Mac 03-146

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Profile

Mac is a 2 year old Golden Retriever - German Shepherd mix. He is a very sweet and easy going boy. Mac is one of those special dogs that have found their way to RAGOM. From vet records and information from his previous family, we think this is Mac’s story . . .

Mac has had at least 3 families, but probably more. His earliest vet records show that he was with a family in Wisconsin in December 2002. At that time, he was in great health. He was a master escape artist from the family’s fenced yard and ran away a number of times. He would open the gate or jump the fence. He ran away for good by January 2003. He was eventually found or adopted by another family. A few months later he was given to another family. They were told that his back leg would shake a bit when he was nervous or excited. He also had allergies and some hot spots on his right front and back legs. Mac was doing great with this family, but his shaky leg kept getting worse. He was limping badly or walking on only three legs. He also tested positive for heartworm. Mac was surrendered to RAGOM due to these medical problems.

Mac has been doing great in his foster home. He has settled in just like he’s lived here forever. Mac is always happy and loves to play with his toys and other dogs. We took Mac to the vet right away and confirmed that he is heartworm positive. He had his back leg and hip x-rayed. The injuries that were discovered could only result from him being hit by a car. The socket that his hip joint fits into is completely shattered. His thigh bone is also broken. His hot spots are actually road rash from being hit and sliding along the pavement. He was hit by the car between three and six months ago and never received any treatment. His injured leg causes Mac a great deal of pain.

Mac will need reconstructive surgery on his bones and possibly a full hip replacement. After he recovers from this surgery, he will undergo treatment for heartworm. These are both expensive procedures. Please help Mac by donating to RAGOM. Let us know that you would like your donation to go to Mac's care, so he can continue with the wonderful life he deserves.

At a Glance #03-146

Mixed Breed Born: June 2001
Male Weight not specified

Status: Deceased

Profile

Mac is a 2 year old Golden Retriever - German Shepherd mix. He is a very sweet and easy going boy. Mac is one of those special dogs that have found their way to RAGOM. From vet records and information from his previous family, we think this is Mac’s story . . .

Mac has had at least 3 families, but probably more. His earliest vet records show that he was with a family in Wisconsin in December 2002. At that time, he was in great health. He was a master escape artist from the family’s fenced yard and ran away a number of times. He would open the gate or jump the fence. He ran away for good by January 2003. He was eventually found or adopted by another family. A few months later he was given to another family. They were told that his back leg would shake a bit when he was nervous or excited. He also had allergies and some hot spots on his right front and back legs. Mac was doing great with this family, but his shaky leg kept getting worse. He was limping badly or walking on only three legs. He also tested positive for heartworm. Mac was surrendered to RAGOM due to these medical problems.

Mac has been doing great in his foster home. He has settled in just like he’s lived here forever. Mac is always happy and loves to play with his toys and other dogs. We took Mac to the vet right away and confirmed that he is heartworm positive. He had his back leg and hip x-rayed. The injuries that were discovered could only result from him being hit by a car. The socket that his hip joint fits into is completely shattered. His thigh bone is also broken. His hot spots are actually road rash from being hit and sliding along the pavement. He was hit by the car between three and six months ago and never received any treatment. His injured leg causes Mac a great deal of pain.

Mac will need reconstructive surgery on his bones and possibly a full hip replacement. After he recovers from this surgery, he will undergo treatment for heartworm. These are both expensive procedures. Please help Mac by donating to RAGOM. Let us know that you would like your donation to go to Mac's care, so he can continue with the wonderful life he deserves.

Updates

Saturday, October 2, 2010

 

It is with a broken heart that I inform you of the passing of our beautiful boy, Mac. He tried valiantly to stay with us through multiple cancers, but the pain became too much for him and we had to say goodbye.

Mac was one of our first foster dogs for RAGOM. He knew that he had found his forever home with us and finally convinced us that he was staying. Mac was an honorary RAGOM golden, but he had the biggest golden heart I’ve ever known. He helped many foster dogs from RAGOM and other rescue groups to adjust to life before finding their forever homes. Mac was a loving friend to everyone he met and will be missed by all. We will always remember what Mac taught us about love, devotion, patience, and living in the moment.

Crystal

Sunday, June 22, 2003

You would never guess that Mac has had such a rough beginning to his life. He is always such a happy, friendly, and mellow boy. He is well behaved in the house. He stays off the furniture, only chews on his toys, and has never had an accident in the house. He has been alone in the house for up to six hours and has not gotten into anything. He sleeps in his dog bed at night or next to our bed. He would fit into any type of household. His previous family had small children, so he is used to being around them. He also likes cats. His previous family said that their kittens liked to lay on top of Mac and chase his tail. Mac loves attention and nudges your arm or puts a big paw on you to get more petting. He will come when called, knows “lay down”, and will “speak” for a treat. He is currently getting only light exercise because of his medical issues. He likes to play catch but doesn’t bring back the ball. He is good with other dogs and likes to play tug and wrestling with them. He is surprisingly fast even with his injuries. Mac is not crazy about water and doesn’t like to play in the “doggie” pool. It probably doesn’t help that my Golden mix likes to kick water in his face every time he comes near the pool. Mac’s favorite activities are to get his belly rubbed or to sit with you on the floor with his head in your lap. Mac loves to carry around his stuffed bunny toy that came with him to his foster home. He rides well in the car, doesn’t counter surf, barks appropriately, and loves everyone. The list of his good qualities goes on and on. He is just a wonderful dog to have around.

Mac is currently being de-wormed and his shots have been updated. He still needs some booster shots. Mac has also been micro-chipped and was neutered before he was surrendered. Mac’s heartworm test came back as a weak positive, meaning that he has a few heartworms. He appears very healthy and is not showing any symptoms. After Mac’s leg injuries are taken care of, his vet will be consulting with the University regarding treatment for his heartworms.

It has been difficult watching Mac limp around on three legs and to watch his back leg shake so violently. Mac’s vet consulted with University surgeons last week regarding his broken bones. They found that there was too much damage to his hip bone. Trying to reconstruct Mac’s hip could result in more pain for him and a very long recovery. They all feel that the best option for Mac would be to amputate his right rear leg. Although this is sad news, we all want what is best for Mac. He has such a great disposition and is used to using only three good legs, so he should do just fine. We will have Mac’s surgery done as soon as possible so he can start feeling good again.