ADOPTED

Mac is one cool dude!! He is a big, 95-pound, 10 year old, red coated, purebred Golden Retriever. He was an outside dog prior to arrival, but is completely taken with living indoors. When he joined his foster family he was suffering from gastro-intestinal problems. The very first night in foster care he demonstrated the extent of his illness by bringing up several large bone fragments that he apparently was trying to digest. Now, almost two weeks later, he is still a big guy, but not quite as big since his current diet is moving him in the direction of losing weight, and he’s feeling much, much better. He is on a diet of Senior, high quality, low calorie, dry food, mixed with a little canned food in order to help him transition from whatever he was fed in his former life. Twice a day, with meals, he takes medication for arthritis and other joint pain. It’s a joy to see how well he is adapting to a new way of life.

In addition to the gastro-intestinal problems that are now history, Mac has a weak right hind leg as the result of an accident when he was a puppy, followed by hip surgery. However, with proper nutrition, appropriate medication, focused exercise and lots of loving attention he has become a lively, loveable, hugging, happy, big red 10-year-old “puppy”. In spite of his leg, he loves to take walks of short duration and walks on a leash like a pro. Once muscle mass has been built up in his hind legs, through exercise, he will certainly be able to take much longer walks. He runs very short distances to chase a rabbit or squirrel, and responds immediately to commands of “Mac - NO!” When on-leash, Mac heels beautifully with no tugging. He constantly shows a keen interest in the wonderful scents of rabbits, squirrels, deer and an abundance of wild life smells encountered during brisk walks.

Mac loves human companionship and spends his time in whatever room his foster parents are in. He has demonstrated a level of separation anxiety when left alone. The first time he was left alone he chewed on, but did not totally destroy, a book that we had left within his reach, and a camera case. Since that episode, the house has been further chew-proofed and there have had been no further problems. As would be expected, an increase in comfort level in his new environment has resulted in better behavior. Mac has taken a keen interest in the bed and sofa, and experiences no difficulty in achieving comfortable positions on either.

Mac is easily trained and responds readily to his name, come, sit, and even an occasional stay. He has been introduced to a crate and is responding quite well to the idea of its existence in his life. He has not yet been confined in the crate, but he does get right in when his favorite liver treats are there.

Mac is a happy traveler and quickly learned to climb up and down the “pet steps” necessary to get his 95 pound being into the back of our SUV.

Mac will make a wonderful, forever dog for someone who wants a constant companion. His lovable attitude is infectious.

 

View Pictures Here