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.
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.
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.)
When he came to us, Sparky McGee was dangerously thin and our most important task was to feed Sparky, to beef him up so he would survive the caustic heart worm treatment. The vet had advised an expensive fish and potato dog food (which is stinky coming and going). The food is designed for dogs with nutrition absorption problems and Sparky fit the bill.
Coming from a life on the streets, Sparky had learned to choke food down as fast as he could. Marcel had to patiently divide Sparky's daily food allotment into four servings. Each of the four feeding times required constant supervision--constant interventions to get Sparky to SLOW DOWN.
Marcel had to stay by his side at every meal or Sparky would eat so fast he'd throw up. They settled into a feeding routine:
1. Food would be placed in front of Sparky.
2. Sparky would attempt to inhale the food.
3. Marcel would slowly lift the bowl over Sparky's head.
4. Sparky would manage to gag down the food in his mouth.
5. The bowl would be returned to earth.
Marcel needed to stay by Sparky's side and be the "Bowl Elevator" 5 or 6 times with every feeding.
It took several weeks for Sparky to realize that food was plentiful here.
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