Small Update on Mac

[jenn D]

Since taking Mac to the vet earlier this week it looks like things are physically getting better for him. He has completely stopped licking his paws and only licks his bum a few times a day as opposed to every hour before he was on meds. His ears no longer seem to have the brown yeasty build up and are smelling cleaner although I still have to continue to clean them and apply his topical ear antibiotic. 2 more days of full course steroids (1 pill X day) and then we go to 1/2 pill X day for a week. Still loves playing with his "brothers". He wants to be near me a lot and I have pictures of him laying on my foot or him putting his head in my lap which he does regularly. He still really doesn't have any light in those beautiful brown eyes and always bows his head when coming up to us. I know it will take time but its still sad and of course I question if he is happy here. Besides that everything is good. Im getting him to learn to walk nicely on lead and he has started getting in and out of the car on his own (without fear that I am taking him back to his old place). This is a new accomplishment as he previously did not want to get into my car to go places almost like he felt I was dropping him somewhere and leaving him but when we were done with a trip and said "Time to go back home" and got him in the car to head home he would do ok getting him to go in by himself.  I think part of that is that we go to get the kids at school and when I get him back in the car he gets in with the kids and thinks "OK im not getting left."

Anyway here are a few pictures of still sad big Mac.

Laying ON mom's feet. His favorite. He has to be laying on my feet or foot.

And here is his "Im gonna put my head in your lap and try to fall asleep" pose

I think its gonna take time to trust us. The vet said he is 3-4 but those eyes show a full lifetime of sadness. :(

[Christy&Riley]

By these pictures I'd say Mac loves being a part if your pack. He knows he is safe with you. I bet it was a big step for him to feel safe enough to let his guard down to sit at your feet and sleep on your lap. I think that says a lot. Glad to see he is adjusting so well. :-)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You feel so helpless when you look into those sad eyes, but really Mac has come a long way already.  Give it a few more months and you will begin to see that sparkle!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We have that very same rug, Jenn!

[Becka]

I think that his need to be near you says it all--he trusts you, because you have shown him love and kindness. He's saying thank you!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

So happy to hear things are getting better....thank you for all that you're doing for Mac.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Oh Jenn, some doodles just seem to need to be near their people more than others. Finn can make such sad faces and he has no reason. Sometimes I wonder who he thinks is watching over who :)  He goes from mournfully sad to reflection to a great big grin when he's out running in the meadow or I say "want to go for a ride/walk?"  I think it's wonderful that big Mac has bonded with you.  My guess is he's going to be a very loyal person loving doodle and he's trying to show you just how grateful he is. He's just a doodle that needs frequent touches and love -- who knows how long he went without.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

I'm glad Mac is in your home! He is going to be one lucky dood. He just needs a little bit of adjusting still. :) 

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

I agree with everyone else, he clearly feels safe with you and is already trusting you, and that will just grow stronger over time.  How wonderful that you've already bonded so much that he wants to be near you!  I also have a doodle who can look really sad at times, and she has no reason.  Sometimes Ellie's face gets so long and pathetic looking - she looks like a different girl.  I'm so glad big Mac is with your family now!  :)