Tuesday, July 29, 2008

DOG CALENDAR ENTRY


MACK, Labrador
Randall & Angela Wilson, Owner
In early 2007 we lost our nine year old Labrador, Annie to cancer. Our family (my husband, our rat terrier, Jasmine, and I) were lost and devastated. I found Labrador Friends of the South (LFS) through an internet search as we began to talk about possibly rescuing a Labrador. Last June, we decided to attend a LFS adoption day in Atlanta. I had been feverously scanning their web site, and had noticed Mack. He didn't have a foster family and had been kept in a kennel for several months.
My husband wasn't sure we were ready for another lab, so we really weren't sure that attending the adoption day would result in finding a good match. Our rat terrier, Jasmine attended the adoption day with us. She has pretty discerning taste, and she immediately let us know that some of the labs did not feel right to her - then she met Mack - a 55lb (he was a little thin) Labrador with sweet submissive energy.
Like many rescue dogs, Mack came to us with his own set of issues. He was left in a shed in Atlanta with no food or water for over a week when a landlord found him and contacted LFS. He was obviously abused and while he bonded with us from the very beginning, we soon saw signs of him not trusting people, especially if they tried to approach him.
We brought him home to our farm Hartselle, AL where he had 20 acres and a really big pond to explore, but despite the safety and comfort of a forever home, his struggles in meeting people continued. Not willing to give up on him, and with the help of LFS we took him back to Atlanta to meet with Susie Aga, the Atlanta Dog Trainer. We were complete novices in how to deal with a pooch who had not been well socialized. Since that time, we work with him constantly on being comfortable with people he doesn't know and helping him understand that WE are the alphas and its our job it is to protect the pack.
He has come such a long way. In December we took him back to Atlanta to LFS's Christmas party and fundraiser. Outside of a very rainy and cold December day, we were thrilled at how he trusted us and that he was able to be around a large group of people (we think it helped that everyone smelled like wet dogs)
As you can see from the photo, Mack loves the outdoors and would stay in the pond through all seasons, if we would let him. We chose this photo to reflect the calm silent strength and beauty of the Labrador retriever.
He has come such a long way and we would love to have him as part of your 2009 calendar.

34 comments:

Unknown said...

now that is a good looking dog

Amy said...

What an awesome pup!

Xris said...

mack looks like a good dog and it sounds like he found a good family

graciesmom said...

Good luck Mack-you represent Labs well!

angela said...

Mack is a great boy who knows he is loved and has a forever home.

Unknown said...

I can't imagine a day without this wonderful dog!!

Anonymous said...

Great looking dog and he is representing the breed well.

Jim Karger said...

A great story about a wonderful family and Mack, to whom they are devoted. There should be place in calendar for this wonderful dog.

Unknown said...

Angela and family did a great job with Mack/Dale when with LFS.

I'm so happy your family gave Mack is forever home.

He looks great.

Geannie said...

Mack has come a long way thanks to good people like you. I love the picture!

Unknown said...

What a great picture for the calendar. I'm so glad Mack has a pond and a farm and a family who loves him.

Joe Forton said...

Nice picture of Mack!! What a neat story...there's got to be a place for him on the calender.

Miranda said...

I love labs! He's beautiful!

dianne said...

my vote is with Mack! great pic especially for a calendar

krhgator said...

I remember this beautiful Lab. Like many we see at LFS he was scared,skinny and in need of love.While I have a biased opinion this photo captures the spirit of the Labrador.No matter how badly they are treated their spirit is never crushed! Eventually that Labbie smile returns to their face!
a great representative!

RaJane said...

Mack, wow I love your picture! You are such a blessing for your mom,dad & sis! You have my vote hands down!!!!!!

Kim Roberts said...

Wonderful story, beautiful dog!

"RaRa" said...

Wow what a wonderful picture! Mack Wilson has my vote111

KAREN S said...

Mack is looking great. I love the picture!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

What can I say. He will always be Dale to me but I can go with Mack. Tears come to my eyes every time I think about his story. Who says we cannot change our life? From being left in a shed with no food for days, to learning to trust people again, to finally swimming in your own pond with the best family you could find. You go Mack!

Unknown said...

Perfect place for a lab...in the water.

Unknown said...

Great photo very calm and serene

Loretta R said...

What a warm story filled with love, beautiful dog and so appropriate in the water.
Loretta R

amanda said...

The first time I met Mack he was really scared and nervous, and he kept looking at his mom and dad for comfort and security but he hung in there and did great! (We learned that he can be bought if you give him enough pepperoni!)

Britt said...

Great lab!

Ali Hampton said...

Lovely capturing of the dogs beautiful stature and muscular body. He seems to have a great temper and personality.

Anonymous said...

Absolute a beautiful picture, story, and dog! Thank you for sharing!

CarolynandBrandon said...

We are so proud to have a grandpup like Mack. He learned pretty quickly that having grandparents can pay big dividends! Good luck, Mack! We hope to see you in the 2009 calendar!

Unknown said...

Mack is a beautiful dog and the Wilson's are blessed that he chose them as his FOREVER home! The calendar just can't be complete without a picture of MACK on one of the pages...GO MACK!!!!

Anonymous said...

Mack is looking good and makes a wonderful picture.

Unknown said...

A beautiul dog, and a beautiful picture. It's wonderful he has such a good home now, and so sad he was neglected and abused before. He really is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

This dog's story captures my heart. He is beautiful. Looks like he's finally gettin the love he deserves.

Anonymous said...

Awesome photo and great looking dog. He's a slam dunk winner!

Anonymous said...

What a cutie!