The Mack Daddy

Background - Our 14 year old dog, Mackey, had parvo when he was 6 mos. old which is when Todd rescued him from a neglectful owner who was not treating his illness. Todd thinks he suffered some dain bramage along the way, so between that and being a part-Spitz, Mack is a little "special." He is very sweet, but also very weird. One might find Mackey looking around the room when you call his name, staring into the air, sleeping in corners, howling like a crazy-wolf for no reason, and shriek-barking in his sleep. But we still love our "weird one."

The Mack Daddy sunbathing in the shade,
asking "Have you seen my sunglasses?

------------------------
On Monday night, Mackey seemed a little sluggish. His back may have been hurting him because walking appeared to be difficult for him. Todd took him on a walk, and while he was a bit slow, Mack did okay.

Yesterday morning, Mackey was still a bit slow in moving but able to get around. By the time I got home yesterday, Mackey came inside but after making it in, he could not use his hind legs. He would try to get up and his back legs would give out. Poor guy just laid in the same place for a few hours because he just quit trying to get up.

I found some leftover pain meds from Steve's surgery, cut the pill into fourths, and gave Mack some medicine cheese. (Luckily, I realize that the dosage for a 110 lb. dog is different for a 35 lb. dog.) Later I spied Mackey taking a little dognap, but after he woke up there was still no movement.

By 9:00 last night, I was worried and decided to call the ER vet. They were open and not busy. It would be a $90 visit charge + medical fees, but being the wealthy teachers we are Todd and I were both very concerned. I corralled the big dogs while Todd pulled the base (with pillow and Mackey atop it) out of the crate & carried Mack to the car. I grabbed Mackey's meds and blanket, and off we went to the ER vet. I drove so carefully, worrying about bumps in the road being uncomfortable to our poor, grandpa dog. I wiped tears from my eyes as I silently navigated the signal lights, curvy roads, and railroad tracks in our path.

Carefully, Todd picks Mackey up from the back seat and carries him into the ER. I get the clipboard and hand it to Todd since he knows Mackey's medical history better than I. The ladies behind the desk asked us if we had a leash as Todd gingerly placed Mack down on the floor. We didn't bring a leash for our non-walking dog.

Really, was he going to run away or something? The answer to that: Well, maybe!

At that moment, Mackey stood on all fours and began to walk around, sniffing everything in the waiting room. It was a miracle! (note - sarcasm) Todd and I glanced at one another and shook our heads. I then borrowed a leash from the ladies and walked our super-whizzer-marker-man outside before he peed on everything. While walking Mackey had a bit of a spring in his step, just cruising down the sidewalk for a nightly stroll. As our lame pup crazy dog and I walked back to the doors of the ER, we noticed (okay, I noticed) Todd setting down the clipboard and grabbing my purse. We got Mack back into the car and went home.

Luckily we never filled out paperwork . . . or saw a doctor . . . or paid $90. Mackey is going to the regular vet today to see what the real problem is - besides being weird.