new home for 'dog-talk'

Due to a bunch of personal drama, I missed a shift of work tonight.  I'm kicking myself for missing a day's pay but an unexpected bonus happened.  I don't ordinarily allow my dog up on the couch, but he really wanted to snuggle.  So I indulged him.  All 134# of him.  He laid beside me, very quietly watching with big carmel colored eyes.  I was talking to him, about tomorrow when we take him on a car ride to a vet who will treat him for heartworm.  It will be an overnighter for him, I can pick him up on Friday afternoon.  He's gonna feel cruddy so I had no qualms having him snuggle with me in front of the tv.  I feel anxious about it, and I think he picked up on it. I felt worse because it seemed like he was comforting me instead of the otherway around.  For a little while there was nothing bad in the world.  []  Jules

I know that feeling... me and my Kayla had that looking into each others eyes thing, where nothing else really mattered... everything was just right.

It was a two hour drive to take Mack to the vet yesterday.  I kept myself upbeat, and not show anything outwardly suspicious.  Mack was cool, calm, collected during the whole ride, loved the waiting room with the fish tank, everything up until it came time for the tech to lead him into the back.  Suddenly Mack lowered his rump and stuck out all four legs and would not move at all. The tech looked at me, and the dog with a 'now how do we move him' look.  It's not like the two of us could pick him up or something.  He softened his voice, and made kissy noises calling Mack to follow. He was really dug in for what looked like a prolonged standoff.  He's been docile and quiet and cooperative until then.  Now his head is lowered, neck straight, tail down, and almost completely sitting, cause his rump is so low with all four feet sticking out.  Everything about him said "Nope, we ain't goin' back there!!"  I had to smother a giggle when it looked like the tech was begging the dog to cooperate.  He changed tactic, and put a little more authority into it and told Mack he would be ok.  For some reason, Mack calmly followed him back.  I spoke with the vet that afternoon, and he remarked at how sweet and gentle he was and Mack's tail thumped a lot. The best part is that Mack is not having any adverse effects to the treatment.  He gets a second dose this am and I am going to pick him up this afternoon (yeayyy!).    We really missed him last night, so I won't mind another four hours in the car with my two year old.    Jules

Well it has been a week and I feel like I walk on egg shells.  Everytime Mack gets all perky I get nervous.  It is taking a lot to keep him quiet, and he is bored and restless but at least he is getting well. It's almost a warped blessing that his elbows are bad, so he lays down a lot anyway to keep his weight off, otherwise I would have to do a lot more to keep him still. He is so danged lovey-dovey and kissy-kissy.  I can't understand how some ding-a-ling dumped him, he really fits our family.  I got a really beautiful card from the lady I adopted him from, she is amazing. She was calling him 'Michael' after the archangle, but I think she was the angle, getting him out of the pound in time. Thankyou, Callie our doglopedia what a gem.     Love to all,         Jules

Well it has been nearly two weeks, and now Mack coughs when he gets up.  I am keeping him as quiet as possible, he sleeps on my spot on my bed.  He makes me nervous when he gets up, so I am making him wait longer before I take him outside to pee.  If I could carry him I'd do it.  He always has a sweet trusting gentle look on his face.  With all the Mastiff skin on his head, his whole face puckers up when he sleeps.[]  Jules

This next month, is going to be very worrysome with Mack and I am considering making a special type of backboard *just in case*.
I feel guilty for thinking so morbidly, but what if there were an emergency? No way could I pick him up, and if I did manage to drag him I could hurt him.  I am going to measure my car's back seat and make it to fit. (Then pray I never need it).   Jules

More coughing and occasionally some drops of blood.  Odd thing is everyone in my home incl my mother visiting from Cali also has taken on a cough. It's one big snotty hack here lately.  [&o]   I can tell people are following this thread and I appreciate all the good vibes we get.  Love to all.   Jules

[sm=clapping%20hands%20smiley.gif]* This post is from my eldest daughter, who just joined the ranks of 8 yr olds in the world, and she wants to post about Mack:   
 
[sm=angel.gif] i am really glad to  have mack but before we  had mack i had a dog his name was samson. he died last year and i miss him[&o] he was a good dog.i hope mack lives a long time. []  i hope in the sumer time me and mack will beable to play in the pool but he is sick right now bye bye from kaitlin
 

Well appears this thread has pretty much turned into the 'Mack blog' but at least writing brings me a little comfort.
I have got to get his elbows fixed as soon as I possibly can.  Last night he fell down getting off my bed.  I didn't realize what was happening until he crashed and hit the floor face first.  Tonight I am going to put pillows at the foot of my bed in case he gets up for water again.  The thought of him falling down is too much, it kills me.   He's no dainty fella, if he gets hurt were in trouble.  Last time I was posting messages in here he came over to the edge of the bed which is right here beside my chair and he put his chin right on my shoulder.  It looked like he was reading over my shoulder about all the goings-on around here.  It was a nice snuggle moment.   Jules

I found a funny habit about Mack, he is really noisy.  He doesn't bark much, but he makes lots of doggy noises including groaning, and talking in his sleep.  He chugs, chuffs, makes throaty noises, and carries on for hours at a time.  Once in a while he even growls in his sleep.  (He is also a huge bed hog).  He is interesting to watch and listen to.   Jules

Give hugs to Mack from me! It's cute that he's so 'talkative' and cuddly.
I hope everything's going okay and that you're staying strong- keep on posting! I'm sure everyone appreciates the updates []

I clicked on the link and couldn't find any link to "michael" there.
 

Thanks, Vinia, I like you keeping tabs on our progress.  I really have to get my act together and develop film with a disk!  I am excited at posting a pic of Mack.  He's been doing so good, keeping quiet and eating well.  You know the kind of noises a lawnmower makes when it won't start?  That's how he snores.  It's kinda funny.
ron2 I was really confused for a minute by what you meant I couldn't figure out what link you were talking about I had to back track.  I adopted Mack a month ago so of course he isn't listed on the gsd site anymore as Michael or Mack lol You had me scratching my head on that one.  He was only listed for a few days at most, I adopted him pretty fast.  I knew the moment I laid eyes on him that he was the right dog for us.  I still think he is 1/3 Lab, and 1/3 Mastiff, and 1/3 yellow school bus. 
*note to self:  take care of the dang film!          Jules

Jules,
 
Mac's picture is still on Petfinder, they moved him to Happy Trails.
It's looks like GSR has adopted out a lot of dogs this year!
Let me know if you need the link. 

Really?! Wayy cool!  )  It never occured to me to go see.  I'm gonna go peek!  Tanks that made my day. []   Jules