Maggie Mae, a black and white toy “Parti” Poodle, much-loved member of the Chappaqua community, and longtime and recurring Maggie Mae Pup Reporter columnist for Inside Press passed away on June 28, 2025. She was 17 years and 8 months old. Born on October 20, 2007, she came to Chappaqua in January 2008. Because she was so tiny with such an outgoing personality she was named for the main character of Chappaqua author Jean Van Leeuwen’s picture book “Wait for me,” said Maggie McGee. Maggie Mae was so beloved that she was featured in the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival mural on South Greeley Avenue painted by Sophie Mendelson. Known beyond Chappaqua, she appeared several times on the WNBC Storm Team 4 Dog Walking Forecast, and on News 12.
Maggie Mae graced the cover of Inside Chappaqua magazine three times. Beginning in 2010 she wrote articles on a wide range of topics. She interviewed town officials, veterinarians, authors and rescue and therapy dogs. One of her favorite interviews was the beloved Chappaqua children’s book author Jean Craighead George. In another interview she came face to face with a parrot when she interviewed an exotic pet veterinarian. Her columns addressed pet health, pet safety, what to do when your dog is lost, and the importance of registering your dog. She ventured into Armonk writing about shopping with your dog and strolling in Wampus Park. In 2023 she wrote about the powerful relationship of a dog and its owner. https://www.theinsidepress.com/tag/maggie-mae-pup-reporter/
In October 2020, Maggie Mae had a “Bark Mitzvah” in an online Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester shabbat service.
Maggie Mae loved to ride in the car and her annual visit to the Red Lion Inn in the Berkshires. The belle of Chappaqua, she was often spotted in town on her daily walks and greeted by merchants and many of her fans and readers. She met President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton in town and was the inspiration for their dog Tallie. Jeffrey Mester, former Chappaqua Board of Education member who was her neighbor and friend said, “Maggie was such a great girl! She will be missed by the entire New Castle and Chappaqua community.”
Maggie Mae was a dog to love. She was the best girl ever. She was my girl.
