The Adventures of Sparky McGee

Sparky McGee was one of the most incredible and spirited dogs we’ve ever met. This is the story of his adventures for the short time he was with us. We miss him terribly.

Sparky McGee is gone...

It was very sudden, either a heart attack or a stroke, the vet wasn't sure which. He had been fine all day and then late that night he had a spasm and fell down. I knew something was very wrong and scooped him up. Moments later he died in my arms as I was telling him he was a very good boy and that we loved him very much.

Sparky had a great last day, there had been plenty of tennis ball retrieving, snuggling with John on the couch, playing keep-away with BeBe and even extra dog treats. We had been to vet that day and the vet had exclaimed over how well he was doing. Sparky enjoyed the vet visit. He loved meeting new people and getting MORE dog treats! We were very happy.

Even though his health was always precarious, Sparky’s sudden death was a shock and we miss him terribly. He has left a large hole in our lives; he was such a force of energy in our house. We keep looking around, expecting him to dash through the doorway with a tennis ball in his mouth and come up to us for pets and his ever present questions--I love you! Do you love me? I love you! Do you love me?

Thank you so much for sending out his message to your friends. Through your efforts the Sparky McGee Medical Fund has received many donations and still continues to get more. Which is good, because even though Sparky is gone, the bills are still here. :-(

Fran, John and Marcel

Spotlight on Sparky from the LOVE OF DOG BAKERY!

Love of Dog Bakery has made Sparky their charity of the month for February. They are a locally owned bakery specializing in homemade dog bones for your dogs. We received some as holiday gifts and our guys absolutely loved the special creations!

Love of Dog Bakery is committed to helping animals in need. That's why 5% of all sales made each month are donated to a local or national charity to benefit animals. Their philosophy is that any amount, no matter how large or small, can make a great difference in the life of a needy animal and the good work these organizations accomplish every day.

We encourage all of Sparky's friends to check out the amazing gourmet treats baked for the Love of Dog! Check out "Sparky's Favorite Links" for their website.


How we came to know Sparky McGee

We met Sparky McGee in October. The Humane Society of Dorchester County had rescued him from death due to starvation, but they knew that he needed more time and attention than their shelter could provide, and they asked us to foster him.

Physically he was just a heap of skin and bones, but he had a lively grin, boundless energy, and a longing for tennis balls.


Sparky at 45 pounds
Marcel, John and Fran have helped Sparky McGee gain 15 pounds (about 10 more to go!) and cared for him through a whole series of medical problems. We’ve taught him to eat more slowly, to go up stairs, and to sit still for kisses. He’s taught us that love and devotion can come in the most unlikely packages.

In his foster mom's lap
Through all of his medical problems he’s been patient and happy and goofy and grateful for every hug, dog treat or tennis ball that comes his way. He's a good boy!

So, we’re doing all that we can. We monitor him closely and kiss him and love him very much. We know that every day that we have with Sparky is a gift and that we are truly lucky to have him with us.

(By the way, Sparky is available for retrieving any hard to reach tennis balls that may have gotten away.)

Friday, December 28, 2007

The photo shoot

Just before Christmas we decided to get some professional photos taken of Sparky. Local pet photographer Bryan Sirotkin had come over to take photos for our yearly Christmas card and we asked him to take some formal pictures of Sparky, too.

We had just come from a very difficult vet visit. That day the vet was very pessimistic about whether Sparky would make it to see 2008. Sparky had had his abdomen drained for the first time and had a large section of fur shaved off his belly. He was a little unsteady on his feet.

Sparky didn't think much of the photo shoot process. Uncharacteristically, he didn't want to meet Brian. He didn't even want a snack. He just wanted to stay in his foster mom's lap. We tried all sorts of things to distract him, but nothing worked. I tried pushing him out of my lap and propping him up in a sitting position, but he just fell over and snuggled back into my lap. Then finally, Brian started to get his attention.


"Are you talking to me?"



"What? A squeaky toy? Nah, I'm not really intereste..."


"Wait a minute...that's not a squeaky toy...it's a TENNIS BALL!"



"I'll do anything for a tennis ball!

I'll sit pretty and pose and everything.

Can I have it now? Please, please, PLEASE?"


And so we got the perfect portrait shot. Thanks Bryan!

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