Mackey came to B.O.N.E.S. from a bad situation in central Massachusetts. He was underweight and limped painfully. X-rays revealed a displaced femur fracture in his right hind leg – it was amazing that Mackey could use the leg at all. The options didn't look hopeful, but with help from the B.O.N.E.S. Medical Director, a carefully-structured exercise program, and a lot of TLC, he can now lead a normal life.
As Mackey recovered from his injuries, long-time B.O.N.E.S. adopter John was mourning the loss of his long-time beagle companion, Hudson, whose "Chronicles" were documented here for many years. John was settling into a new job with lots of driving, and Mackey loved to ride... a great match. John and Mackey will both share their viewpoints with us on this page.
Good morning from Durham, Maine. Mackey and I are getting ready for another week and I will try to improve getting back to updating all twelve of you faithful followers of our adventures.
This year started off slowly and there were a lot of random days off. I have mixed feelings about these unexpected days off. It is a great way to spend a cold or snowy day, nestled in the recliner watching TV between naps. But, it gets kind of tricky trying to get all the bills paid. Fortunately, things are starting to pick up.
Mackey and I were picking up some equipment at a job in northern New Hampshire this past winter. There was fresh snow from the night before. After we got everything loaded, we found out that the truck was not going to play nice with the snow. I had to get the chains out and pretend I was a star in Ice Road Truckers! That was one of the days I wished I was home in the recliner watching reruns on MeTV!
On another adventure, we were moving a crane from a job in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, back to the yard in Pittsfield, Maine. The move took three days and consisted of about 15 truckloads. This type of move involves breaking the crane down into many parts including counterweights, boom sections, crawler tracks, and other parts and pieces.
We were waiting for our turn to load and I looked over at the two other drivers in their trucks along with Mackey paying close attention to the activities. Of the three, I would put my trust in the beagle! On the second day of the move, a major snowstorm was predicted, and the crane move was postponed. That was one of the days that we got to spend at home and not have to worry about being out in the storm.
Now that I have reminisced with my winter memories, I'm going to get started with the annual cleanup around the yard while Mackey watches, between naps.
Greetings from the recliner!
I've been spending a lot of time here recently. It's a nice way to pass the time, but it's kind of a hassle when John wants to get in the recliner as well. There is just enough room for the two of us, but I think that it was designed for just one beagle.
I have been riding in the truck as usual, but it seems that there have been more days at home and shorter work days where we're getting home in time for my afternoon nap. I don't mind the extra time at home, but I do enjoy getting the attention at the job sites, as well as the occasional treat! Being home means that all I have for company is John, and that isn't really all that exciting. The more I think about, I hate these slow periods!
We were at one job loading equipment and when it was time to leave, the truck wouldn't move. The guys started putting sand and gravel under the tires, but it was uphill and the snow was just too slick. Finally, out came the chains. At times like this, I kind of feel sorry for the guys, having to go through all this trouble, while I watch from inside the nice warm cab. But that feeling doesn't last long, because I'm then taking a nap.
I'm enjoying the days now that the snow is gone and the smells are returning for me to investigate, Not only that, I'm able to enjoy rolling in the grass or whatever else there is I can roll in! I just don't understand why John gives me a bath after I work so hard on a new scent. Speaking of that, it's time to go out and explore...
