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MACHO 3/5/05
#475

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Macho's Foster Journey - Adopted 5/29/05

Pertinent Information
5 yr. old  Flashy Fawn Male Boxer
 50 lb. Owner Surrender to a Shelter
Cropped Ears and Docked  Tail
Neutered and UTD
Being Fostered near Rome, NY
Adoption Donation $250

7/22/08 - Mr. Man has been with us almost a year. He is quite the character. He totally adores Arden. They walk 2 1/2 miles together with Snuggles. Snuggles is definitely his lady fair. Macho has been plagued with allergies. I think we finally have it pretty well under control. He is on z/d prescription Hill's dog food, benadryl and 10 mg prednisone every other day. Macho and Snuggles got an unexpected winter vacation to Fl in Jan.-Feb. We went down for a medical emergency with our daughter's fiancée and the dogs and I ended up staying 5 wks to help. They were both good and enjoyed the warmth. Macho did have an allergic flare up and scratched his cornea. When we got back the vet switched him to the prescription dog food and prednisone. I tried to taper the steroid, but then he starts itching. Macho and Snuggie have been enjoying weekends at our cottage this summer. He is such a good boy. He is a pleasure to have around.

12/24/07 - Merry Christmas from "The Man". Macho has been very busy. He and Snuggles miss the cottage, but Arden walks Macho frequently. Snuggles doesn't always want to go. Macho walks 2 1/2 miles with his backpack. He starts whining first thing in the morning and pouts if Arden doesn't have time to walk
 him. We had a church potluck and everyone loved him. He has been great with our friends. He and
 Snuggles were boarded over the weekend in Oct. and he did great. His big adventure was a trip to
 Florida with us for Thanksgiving, where he assisted painting our daughter's house. He was good with
 both our daughter's and son's children. Our son has a Golden Retriever puppy and Macho had a ball
 playing with him. Snuggles on the other hand felt this was all a bit of nonsense. We stopped at our
 nephew's on the way back and more dogs. It was a bit of a shock to find snow on the ground when we
 got back. Macho doesn't like the snow. Both Macho and Snuggles appear to have allergies to molds
 in the fall grass and the snow. They both take benadryl. We are grateful to have Macho. He is a
 great dog and in particular adores Arden.

10/10/07 - We were thrilled to adopt a new big brother for Snuggles 7-29-07. We are thrilled that his previous family requested us. They were the family that fostered Snuggles, so it was a perfect match. They lived together for the month Snuggles was there. It was love at first sight. Snuggles absolutely adores him. She had been very sad since she lost her little brother Dinky Do. Macho is a wonderful dog. He fit right in. He loves to walk with Arden. Deb gave us his backpack and Arden uses it
As soon as he eats in the morning, he starts to whine to go on his walk. If for some reason, Arden isn't able to take him, he pouts. It is so cute. He quickly learned to enjoy riding in the car. We go to our cottage every weekend in the summer. It is on an island so he also got to ride in a boat. He loved the cottage. There are several other dogs there and he got to run and play. He is always the gentleman. Everyone loves him. We closed the cottage for the season and the dogs will miss it. We will be going to Florida for Thanksgiving to visit our kids and the dogs will be going along. We love Macho very much and will be forever grateful to Deb and Rob for choosing us for his new home.

8/6/07 - Until now I was not able to find the words to put to the page to tell how or why we had to give
 up our beloved BAR baby Macho.   It's one of those things that people in rescue deal w/ every day...but never think it would happen to them.
Rob has had a job offer that will take us to an entirely different part of the country.  There are many changes ahead for us and we are uncertain about living arrangements etc.  We began discussing the possibility of rehoming our pets.  This decision was absolutely heart wrenching for me. 
As I was thinking about the perfect home for Macho.  I thought of all of my previous Fosters and their new adoptive families.  There is one very special BAR family that has always remained at the forefront of my heart and mind.  I have always loved this family and felt that they are one of the best families that a pet could hope to find. 
I spoke w/ the directors about the possibility of rehoming Macho.. and before the conversation was over..my baby had found a new home. With one conversation I knew that Mr. Man would be loved &
 cared for and have the best of every thing.  Macho would have a new family and be reunited w/ one of his foster sister whom he loved.  The placement director Gail and the other BAR directors agreed that this would be a wonderful home for Macho.
Macho has been w/ his new family for over a week.  He is doing fabulous.  He was thrilled to see his foster sister..  they love each other.. and pal around together all day.  Macho goes for long walks every day w/ his new Dad and has bonded quickly to him.  His new Mom says that he is a great addition to their family and that neighbors, the vet, everyone loves him.  
Macho's new life is a very exciting one as he gets to travel, take boat rides, spend weekends at an island home and even go on family vacations.  His absence has left a huge hole in my heart.  Macho gave me a lot of love, joy and years of wonderful memories.  I have comfort knowing that he is happy and that he has a wonderful forever home.   Thank you BAR for allowing us to love Macho and Thank you for placing him w/ his new family.
Happily ever after.. Mr. Man... know that Mommy will always love you, no one will ever take your place in my heart.  I look forward to stories and pics of you from your new family.

6/2/07 - Macho is doing great.         We love him very much and thank the Gattas for thinking of us. He and Snuggles love each other. They sleep side by side by our bed. He is already starting to calm down and is learning to enjoy car rides. He is very affectionate and seems to adore Arden. Thanks again. Marilyn

7/07 - Macho's family had a major life style change, had to move to a rental and could not have a dog there.  One of our other previous adopters just recently lost one of her Boxers and was looking to adopt another one.  She knew Macho and when she found out his family could not keep him, she jumped right on the chance to adopt him.  So Macho will have a wonderful new home in a few weeks.

5/29/06 - It's hard to believe that it's been a year since we brought Macho home and into our family.  
We do not know his exact birth date so we decided to celebrate his birthday on his adoption day. 
Happy birthday # 6 Macho Man.
Macho is a wonderful boy.  He has been a blessing to our family and has won the hearts of
people that have never had the opportunity to know & love a Boxer.  He is a great example of the
breed.  He is a gentleman, sweet, loyal, obedient and sets a good example for the other Boxers that
have come through our door. 
Macho has had 4 foster sisters this year and was wonderful w/ each.  He also got a Boxer
brother this year.  The two boys love each other and hang out together like the best of friends.  They
enjoy walks together, romping in the yard and can some times be found sleeping together in the
same crate.  The two are never far apart...or ever to far from us. 
We still have to watch his diet. We had allergy tests done to identify the foods that he
needs to avoid. As long as he does not get any poultry or dairy he does pretty well.
We are very thankful to BAR for rescuing this boxer-boy... so that he could become part of
our family. 

1/31/06 - Time has gone so quickly that the 6th month update is a little overdue!!!  It has been a very fun and interesting 6 months for Macho. 

     Macho remains a wonderful boy, loyal and sweet.  Macho has had many changes in his short time w/ us.  He has had 4 BAR Foster sisters.  He was a gracious host with each.  He has entertained our neighbors Black labs and most recently Macho got a new Boxer Brother who like most little brothers can be sometimes annoying.  Macho has been a great big brother watching out for "Teddy" and with little issue puts up with the silly antics of his one year old sibling.

     After the initial food allergy testing, we spent several months going through the "process of elimination" to find exactly what foods he could have and enjoy.  Good news for Macho.....he CAN have some meat products.  We originally believed that he had to be on a 100% vegetarian diet.  Macho must avoid dairy and poultry.  Once he was allowed to have some processed dog foods mixed w/ his "home cooked" diet we began to see his coat softening and he seemed more energetic.  He definitely enjoys more of a food variety and some types of treats.

     Macho has won the hearts of many who never had the opportunity to know and love the Boxer Breed.  Now he....more mature, sophisticated and ever so handsome w/ his cropped ears and his silly, crazy-puppy like mannered brother both greet people at the door.  What an adorable sight!!!  Macho is looking forward to having a foster sister again...as soon as his little brother is ready!!!

8/30/05 - It certainly has been a very fast and fun summer.  Macho is a wonderful boy and has brought so much joy to our family.  He became part of our family 3 months ago.  Sometimes it seems like he's been here a lot longer.  I cannot remember what it was like not having him.  Macho has become quite vocal which the guys in my house love.  They can get him to woo and sing and even answer questions "in Boxer talk" of course.  He has spent much of the summer at my son's side and with school starting next week he's going to have to get used to a new schedule.  He'll be back to hanging out w/ his Mom!  Macho was a gracious host to his second Foster sister "Snuggles".  They became quite friendly and could often be found laying together.  He would lay down first and she would lay down near him and inch her way closer and closer until they were cuddling.  It was so cute to watch.  He's very good with the ladies.  Both of his foster sisters really liked him.  He became a little sad
w/ the adoption of the 2nd...so we've promised to find him a sister to join our forever family and will get him another foster as soon as we can.  He really enjoys the company of another boxer. If  you've purchased the BAR fund raiser calendar...you can see our MACHO-MAN as Mr. September 2005. We absolutely love our big-guy!!!!

8/3/05 - Hi everyone, it's time for the 2 month update for our wonderful Macho-man. It's hard to update without sounding like a bragging mom. Our fur kid is the best. Macho has had the pleasure of having kids around all summer. He's having great fun and is kept very busy trying to keep his kids safe. Macho thinks that he has to rescue his kids all of the time. When the kids try to have fun and swing on the swing set...he thinks that he must save them and get them off...after all they are making a lot of noise it must mean they need help. Same goes for the bikes and riding mower. He barks at the bikes and mower and runs along side of them until they let go of his kids. Once "they let go" and his kids are off he's fine. Macho doesn't seem to mind the kids on scooters or the trampoline or any other activities. Macho decided that he owned the neighborhood and started to let other dogs know it. While on a couple of walks and during an event in the park recently when he saw another dog he let out the most awful noise. (The dog at the park was a giant poodle w/ a really bad hair do... I think he was letting her know how silly she looked!!) We expected everyone to run out from their houses because the noise he made sounded like a woman screaming. Needless to say that behavior was unacceptable and a quick reprimand he stopped and has not done that again. Macho has been a gracious host to two fosters. He's been quite a gentleman. The first (Zoey) was a couple of years younger than he...she wanted to play and easily tired him out. She always smothered him w/ kisses which he tolerated. He was very good w/ her even shared his water bowl and allowed her to sample his food. He didn't have time to miss her when she left as his new foster sister "Snuggles" arrived the day Zoey was adopted. He & Snuggles are closer in age and have the same energy level. They warmed up quickly and get along great. He is such a great boy. We absolutely love him. He and our son are inseparable. Macho falls asleep every night right next to our son on his own pillow w/ our sons arm wrapped around him. A priceless picture.

7/16/05 - Macho....in looks only!!! This boy is all heart!! He could have had a name like "Romeo" or any of history's great lovers. Our wonderful guy is doing very well and such a big part of our family. Three weeks ago Macho got a Foster sister. He was wonderful w/ her and quite a gentleman for the most part considering she was in heat. We named his Foster sister "Zoey". It did not take him long to figure out who/what we meant by "Zoey". Each morning the first thing that he does is run from his bedroom to see Zoey. He would go to check on her @ different times throughout the day. If he went outside & she didn't he would run immediately to see where she is/was when he came in. They had to be kept apart the majority of the time when she was in heat. But we would walk them together. Once they could be in the yard @ the same time...they began to get to play, run & chase. He's older than she is so he tires long before she does. He stops to rest and she tries to get him to play some more. He is gracious to share his water dish w/ her and doesn't mind if she takes a nibble of his food on her way by. We have to feed them in separate rooms because of his special diet and his allergies so he won't be tempted by her "meaty foods". He gladly shared some of his "home cooking" potatoes & beans. He has been lavished w/ girl boxer kisses. But still prefers to be w/ his humans. He didn't seem to mind that she was gone over night at the Vets. He's a great host (so far) for the Foster program. His sister has been adopted and will be leaving next weekend. We hope to get another Foster soon and hope one day to give him a permanent sister. He's such a great boy...I think that he'd be okay either way. Our children are upset about the Foster leaving....but say it's okay as long as our big-guy stays forever. We LOVE our MACHO-MAN!!!!!!!

6/25/05 - Macho a.k.a. Mr. Wonderful has been home for almost a month. To see him you'd think he's been here forever. Macho is very laid back & very comfortable. He has a wonderful personality. He's very sweet and predictable. We wonder how we ever got along with out him. He had the routine down within days. He's very happy to have his boy home now too as Nick is now on summer vacation from school. If he's not under foot...he's w/ Nick. Nick now holds the leash on walks. Macho is so obedient that he even obeys our 5 year old daughter. She's thrilled when he sits, shakes, and goes in his crate when she tells him. Even she feels like a big girl to help take care of him. Macho was taken off of the Venison & potato diet and is now enjoying "home cooking" per his Vet. He began showing new signs of irritation after a few days on the Venison food. We're waiting to get the results of the allergy testing. So we can start from a more informed place in meeting his nutritional needs and avoiding the allergins. We expect to have the results in another week or so. He seems to be doing better on the home cooked foods. His muzzle is pale pink and the chewing of his limbs & feet along w/ licking has stopped. He seems to have more energy. He leaps when he's excited and playing in the yard. Macho will be getting a Foster sister soon. We'll keep you posted!!!! We'll have another blessing to count!

6/3/05 - A great big THANK YOU to everyone who helped make our adoption possible!! WE LOVE OUR NEW BABY!!!

Our family has found the PERFECT boy!!! Macho came home on Sunday and has settled right in. He is very sweet. He is extremely well mannered. He loves every one in his new family but still tends to be a "Momma's" boy.

He enjoys walks through his new neighbor hood and prances proudly through his new back yard. We were hoping for a him to be of a watch dog......instead he greets each and every person like they're a long lost friend. He loves every body!!!

He's being treated for an ear infection and his new vet switched him to a Venison & Potato diet. Working well so far...much less itching. We're praying that this new diet is exactly what his system needs and that he'll be able to enjoy a better quality of life.....minus the allergies.

More updates to follow.

6/4/05 - I wanted to send a quick update...MACHO is doing great. It didn't take him any time at all do adjust to our daily routine.
He learns so quickly!!! He has been trained well. He is very obedient. I want to tell you a couple of things that he does or has done. (I feel like a bragging Mom.)
We live in a Victorian house w/ a winding staircase. When going down the stairs a lot of dogs would run past & practically knock you down. NOT Macho...he waits @ the top for me to go to the first landing or turn then he joins me there and waits again I go to the next landing/turn, he joins me there then I go to the bottom & he follows. This was particularly impressive to me because I knew right away that he'd be good w/ the children on the stairs & he wouldn't knock them down. He did that all on his own...he showed me his good manners!!
The second thing that he did that was "undog" like..... A baby crow (bigger than most full grown birds) fell from a nest in a tree in our back yard. I called several people & they all said the same thing...that the parents would continue to take care of it & for us just to leave it alone. This crow has been in the back yard exsisting w/ family and dog in & out. Most of the time it would hide when we went into the fence...we could usually distract Macho long enough for the bird to hop & hide. It couldn't fly at first. As the days passed it would try & try & gain a little altitude. The other day when we went in the bird was more out in the open it saw Macho & began to squawk & draw attention to itself. It was in a corner of the fence area w/ no place to hide...so Macho took off on a run... (I was thinking the worst) but emmediately called his name & said NO! He stopped on a dime just inches away from the bird turned around and ran to me. I was very proud of him...not every dog would have done the same.
He's much better on a leash now. I think the first day was just to exciting for him. He was trying to take in every thing. He's gentle and calm during our early morning walks & naturally gets a little more excited in the evening because there is a lot more going on around him....more people & more dogs etc. Nick is even beginning to hold the leash when walking now.
Macho been trying to make friends w/ our cat all week. They've touched noses & she likes to be in the same room that he's in....she just prefers to stay up high & observe. He is not threatning to her...so she's. curious. At night Macho sleeps in Nick's room. The cat who usually sleeps on my bed has been sleeping on Nick's dresser just to keep an eye on Macho.
Our Vetrinarian put him on IVD brand food. Innovative Veterinary Diets...limited ingredients diets...Venison & potato formula. I mix the dry w/ 1/2 can of the same at each meal. He loves it!!! He licks the bowl so clean it shines. His muzzle still gets pink along w/ his neck and tummy but not as bad as before.
She also put him on MalOtic ear drops for an infection. He has to get 8 drops each ear for 10 days. The only itching that he's doing is around his ears...once the infection is gone hopefully the itching will be gone too.
We discussed allergy testing w/ her. They do a series of blood tests to figure out the allergins. We would like to go ahead w/ the testing but wanted to get your opinion on it first.
Macho is such a wonderful boy. We want to do everything that we can for him to give him a happy life. We absolutely LOVE him.!!!
Thanks again for all of your help and advice. Deb

5/29/05 - Macho went home with his family today. I think it was love at first sight. He was very happy to meet his family. They were just as happy. He jumped right into the back of their vehicle as if he was just here for the day visiting. They called me and left a message that all were having a ball in the yard with Macho. I think they will all be tired tonight and I bet I know who Macho will be sleeping with.

5/23/05 - Macho is pending adoption

5/22/05 - Macho is doing well. He is relaxing on my sons bed. He and Tony are getting along as if they had been best buds. Quite a change from when he arrived. They run and play outside until they see a human and they race back to the door. He is doing good on his lamb and rice food. He also loves peanut butter. He still scratches a bit but he probably always will. Its definitely not as bad as when he has a reaction to foods. I have taken his collar off in the house and that seems to help. He is going to make a great addition to someone's family. He is just as layed back as you could want and just as playful when you want and if you tell him stop, he will.

5/7/05 - Macho has had two weeks of my 2 year old granddaughter visiting and he was great most of the time. She could crawl all over him, she would go get him from the crate and walk him around by the collar and then walk him back to the crate and in he would go. She could tell him to sit and he would. But, we found on her last day here that he does not like to have a rope toy taken away by a child. We can take them away by using commands with no problems but when she grabbed it from him he snapped at her. It was a warning, no teeth were sunk in but I would say he needs training with that. We are working with him on it. Children don't know enough to give the commands to take things and Macho did not hurt her but did scare her. She wasn't afraid of him for long. Other than that one incident I can't say he has done anything wrong at all.  He's a good boy and my son (29)takes him to bed with him every night. He loves to curl up on your feet. He will cuddle anytime and will follow you from room to room. He has been playing with Tony outside and having a ball.

4/23/05 - Just a quick update on Macho, he is doing well. He fits right in and runs outside and is very docile inside. My 2 year old granddaughter is here visiting and she tells him to sit and he sits. She hugs him and once she thought he was a ladder and stood up on him and we had to tell her no, that she will hurt poor Macho. So I would have to say he would be good with small children other than when they get excited they may knock them over unintentionally. So he passed the 2 year old test with flying colors. I think he would love a home with kids to play with and cuddle with. He would also like an adult or teenager to play rough house with. He's a very good boy and we all love him here. His allergies are under control now and his face is healing up nicely and his chest is all better. We are sticking to the lamb and rice dog foods.

4/16/05 - Macho is doing very well. There's not much more to say. He is a very good boy and is very well behaved. He is enjoying running outside and horse playing with Tony. He has filled out nicely and he likes to roughhouse with anyone willing to play.

4/9/05 - Macho is doing better each day. He has been having a ball running outside. He's such a good boy. He is so content to just be with people. He adores my 29 year old son. He follows him from room to room. He is doing very well with the crate now. I only have to point and say in and in he goes. I think he would love to have kids to play with. He loves to play an rough house. He is also very good outside the crate as long as food isn't laying around in the open. He has gained weight and looks good. I can take anything out of his mouth and he is not aggressive about it at all.

4/2/05 -Macho went back to the vet today and the good news is he doesn't have mites or mange. He feels its allergies. So beside being allergic to beef and chicken we can add fish to that list. His muzzle is starting to clear up. He is on a different antibiotic for the sores on his chest from scratching. He is not scratching as much at all. He is still taking his predizone and benedryl. He loves his medicine because he gets peanut butter. Even TOny comes to get some. Macho is a great boy and I have been leaving him out of the crate for several hours at a time when I am not home. I have had no surprises at all. I think he sleeps the entire time. He is full of wiggles and jumps when I get home. He seems good with little ones but as everyone knows sometimes they do knock them over. He went by a 1 year old in my house last night and after he fell over Macho jumped over him to get by him instead of through him.

3/27/05 - Macho went back to the vet on Sat. and he was given a shot and didn't itch most of the rest of the day. He is back to scratching and the oatmeal shampoo hasn't helped either. I am going to call the vet back tomorrow to see if I can go ahead now and give him the benedryl. He didn't want him taking both so he would know if the shot worked. He is scratching himself raw and draws blood. I am going to try some calydril on the raw areas. He is such a good boy and I hate seeing him so tormented. He likes laying under my sons bed when he isn't here. Will update again when I know more

3/21/05 - Macho is doing very well. He and Tony play well together now. He is such a good boy. Since his diarrhea has stopped he is not surging the counters much at all. He is eating well. He is a love bug to anyone that shows him attention. He is now sleeping on the bed with my son and there is not a peep out of him until he hears me up in the morning. He goes right in the crate when needed now also. He can be quite the talker too, he only does it with my son, they talk to each other. Its pretty funny to hear. He is a joy to have around and I bet I could leave him out of the crate and he would just sleep until someone came home. Still taking medicine for his pink muzzle and he doesn't seem to be itching as much. Waiting for the fur to grow back in. He is also starting to put some needed weight on.

3/65/05 - Macho behaved very well at the vets office. He was put on medication for his itching. He may have had an allergic reaction to the dog food he was on when he first arrived. He was scratching terribly. He and Tony are getting along much better. They were even playing in the hall last night. He is going in the crate better also, I think he now realizes he isn't going to be in it for very long. He sleeps in my sons room and is very good. In the morning he is ready to go out and to eat the minute he hears me up. He is a cuddle bug. He seems to be doing well on the new food and appears to finally be putting some much needed weight on. His gas has improved a great deal so the food must agree with him. He likes being in whatever room you are in and he lays quietly and seems content. He is going to make some lucky family very happy and they are going to love him to bits. He really is no problem around the house. He isn't surfing the counters as much either. I let him eat as much as he wants right now and he quits when he is full.

3/12/05 -Macho here, enjoying the easy life. If these two legged animals sit on the floor with me and tell me to sit I am very agreeable and sit right down on their laps. I have a huge yard to play in but I really just go out to do what has to be done and I am right back to the door for more attention. I can eat all the time but they only feed me two or three times a day. I try to sneak up to the other boxers dish but mom won't let me have any. She says it's not good for me, I don't understand it taste good to me. That other boxer is pretty laid back but when he gets near my food or puts a paw on my back I let him know that's not going to happen. Its pretty quick and painless. Ya have ta set the ground rules with these youngens. I have my own bed to sleep on and when possible I try to sleep on that two legged guy in the house. He's pretty comfortable. I love my treats and the company is fun too, they like me and pay a lot of attention to me. I love it. Gotta go see what everyone is eating it smells great.

3/8/05 - What a difference in this boy in just a few short days. He has come to life. He is doing so much better. He now is fine with Tony most of the time. They can be in the same room and unless they both want something there is no problem. He is only in the crate when there isn't anyone home and is okay. He has been getting pasta and vegetables and rice. He ate broccoli and carrots tonight. He would fit in great with a vegetarian home. When I got home from work tonight I don't know who had more wiggles and dances Macho or Tony. He is a good boy and he listens and obeys commands. He must have had some training. When my son got home tonight he was all over him he was so excited. He is feeling much better and will be checked out by the vet on Monday. Right now he is content and napping. He will give anyone all the love they can take and only asked to be pet in return.

3/6/05 - Macho is starting to relax and making himself to home. He still goes out a lot. I am giving him some rice and feed him often. He is good outside the crate. He does stand up on the counters, we are working on that. I have kept him and Tony apart except when Macho goes in the crate. He does not like the crate. He cries. I am sure it reminds him of the kennels. He is wagging his tail today and wanting lovin. He wants to be in the room with you and when he is he is very quiet and content. He has a playful streak and stops when told. I will test him slowly with Tony as he gets used to us. I will make his vet appt. tomorrow.

3/5/05 - Macho has arrived. He is extremely thin. His intro to Tony was after he jumped the baby gate and it did not go well. He does not like the crate but does go in reluctantly. He cried a bit and dug at it but I told him to stop and he did after he talked back to be. At this point I will have to keep he and Tony completely separate. It will be a challenge in this small house and with him jumping over and through the baby gates. I may have to double it upward. He started to mark my kitchen and the minute I said no he stopped and we went outside. He does go to the door to go out. He does have diarrhea. He is walking around sniffing and getting used to his surroundings. He has very nice markings. Once he gets some weight on he will look even better. Will update tomorrow and let everyone know how tonight goes.

From the Shelter - Macho Man is gorgeous! He is about 55-60 pounds. He has a docked tail, cropped ears, and is fawn with lots of white. He seems good with kids, we walked by several at the shelter and his tail was wagging. He does pull on the leash at first, he likes the car and has lots of pep for a five year old. He needs a special diet (no beef or chicken at all), but you can get him vegetable food and treats right at Petsmart! His previous owners say he is good with kids and cats but they just could not deal with his special dietary needs. We are still unsure about other dogs because he was barking when we walked by the others at the kennel, but that could just be because he was confused why he has moved so much in the last week!