As I write this it still all feels very raw. Recently I shared with you the story of one of our long term residents Mac, the Border Collie who had been found lying beside his dead owner all those years ago. Over the years that we had him he never quite learnt to fully trust people, but he did used to love chasing his frisbee.
Friday morning, Mac was a little unwell in his kennel but still enjoyed his two walks. Saturday morning Rich came into a right mess and found Mac had been passing blood. I knew it was serious so put my day off to one side and rushed in to see him. When I got there he was in a sorry state. No appetite and no energy. He just kept passing bloody diarrhoea,he needed to see a vet.
His lack of trust meant that wasn't going to be easy, but I managed to get him in a crate and off we set. Being confined meant he couldn't react and at the vets Emily managed to give him an antibiotic injection as well as one to stop the diarrhoea. Then he came home with me.
If there was anyone on this earth Mac trusted it was Rachel. He was pleased to see her and even more so when she spent the night with him on the utility floor.
Sunday there was no mess, but he still wouldn't eat. He was happy pottering about for the toilet and getting a drink of water. He was still so lethargic though, spending a lot of time sleeping. For him to continue taking his medication we needed to get some food into him. Such was the bond between Rachel and him, that she did not hesitate when I suggested trying to syringe chicken soup into his mouth. Such a huge ask for a dog that had never let anyone that close to him. Amazingly he let her do it, it was a special moment to witness love and trust.
Monday morning came after another night on the floor with him. He had a little more soup for breakfast but when it came to going out, Mac was unable to stand. Even though I tried to lift him to his feet, he simply collapsed again. We knew we had to take him back to the vets.
The response of the SHAK team to my plea for cover at the kennels was incredible. A full squad assembled, whilst Charlotte even travelled all the way up from York to allow us to get him the best treatment.
Moorview were also fantastic. Due to his history they allowed us to accompany him as he had blood tests and an ultrasound scan. Everything was explained down to every little detail, Tom made sure we understood everything. Then the blood results came back.
Mac was suffering from a very high level four kidney disease. It was beyond any form of treatment. He had been so brave, that he hadn't showed us any obvious symptoms. There was nothing we could do, he was dying in front of us.
We said goodbye to Mac with Rachel's lips pressed firmly against his nose. There was no need for a muzzle , no need for sedation. He died like any other much loved pet would.
Some might say that the change in his temperament was down to being poorly. I'd like to think that having stayed beside his own dying owner, Mac understand the devotion Rachel showed by doing the same for him. He had found a home when he needed it the most, he found out true love goes both ways and above all he learnt how to trust again. I am very proud of them both.