Mack Finds a Home to Call His Own

Mack lived up his last weeks in foster care with Allison and Griffy.  He wrestled, he slept, he slept some more, he wrestled, and his behavior consistently improved.

Weeks ago Allison, Meredith, and I met with Jamal at Canine PhD.  He thought he might be Mack's hero.  Well, he was right!  After much anticipation and preparation Mack went home with Jamal today.

It wasn't an easy road for Mack, but he had a lot of friends along the way.  We are so happy for him and Jamal.  They are both quite lucky to have each other!

Star Student

Mack and Allison attended a class with Betty this Saturday, and Betty sent me this picture of Mack relaxing at the end of class.  She wrote,

"Wanted you to see how Great Mack looked today in class.  He laid down like this at the end of class on his own. We'd done a few rounds of waiting for him to settle himself first -- but then we were just chatting and he flopped over on his own."

That's our Mack!  Mack is still looking for a permanent home and in just a short time with Allison he has proved that he is going to be quite the catch for some lucky person.  If you or someone you know might be interested in meeting Mack please contact Laura at lmckelvey@pawsatlanta.org.  Please help us help Mack by sharing his blog with your friends and family!

Such a Handsome Dawg

We have received more updates from foster mom!  She says she believes Mack is housebroken, despite his initial accidents in the first two days.  He also has not shown any desire to chew on anything that is not clearly a dog toy.  He is crate trained and sleeps soundly overnight--so soundly, in fact, that his snores can be heard through closed doors and, frequently, he has to be woken up in the mornings when it is time to go for a walk.  That is a huge difference from the shelter, where he was so stressed he would spin in circles in the mornings!

He is responding to her leash training and walks fairly well when he is on his own and not with his friend, Griffey.  When they walk together they can get a little competitive in trying to be ahead of each other!  He is growing more confident, walking around the neighborhood.  He rarely tucks his tail or shows his nerves.  He still goes bonkers if male strangers come in his house, but that is not surprising and is very managable. 

Allison wrote to me in an e-mail, "I have to say, I'm blown away by how much more comfortable and confident he gets every day. And he seems to be able to shake it off really quickly when he does have a stressful incident."  She is really doing amazing work with him, but he is also just innately a good dog.  He has always been excessively loyal, affectionate, and trusting with the people he loves. 

And here is your cute tidbit for the day:

Mack has discovered his own reflection...and he LOVES it!

An Introduction to Agility

Mack is on a walk with his foster mom, Allison. He loves sniffing around and exploring Inman Park. This weekend was particularly hectic because it was BACONFEST. Can you imagine having a dog training class right next a bacon festival?!

Mack is so comfortable in class he frequently passes out while "relaxing" on his "place" now.

 

 

We do not always have to use treats during training.  Mack loves to work for toys!

 

Some dogs are scared to "place" on this beast because it wobbles, but Mack couldn't care less!

 

Mack has some trouble getting up the steep A Frame, but he is willing to work for chicken and, with a little help, he is up and over!

 

There's all sorts of obstacles at Canine PhD.  Keeps the brain busy and makes Mack happy and sleepy!

Mack Playing with his New Friend, Griffey!

Here is Mack playing with his new buddy, Griffey, in his foster home!  Griffey is such a sweet, happy-go-lucky boy.  He is the perfect role model for Mack in this transition from shelter life to home life.

Mack Loves His New Foster Home!

I am so happy to write to tell you that an amazing woman named Allison has stepped forward to foster Mack and help us get him adopted.  I took Mack to Canine PhD on Thursday to meet her and her wonderfully happy and playful pup, Griffey.  Mack loved them both and began playing with Griffey very soon after he met him.  She took Mack home on Friday.  He was a little confused at first but after about 4 hours he realized his life had just become exponentially better.  He loves going on walks with Allison, playing with Griffey, and snoring the day away when he is not playing.

We do not know if Mack has ever lived in a home before so there are some kinks to be worked out, but Allison does not seem daunted.  She says Mack is tremendously sweet.  He is learning not to mark in the house but, with a belly band, he has not even tried to do it in the last day or so.  Griffey is still adjusting to not being the only child, but Allison is making sure to give him some alone time to keep him happy.  All in all, we are shocked by how easy of a transition it has been so far.  Mack already seems to be much happier and more playful.  His body language and attitude are totally different.  His relief is visible, and it makes us feel SO good.  We know he is happier now, and we also know he is one step closer to being adopted.  He is getting the building blocks now that he will need to be someone's permanent pet.

Allison wrote in an e-mail:

 " I took both of them on a walk and Mack did great with all the noises and distractions.     He was perky and clearly having fun. They were both wiped out after that and napped most of the afternoon.
I went for a run and when I got back and opened Mack's crate, he literally jumped into my arms and kissed all over my face. Again, no drooling. He was just happy."

Keep telling your friends about Mack and have them contact Laura at lmckelvey@pawsatlanta.org if they are interested in meeting him!

Mack loves his crate and seems to feel secure in it.  He seeks it out if things get overwhelming or if he is tired.

A Break From the Day to Day

Mack loves going to class more than anything.  This past weekend, Charlotte picked him up, put him in the car, and drove him to Canine PhD.  She said he was snoring as they drove down the highway.  It was probably such a relief for him to be away from the noise and chaos of the shelter.  He was able to just relax and feel safe.

 

 



 Mack, of course, did wonderfully in class, and we had all sorts of strange things happen on our walk around town.  There was a man drinking beer at 9:30 am, walking a dog that was very exuberant, and coming up to people in class.  Later, he would let the same dog offleash, even though the dog clearly had not been taught a working recall command.  Mack did not seem to mind one bit and just ignored the situation.

 

In the above photo, you can see Mack pulling towards a bush to mark it.  We are working on not letting him do that on our training walks, and he seems to slowly be getting better.  Note that he is wearing his calming thunder shirt to make the experience even more pleasurable for him.  He knows that when he puts it on good things are about to happen!

 

We are really hoping we can find a foster home for Mack.  We have been posting signs on his cage and talking to people about him.  You can help us too!  Please tell your friend's about Mack and let them know he is available for fostering.  We provide the food, medication, doctor's appointments, training advice, and you provide the home, love, and attention! lmckelvey@pawsatlanta.org

 

Mack's Special Weekday Visit

Mack had a special session at Canine PhD today.  He was able to meet Meredith's cat!  He was very interested and unsure of the strange beast.  Everything went well, but we both agreed that Mack would be most comfortable (as would the kitties of the world) in a home without feline friends.

He still enjoyed hanging out with his friends, Meredith and Stacia, and got some delicious hot dog bits while he was there.  he is such an affectionate snuggle bug.  We would love to see him get into a foster home with a loving, dedicated person.

lmckelvey@pawsatlanta.org

January 12, 2013

Mack seemed to be happier than I have ever seen him on Saturday.  He really loves going to training class.  His body was more wiggly than usual, and his tail never stopped going.  He even got a little overzealous and jumped on us once or twice.  We, of course, did not encourage that behavior, but it was interesting to see.  We started class in the parking lot.  It is a really small group this time!  There were only three dogs, Mack, a toy poodle, and a shepherd mix.  Betty came around and offered us different exercises that will help with our particular dogs.  We would have Mack "place" on his mat and then, without a command, sit and eventually lay down for a treat, which we would throw away from the mat so that he would have to get back up, and we could start over again.  We would tell him to "place," he would sit and then lay down, and then be rewarded.  He seemed to like all the movement and thought involved.  This exercise was not only a good use of his mind, but it also teachs him to sit when he meets someone. 

Afterwards, we went on a short walk to a small park with a pond.  We stopped along the way at a garage to a condo.  The noise of the garage doors opening and the suprise of cars coming out caught some of the dogs and people off guard, but Mack was a pro.  He was able to remain calm for the most part and continue his training exercises.  In the park, we had him place on a bench and did some more movement focused work before walking back to the car.

                    

 

Welcome to 2013

Mack is back on the adoption floor after a short stay in intake to get a little rash under control.  He has also been to class for the first time this year with his wonderful buddy, Charlotte.  Betty is teaching this class at Canine PhD while Meredith is out of town, and Mack simply loves Betty. 

Please keep an eye out for exciting updates about Mack throughout the year and tell all your friends about him.  He really needs a loving home.  He is a lady's man and likes women in particular, but men are pretty cool too.  Particularly if they toss him treats.