pm
I don’t trust anybody that is not kind to animals! I hope sweet Marigold’s abuser gets the same treatment someday that they forced upon her! Thanks for another beautiful story Sean…Marigold was so deserving of all that love and attention❤️
DeeDee - September 27, 2022 2:40 am
Aww, I loved this, I could just picture it all in my mind…I want to pet Marigold!!!
Gloria Van Nostrand - September 28, 2022 12:12 am
So thankful you both were so blessed by EVERYONE! I loved this story. Your love for each other is so endearing. Wish I could kiss and love on her, too! ❤️😘
Have no words low enough for who did this to her.
Would rather focus on all the love, kindness, and adoration of EVERYBODY else. ❤️
Ellouise - October 4, 2022 4:44 pm
If you weren’t already famous, you sure are now! She just may be the reason they won
Renee Welton - April 12, 2023 6:56 pm
I’m
Crying
Again!
♥️⚾️♥️⚾️♥️⚾️♥️