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.
We have been back in Maine for the past two weeks. We got some appointments out of the way… but we also moved one of our cranes last week, which requires "all hands on deck," in this case, trucks.
The first week was spent getting annual blood work done, my annual wellness exam, an eye exam, and a dental cleaning for Mackey. While Mackey was "under," the vet found 4 loose teeth. They were extracted to prevent future complications. Mackey recovered quite quickly and is back to his normal self.
While we were down in Baltimore, we had to take two loads of control panels and transformers to the University of Maryland Medical School in downtown Baltimore. This was set up for a Saturday, since we had to close down an entire block to deliver the units.
First, a concrete access cover had to be removed from the sidewalk. Then, all the units had to be unloaded by crane and lowered down through the access hole into the basement of the building. It was fascinating to watch all this take place. An added bonus: we got to be the cause of congestion and confusion rather than being caught in it!
Mackey seemed to enjoy the added attention of the people passing by seeing him in the truck amid all the activity.
Everything went according to plan, and we were done mid-afternoon, a little ahead of schedule.
Several weeks ago, I took an excavator to a new job at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. I had concerns about this job, because at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Mackey isn't allowed in certain parts of the base. Fortunately, the Norfolk Shipyard has no such restrictions for dogs. That would have been a tough situation, since it's an overnight trip! I don't know about Mackey, but I sure was relieved about this.
Tomorrow, we are loading up for Baltimore and will be back down there for a while.
Just got in from taking care of business outside. John and I both got drenched! I got my towel rubdown and treat, and I'm now in the recliner preparing for another rainy-day nap. Life is good.
I had to go to the vet last Friday, I don't know why. I slept through the whole day and woke up with a gap between my bottom front teeth and a gap in the back! I did get some tasty powder and syrup to go with my meals for the next week, so it wasn't all that bad.
A few weeks ago, we were someplace in the middle of the street blocking the whole street. There was a crane, our truck and two trailers, lots of cones, and people wearing uniforms.
There were a lot of people walking along the sidewalk, watching all the activity. Some of them saw me in the truck and came up to say "hi" and talk to me. Many of them used "baby talk" (as I've heard it called). It makes me feel special, but I'm glad John doesn't talk to me that way! I guess that's one of the few things I appreciate about him.
This past week, there was a crane move from Pittsfield down to the shipyard, and I had to stay home each day because the crane was going to the area where dogs aren't allowed. Since I know that John is coming back to get me, I don't mind too much. He opens the shades so I can watch out the window.
Tomorrow, we load up to go back down to Baltimore, to our second home on the bay, or as John calls it, "Playa Del Curtis" Bay. I have to admit, it sounds kind of exotic, especially in January!
That wraps it up for now.
