Who's a good boy, who's a good boy? In our world, there's no better boy than our white Golden Retriever, McKinley. "Mac," has given us nearly eleven years of companionship and joy.
He has a sweet and sensitive disposition, but can be very peristant when he wants something. Like a favored visitor's attention( Alexandra), or his evening treat, sweet potato bites.
Big goofy grins and enthusiasm are hallmark traits of Golden Retrievers. Mac certainly exhibits both of these. However, like most well-loved pets, his total devotion to us is evident in all he does.
Golden Retrievers, regardless of their color, have a life expectancy between 10 to 12 years. We try to not think about Mac as a senior, but in reality he is getting older. We notice the small reminders.
We have managed his hip dysplasia through the years with diet and exercise, but lately, he's beginning to struggle getting up from a prone position. Gentle massages, and per his vet, a loss of a few pounds will help.
Mac's gained weight in the past few months. Dogs with any kind of joint issues should be kept on the lean side. We are cutting back the volume of his food by about 20% and giving him fewer sweet potato bites. Like most of us, he's not thrilled with the idea of dieting.
Our pets have a way of taking up huge spaces in our hearts. Mac is no exception. Many of you met him via our videos. He certainly has star power. Good genetics and his white fur, which hides that tell-tale white muzzle on older dogs, keep him looking far younger than his years.
We can't imagine our world without Mac. He is simply an extraordinary creature and we are so lucky to have found him. Each day, we are grateful for every moment we get to spend with amazing McKinley.
This is an entry into The November 2019 Thanksgiving Gratitude Challenge. Thanks Debe Maxwell, CRS and Margaret Rome, Baltimore Maryland.
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