photo by emileefuss.com
died late in the afternoon of Friday, April 8th, 2011. She weighted about fifty pounds and was brown mostly, with some white on her face and the telltale pink nose. Chronologically
Macy was three and a half years old. But in terms of life's wear and tear she was ten years plus. The veterinary report stated ". . .
Macy has an old cruciate injury* that never healed and she has a luxating patella** on the other leg. Neither leg is a candidate for surgery as the arthritis is too extensive." On one exercise walk
Macy's left rear leg seemed to fall out of joint and Christine was able to massage it back into place. Whenever I exercised her, if not actually limping she was usually favoring one leg or the other. At some point in her short life
Macy had probably been hit by a car. Over the course of nine months at HSSC
Macy had no luck getting adopted. The behaviorists determined that for "temperment" reasons
Macy could not be adopted into a family with children under thirteen and a half years of age. For the first few months at HSSC when stressed or agitated
Macy would "redirect" i.e. threaten to bite the nearest object. (She redirected on my hand once, doing no damage, when we were first getting to know each other.) Then additionally
Macy was "selectively dog aggressive" There were dogs that
Macy simply could not abide. This eliminated her adoptability by folks who already had a dog. Finally
Macy intensely disliked the entire feline species eliminating another pool of potential adopters. But
Macy was a good dog and her behavior improved over time. Her rating was dropped from "blue" to "red" meaning more volunteeers were able to exercise and fuss over her. This meant more socialization and more treats.
Macy and I became friends. She greatly enjoyed hunting the occasional gecko and I occasionally helped. Two weeks before her death she won a "loose leash" competition over eight other dogs. Macy walked next to my left leg using only its movement for guidance as to which direction she should walk or turn. Macy was probably hurting with every step. She wanted to be and was a very good dog. I shall not forget Macy my friend. Her picture - a brown and white face with the pinkish nose automatically and regularly appears on my computer screen.
*cruciate ligament tear - results in pain and if untreated an unstable leg.
** sometimes referred to as a "trick knee".
photo by emileefuss.com
