Mac

Some of you may remember getting a call or an email around September 2nd about a three year-old male Westie named Mac left at the Lorain County Kennel.  Apparently this dog was to be put down on the 6th of September if he was not claimed.  The message eventually made it to Chris Shriber who happened to mention it to me.  At the time, our club’s foster homes were full and no one was able to take-in this dog. I was determined to take it upon myself to try to find a home for Mac and make this my first rescue. A friend of mine  had always expressed an interest in our two Westies and regularly claimed that he would like to get a Westie some day.  I talked to him about the Lorain kennel situation and they agreed to take a look at the dog. If the dog wasn’t terribly abused or in bad shape, they would consider adopting him.

Since it was Labor Day Weekend, it was difficult to get any solid information about Mac as the kennel was closed through Tuesday, September 5th. We weren’t even sure if the dog was still at the kennel!  After several phone calls and messages to the kennel, I received a telephone call Wednesday morning, September 6th.  I soon learned that Mac was approximately three years old, and was previously owned by an elderly gentleman who entered a nursing home.  His grandson dropped the dog off at the Lorain County Kennel because the family was not able to keep the dog.  We also learned that Mac’s hair was extremely matted and the kennel said he would need to go on a diet as he was quite overweight.  We made plans to visit the kennel that afternoon.

When we arrived at the kennel, we found a dirty mound of matted hair on four legs! Aside from his appearance, Mac instantly assumed the personality and charm of a true Westie. We all know that Westies are very intelligent. I believe Mac knew his fate and was willing to do anything to convince us he was a good dog. It worked! After paying the kennel $30, we left with what would turn out to be a well-mannered, loving dog. 

We were able to make arrangements with Pat Ray to groom Mac the next day at Dogs and Suds in Chesterland, Ohio.  Pat is a true artist as she was able to take a hunk of hair and turn it into a Westie! Remember how the kennel said Mac was overweight?  It was all of his hair! Pat estimated that this three year-old had never been groomed.  Once he dropped the extra hair, Mac weighed in at a nice 19 lbs. Since then, Mac has adjusted well to his new home. Other than a few mishaps in his house training, he is doing great. His new family loves Mac very much.

I would like to thank Chris Shriber for all of her advice and support. Chris was able to help me ask the right questions and to prepare the family for their new addition.  I would like to thank Pat Ray for donating her services at a reduced rate and making Mac look like the Westie that he really is.  Finally, I would like to the thank the Westbrooks family for making the decision to adopt Mac on only a few days notice. Their kindness and charity saved a life.

                                                Jason Roberts