This is in memory and honor of our dear cocker spaniel, Mack, who went over the Rainbow Bridge in May, 2003.

We adopted Mack, originally named George in March 2000. Pat was his foster mom. We knew that he had endured a tough life and OBG had enabled him to have cataract surgery.  During our first year with Mack, he was diagnosed as being in kidney failure, had ACL surgery on his knee, had a severe hear murmur with early stages of heart failure and was deaf. 

But, as you know, that didn't really mater.  We loved Mack just as he was. 

He never complained.  He was always just so happy to have a home, a soft bed and food (he loved his food!).  We had two terrific vets, Dr. David Tayman and Dr. Pennie Carroll of the Columbia Animal Hospital who cared for him and prescribed the medications he needed.

Now Mack is pain free and is buried on our family's farm on a hill overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. We know he would like this spot.

For those who are looking for a cocker spaniel to adopt, please consider this... Don't overlook the dog who isn't the one who approaches you with a tail waggling. Take time to visit all the dogs.  Our Mack, a shy quiet dog who stayed toward the back of the group, and didn't want to look at people, was a gem. He didn't jump up and seemed so reserved when we took him for a walk.  Once we go home, we discovered that Mack loved it when we would lie down on he floor or sit next to him. He would just snuggle and love to be petted. He wasn't the overtly friendly typical cocker, but, oh, he had lots of love to give...

We also discovered that Mack wasn't able to stand on his back legs like our other cocker spaniels could.  And the reason he was so reluctant to look at people was because he was afraid they were going to poke, prod or hurt his eyes.  He had gone through so much with his eye surgery.  But we always had a sense that Mack just truly appreciated having a home where he felt secure and loved.. He gave us so much.

Thank you OBG for all you do.