by Arlene McCool
Mama Sasha (a Sheltie) had 2 litters. Kept 2 from her first litter -- Rocky & Stormy (1/21/91). Mac was from her second litter. He was sold but returned because children were afraid of him. Gave him away a second time and he was returned to me after being hit by a car. I nursed him (away from the other dogs) in my bedroom for 3-4 weeks. That became his spot and we became inseparable. Mac played soccer with me -- hitting the ball with his paws. I taught him to get his collar when he wanted to go outside. One day I was too busy to realize he dropped his collar next to me. Mac then went to get my cigarettes (I have stopped smoking since then) because he knew that was the program -- I smoked outside. Mac would not hurt anyone but always came between me and anyone that went to touch or kiss me. With a low growl or whine, he would say "be careful." For 12 years he slept next to my side of the bed protecting me. As his immune system attacked him these past few months, I knew what I had to do because he had no muscle any more but struggled to walk outside in the morning. The time came yesterday when he became incontinent and looked up at me with those eyes and said "its time." I never knew I could hurt so much. In the past few years I have lost my Mom, my Dad, Mac's Mom and Brother -- but I hurt the most with Mac and almost feel guilty. But he was there all the time and he was "the man of the house!" I am moving in 2 weeks to another house and I hope that helps the feeling of loss. I love you, MAC!!