Mac's Manners

11/05/2024

08/15/2024

In 2018,Taka was badly injured in a
house fire in Martinez, GA. He has deep scars on his
face and back, and large parts of his fur are burned off.
But that doesn't stop him from living a full life.

After Taka recovered, his owner, Chrystal Lesley,
enrolled him for training to become a therapy dog for
burn victims in a local burn center. Even though he is 9
years old, he was accepted.

"I'm very proud of him," she says. "He's a very good dog.'

08/14/2024

"I adopted your dog today.
The one you left in the shelter.
The one you had for 10 years. That you don't want to keep him anymore.
I adopted your dog today.
Did you know he lost weight?
Did
you know he is terrorized and depressed?
And it seems he has lost all trust?
I adopted your dog today.
He had fleas and suffered from winter.
I guess you don't care what state he is in?
They told me you left him.
I adopted your dog today.
Did you have a baby or did you move? You have at once
a developed allergy? Or there was no reason,
why couldn't he stay with you?
I adopted your dog today.
She’s not playing and barely eating.
I think she is very sad and will take time,
before she gets her trust again.
I adopted your dog today.
And here we will love him.
He found his forever family.
And a warm place to relax.
I adopted your dog today.
And I will give him everything: patience, love, and safety.
So he can forget your cowardice. "
Peace Ever.

08/14/2024

She brought a leaf in exchange for my barbecue skewers. As I tended to the sizzling grill, I noticed her standing there—a small, scruffy dog with eyes that held a world of stories. Her fur was matted, and her ribs peeked through, evidence of a life filled with struggle. Yet, despite it all, she had a certain grace about her.

I watched as she observed the bustling crowd around my food cart. People came and went, their hurried footsteps echoing on the pavement. Some stopped to buy my skewers, others simply glanced and moved on. But she stayed, her gaze unwavering.

It was then that I realized she wasn't just hungry for food; she hungered for connection. She studied each customer—their expressions, their interactions, their kindness or lack thereof. And in that moment, I saw her vulnerability. She wasn't just a stray dog; she was a survivor, a silent observer of human behavior.

I decided to offer her a skewer. She hesitated at first, as if unsure whether to trust this unexpected act of kindness. But when she took the meat from my hand, her eyes softened. It was more than a leaf; it was a bridge between two worlds—the world of humans and the world of animals.

From that day on, she became a regular visitor. She'd bring me leaves, twigs, even a flower once. Each offering was her way of saying, 'Thank you.' And in return, I'd give her a skewer, our silent pact unspoken but understood.

As the seasons changed, so did our bond. She'd curl up near my cart, seeking warmth on chilly evenings. Sometimes, she'd nudge my hand, reminding me that she was there. And I'd stroke her head, feeling the rough texture of her fur, knowing that our connection transcended words.

People passing by would smile at our unlikely friendship. Some even snapped photos, capturing the essence of compassion in that simple exchange. But they didn't know the whole story—the nights when she'd disappear, returning with scars from street fights, or the moments when she'd look at me with eyes that held both gratitude and longing.

One day, she didn't show up. I waited, hoping she'd return, but she never did. Perhaps she found a forever home, or maybe she moved on to another corner of the city. Either way, I like to believe that our shared moments made a difference—for her and for me.

So, if you ever pass by my skewer cart and see a leaf tucked among the sizzling meat, know that it's not just a leaf. It's a memory, a lesson, a reminder that even in the simplest gestures, there's a connection waiting to be forged 🌿🐾

08/12/2024

07/20/2024

In the quiet hours of the night, when the house settles into a gentle rhythm, my father finds solace on the sofa bed downstairs. Beside him lies our elderly dog—a loyal friend who has aged gracefully but now faces the limitations of time. The stairs, once a familiar pathway to cozy bedrooms and dreams, have become insurmountable for our faithful companion.

As Dad settles into the cushions, he pats the worn fabric, inviting our canine friend to join him. The dog's eyes, clouded with wisdom and a lifetime of shared moments, meet Dad's gaze. There's an unspoken understanding between them—a silent pact forged over years of companionship. The dog's once-energetic tail now wags gently, as if to say, "I'm here, old friend."

Together, they drift into sleep—the rhythmic breathing of one blending seamlessly with the other. The dog's warmth radiates, providing comfort to Dad's tired bones. Memories flood the room—the days when the dog chased after tennis balls, the laughter echoing through the hallways, and the joy of simple walks in the park. Now, those memories are etched into the fabric of the sofa, woven into the very fibers that cradle them both.

The stairs stand as a silent barrier, separating the upper floor—the realm of dreams and memories—from the cozy refuge below. Our dog, once agile and spry, now struggles with each step. His eyes, still bright with love, watch Dad ascend to his own bed. But the dog remains steadfast, choosing the familiar comfort of the living room over the uncertainty of the climb.

Dad's love knows no bounds. He sacrifices his own restful nights to be near our faithful companion. He listens to the soft snores, the occasional whimper, and the gentle sighs. In return, the dog offers silent gratitude—a nuzzle against Dad's hand, a paw resting on his chest. Their hearts beat in sync, a testament to the enduring bond between man and animal.

And so, in the dim glow of the nightlight, they share their stories. Dad whispers about his youth, his dreams, and the adventures that shaped him. The dog, with eyes half-closed, listens as if understanding every word. Perhaps he does. Perhaps he knows that these moments—the ones spent on the sofa bed—are precious beyond measure.

As dawn approaches, Dad strokes the dog's fur, feeling the rise and fall of each breath. He knows that time is fleeting, that their roles have reversed. He becomes the caregiver, the protector, the one who ensures the dog's comfort. And in this act of compassion, he learns the true meaning of love—a love that transcends words and defies the limitations of aging bodies.
....

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07/08/2024

06/20/2024

06/15/2024

04/02/2024

Dog loyalty ♥️♥️

"Well R***r saved me a hospital trip maybe even my life. He has never bitten me beside playing but today while walking the lake as we always do he became pretty aggressive nipping at me then wrapped my leg and his dew claws really dig in I turned to scold him and he ran around me like trying to avoid me.
I turned to grab him and he had a copper head backed against a log and he tried to k*** him till I got a stick to finish him off. Literally almost filled my eyes with tears knowing he risked his life to save me. I literally sat down with him and held him. This guy is by far my guardian. Best dog ever award goes to this guy. Rather have this cut that the bite from that copperhead any day.
Thankful for my best friend."

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.

Credit: Zackary Pate