MACKENZIE'S STORY

Mackenzie was born in Nova Scotia, Canada on October 19, 1996 and passed away December 28, 2008 in Nokomis, Florida

Mackenzie girl was our little soul mate, our best friend and our wonderful companion.  She was just 7 weeks old when she flew from her homeland to her new home in Franklin, TN.  We were in love with her the moment we saw her.  She was the most adorable little puppy, full of life and boundless energy.  She grew to be a beautiful, special gal and a very important part of our family.  She was like a child.  She truly was a blessing from God.  Even though we wish we had more years with her, we are very thankful for the time we shared.

Kenzie's story began long before her birth.  We were in Canada traveling in the summer of 1994 and stopped at a Welcome Center.  Inside Jim found an interesting brochure on the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as "a Toller" and "The Little River Dog".  As he had never heard of this breed before he found the information very interesting.  The average weight of a Toller is between 38 and 45 pounds.  The breed has great dispositions (they were never known to be cross or ugly), they are playful and the color and confirmation sounded perfect.  The Toller was bred to attract ducks for the duck hunters.  This was accomplished by their playful nature which aroused the ducks curiosity.  The hunters, who were hidden from view, would toss a stick, a ball or a different object and, as if on cue, the Toller would run after it with a vengeance, overrunning it, tossing it in the air before retrieving it.  The ducks were taken with the playful animation of the Toller and as the ducks ventured in closer the hunters were ready to take aim.  The Tollers are powerful swimmers and were bred to retrieve the ducks from land or water.  Even though Jim was not interested in the hunting aspect personally, he found the information intriguing.  When we got back home from traveling we filed the brochure away and it was forgotten for nearly two years. 

In the summer of 1996 we moved to Franklin, TN.  Jim was working at the time and I was lonely and bored.  We hadn't made many new friends except a few from church and acquaintances from work.  It was then we decided we were ready to get a puppy.  We found the brochure on "the Toller" and began our search.  We called the breeder in Canada and "he hoped to have a litter that fall".  We immediately sent in our deposit.  Our only request was a female with white markings. 

We received a call on October 19, 1996 with a message saying a litter of Toller puppies had been born that day and they had "a lively little female".  Sight unseen we said she sounded perfect.

On December 10th our little Toller flew to Nashville,TN. When we arrived at the airport she wasn't there as scheduled. Her flight had been delayed in Pennsylvania and she would be several hours late.  It was a big disappointment but we went out for breakfast and later to a Pets Mart.  We were back at the airport a little early so Jim went in to check the status of her arrival.  Lo and behold she was there.  Later he would tell me she was so precious and tiny and scared to death in her small kennel.  She was shaking so Jim gently took her out and loved and cuddled her for several minutes.  Those few moments alone bound their life together forever.  Jim would be her hero from then on.  A few minutes later Jim brought her to the car and placed her in my arms.  It was love at first sight. 

The name Mackenzie just seemed to suit her so that was the name we chose.  Jim also thought it seemed fitting because of her Canadian birth.  She also became known as "Kenzie" and "Kenzie Girl". 

It was Jim who was to be "the Top Dog" in Mackenzie's eyes (in dog terms - the pecking order).  It stemmed from those first few moments when he took her out of her kennel and held her - the bond was immediate and would never change. As time went on Jim had it figured he was number one in Kenzie's eyes , she was number two and me, well I came in somewhere around third I guess.  As time went on it made little difference as there was plenty of love to share between the three of us.  Even though she was "Daddy's Girl" she would become "my baby" and I doted on her all the time. 

Mackenzie had the most incredible big brown oval eyes that took in everything and everyone around her.  She didn't miss anything.  Her ears were soft and velvet like.  She had deep reddish brown fur that was thick and beautiful and soft too.  Her tail was feathered and regal with a white tip on the end.  She had four white, webbed paws and when she walked she strutted.  She had a beautiful white blaze on her chest and white blaze down her face.  Her nose was brown.  When she opened her mouth she looked like she was smiling.  She had feathering on her legs and on her behind.  Whenever she lay down she would tuck the front right paw underneath her leg.  Another thing she loved was to have her bottom scratched.  She'd practically turn upside down to get someone to do it.  She was indeed a very lively, playful and foxy gal. 

Swimming was not a favorite past time.  We think that developed from a trip to our second home in Nokomis, FL when she was just 9 weeks old.  We had a swimming pool and Mackenzie and I were chasing each other around it.  Jim was cleaning the deck and paying little attention to us.  I got way ahead of Kenzie and when she spied me across the pool, without a thought, she jumped in the water.  Jim and I jumped in after her totally forgetting she was bred to be a powerful swimmer.  Obviously we scared her.  As she grew older she would get in the water at times but didn't want the water to go past her belly.  She would fetch a ball by pawing the water until the ball would float close enough for her to retrieve it.  It was hilarious to watch.

Kenzie housebroke easily and rarely woke us in the early morning hours.  She was highly intelligent and would tip her head to one side or the other as we talked to her about anything and everything.  I believe she understood most of what we said because of her reactions.  I talked to her like a child.  Well, she was a child - our child.

Mackenzie was high spirited and loved to run and take walks.  She loved playing frizbe.  Jim played frizbe with her nearly every day.  This was their game.  She would run like crazy to retrieve it and then bring it back and drop it at Jim's feet.  When she tired of the game, she would lay down in the grass.  Jim would tell her to pick up the frizbe and take it to the barn (it was really our garage he just called it the barn).  Kenzie would get the frizbe and trot off to the garage and drop the frizbe inside.  I loved my playtime with Kenzie too.  We'd play hide and seek in the office upstairs around Jim's huge desk.  When she'd be bored in the motor home I'd throw a toy, rubber bone, etc. and she'd run and fetch it and then immediately bring it back and drop it at my feet.

Mackenzie also loved to play ball - any kind of ball.  One day Jim and our son, Brad, were playing basketball and Kenzie really wanted in the game too.  She kept barking and running around the court trying to get a chance at the ball.  Whenever she got close enough she would jump in the air and hit the ball with her nose, then run and try to get the ball again.  We finally stopped her for fear it might break or hurt her nose.  When she wasn't in the game she had this cry-bark until we finally had to move her so she couldn't see or hear the ball bouncing. 

She knew well over 100 words and phrases. I talked to Kenzie all the time and because of this became very aware of her wants and needs and what she was trying to tell us when she barked.   She never barked just to be barking.  When she barked we'd ask her what she wanted and then say "Show me".  She would react accordingly.  It may be to the refrigerator for a treat, to the sink for water, to her bowl for food, or to the door for a potty break.  If you asked her to give you her paw she immediately did it.  Then we'd say other paw and she'd give you the other paw too.  After a bath I'd tell her to shake and she would shake.  She knew all the sit, down, stop, stay and heel commands too.  Whenever her leash got tangled between her legs, she simply learned to step over it, never missing a step.  If we came to a post or a tree she would deliberately walk on our side to keep from getting tangled up.  Kenzie and I were buddies (on her terms) but Jim was always TOP DOG and number one in her eyes.  It was just the way it was........

Mackenzie's hallmark "Claim to Fame" accomplishment was the ability to count.  YES, we did say count.  She was a quick learner.  Jim got tired of us playing around in the car when traveling mainly because I'd get Kenzie overly excited.  Kenzie always wanted to sit on Daddy's lap (no matter how big she got) and sometimes I wanted her to sit on mine.  She would lightly nip on my fingers at times as if to say "girl, you are not in control here - it's my way or no way".  I'd ask Jim to make her stop, come on make her stop.  It got to be a joke.  Jim would come back with "okay am I going to have to put one of you in the back seat?"  About that time Jim came up with the idea that I could teach Kenzie something constructive (basically he wanted me to stop complaining).  Within four hours Kenzie was counting.  I began with holding up one finger and she would bark once. I proceeded on with two fingers, three fingers, four fingers and finally five. She learned quickly, Then we started saying the word one and she counted correctly to the number five. The numbers didn't have to be consecutive, they could be random and she still got them right. Treats and high praises worked wonders. From that day on she rarely missed.  She could count higher however not everyone appreciates a barking dog.  Whenever we were out somewhere Jim would proudly tell people about Kenzie's ability to count.  She would count for anyone however she did expect a reward afterwards.  Whenever Mackenzie was at Dr. Bernander's office the staff loved to have her count and of course she willingly obliged.  She knew they gave good treats and was eager to perform.  She counted for us 2 days before she passed away,

We bought a motor home when Mackenzie was just 4 years old.  We always joked and said we bought the motor home for her (actually that was partly true because we didn't want to travel without her).  The day we bought the coach it started to rain.  We were traveling down the interstate when Jim turned the wipers on.  Kenzie was startled and jumped on the dash and tried to chase the wipers, running in front of Jim as he's driving.  We had a couple of very alarming moments until I could grab her and get her down.  She was very inquisitive and alert, wanting to see out.  Next she jumped up on the passenger seat and plopped herself down over the entire seat.  I didn't mind if she was there, I simply wanted her to share the seat.  Since she wouldn't share I made her get down.  But then I felt badly for her so Jim suggested getting a kitchen chair and putting between us.  I brought up one for her to sit on and she immediately jumped up and sat down - happy as a lark to be close to her Daddy and also be able to see out the front window.  That night we put the chair back at the table.  The next day we started down the road again and all of a sudden Mackenzie was beside me barking like crazy.  I asked her what she wanted and said "show me".  She immediately walked back to the chair and barked until I brought it up front for her to sit on.  After that trip I let her sit on the passenger seat most of the time and I would sit on one of the couches.  When I did sit up front however Mackenzie learned to share the seat with me. 

Mackenzie loved to travel and became one of the most traveled dogs ever.  She had been in 49 out of our 50 states as well as several provinces in Canada.  She didn't have accidents - she always told us when she needed a potty break.  We had "code words" for her breaks and she did what she needed to do.  We have many wonderful photos of our trips together.  One photo in particular tells a great story of how Mackenzie viewed her Daddy. We were traveling in California and stopped along the roadside.  Jim and Kenzie got out of the coach and went over by a fence to look at the beautiful scenery beyond.  When I look over Jim is standing up with both his hands on the fence and Mackenzie is "standing up on her hind legs with both paws on the fence too".  Both are gazing in the same direction.  It was a photogenic moment and a precious memory of "the way things were" between them".  Where Daddy went, Kenzie followed. What Daddy did, Kenzie wanted to do.

When Kenzie was younger our granddaughter, Jillian, would come to visit us for 10 days each summer.  Jillian loved Mackenzie and would not leave her alone for a minute.  She wanted to lay with her, to hug her and most especially to walk her (she could do this for hours on end).  Jillian was just 18 months on the first trip to see us and much too young to walk Kenzie outside.  Watching them on their walks through the house was precious - Jillian was always in the lead and she would have Kenzie by the leash trying to tug her saying over and over again; "come Kenzie, come Kenzie".  We watched closely to make sure Kenzie didn't take off running however she was fine.

Mackenzie wasn't perfect - she had her little quirks and could be a little stinker at times too.  She loved to get into purses and see what goodies she could nab.  One time she got into my purse and ate a bunch of cough drops.  This proved to be very ugly as it caused havoc in her belly (and, unfortunately a very nasty mess for us).  She got into my friend, Darla's purse one day too and "the little beggar" ate some gum and started to chew into a film container that contained medicine.  Thankfully we caught her before she destroyed the container and ate the pills. 

We both enjoyed our different roles in taking care of Kenzie.  Jim did most of the feeding and medicines and also trimmed her claws.  I bathed her, cleaned her teeth and ears, trimmed her fur, and brushed her.  It was hilarious to watch her reaction when she saw me coming with the scissors or tools for cleaning her teeth, the shampoo or even q-tips.  She'd run in the other direction and try to hide or cover her head with her paws. 

Mackenzie was a voracious eater.  She considered all food hers - if she could reach it.  She was there beside me whenever I was cooking, hoping a morsel or two would drop.  And, she was quick!!  Whatever dropped would be snatched up quick as a wink.  She could frisk a hot dog out of your hand so fast without ever touching a finger.  She could grab a filet mignon off a table so quick and have it down in a gulp or two, no matter how hot or how large the steak.  She knew better of course but the temptation was just too great.  Her theory seemed to be "grab and swallow quickly" (and run if you must).  We were slow learners when it came to her eating habits but eventually we started placing the food in the center of the table - far from her reach.  Each year her birthday was celebrated with a special treat - a cupcake and or ice cream.  I was a sucker for giving her extra treats - all she had to do was look up with those big beautiful brown eyes (and the little beggar had us).

Over the years Mackenzie ate numerous things that definitely weren't good for her belly.  We tried to keep things up and away out of her reach but she kept surprising us with what she could get into.  In her defense, though, we were very thankful she didn't eat furniture, shoes, clothing or other expensive items.  But she did manage to eat some things that were not edible such as: the top of a glass bottle, the side of a glass jar that contained apple slices (she licked the inside of the jar clean), some small paint tubes, fake greenery with berries, some decorative candlesticks, and chewing gum with Xylitol.  Her Dr, called Poison Control on the gum incident because it could be toxic to the liver - that little incident alone cost $500.00 in vet bills, including the all night stay at the Pet Emergency Treatment Center.  She ate a few other things that were NON EDIBLE but the above items topped the list of most hazardous to her health.  At times we wondered if she had an iron gut!

As a puppy she was very powerful chewer.  We'd buy these adorable toys and they'd be ripped to shreds next day.  She wouldn't chew on the bones slowly - she would bite a chunk off and swallow whole so we had do stop giving her those things too.  We'd buy flavored rubber bones which would be okay for a short time and then she would refuse to touch them.  It was difficult finding a suitable dog food that didn't cause hot spots on her skin.  We tried every top of the line dog food on the market and after allergy testing found she needed to be on an Ultra Allergen Free Dog Food (prescription only)  She ate fresh green beans, carrots and yogurt as a daily supplement to her diet. These were treats - she loved them!

The first veterinarian to care for her was Dr. Bernander in Franklin, TN.  He treated Mackenzie well, very caring and kind to her, and we trusted his judgment.  He would become her lifelong doctor.  When Mackenzie was about 8 months old we found a small lump on her tail. It was quite small but Dr. Bernander said to watch it for any changes.  Over the years several biopsies were taken.  The results were always the same - it was a fatty tumor - benign.  At Every Dr. appointment wherever we traveled other veterinarians would check this lump and say the same thing - leave it alone - something like that rarely causes a problem.  When she was about 8 years old the lump changed significantly.  Surgery was no longer an option it was a necessity.  Dr. Bernander removed the lump and was alarmed to see it had traveled down the bony part of her tail.  After removing the tumor he hoped he had clean margins and sent it to Pathology to be sure.  We were on a trip out west when we got the report back - it was not good.  It was a mass cell (a skin cancer) and he did not get clean margins because of location.  The cancer could spread.  We were within 10 miles of The Colorado State University Veterinarian Teaching Hospital so the next day we drove there.  We were seen immediately on Monday morning, tests and X-rays were taken on Tuesday and on Wednesday Mackenzie had her tail removed.  We knew the team of doctors had saved her life and we were assured she could live just fine without her tail.

However, seeing Kenzie for the first time without her tail was heart breaking.  We stayed at a campground close to the hospital for two weeks to make sure nothing would go wrong.  She healed in good time, she adjusted well and she continued to wiggle her bottom as if she had her tail.  We were told before we left the hospital however that we would have to check Kenzie's skin weekly for any new mass cells that may appear.  Once found they should be removed immediately.

During the next four years we faithfully checked her skin.  Mackenzie would have 19 surgeries plus a few minor skin procedures during this time. She had very thick fur (actually two layers) so it wasn't easy to find all the mass cells.  Several times we had her shaved to be sure we were catching everything.  We felt bad when we had to do this so I would buy her little outfits to wear.  I didn't want her to feel nude and we wanted to keep her warm in the cooler weather.  I bought her children's clothes because I couldn't find doggie outfits that fit well (or that I liked). Kenzie didn't seem to mind wearing the clothes.  She was a very strong, determined dog and had the will and passion to live.  She bounced back within a day or two after each surgery.  She was such a trooper.

When we first found out Mackenzie had mass cell disease Jim did research after research to find something that could cure this awful disease or at least put it in remission.  He ordered all kinds of specialty vitamins and herbs for canine cancer immunity.  She was on this protocol for about 4 years.  We were referred to several specialists during this time as well.

Several years ago Dr. Bernander told us if Mackenzie had lived in most any other home she would not have lived near as well or near as long.  He also said there may come a time when we miss some of the cancer signs - it just happens and it would be no fault of ours.  He didn't want us to be hard on ourselves or question what we had done because we had tried our best to make Kenzie well.  He also said if he felt at any time Kenzie was in pain or the surgeries were no longer working he would let us know and together we could make a decision what to do. However during that time it didn't seem to be an issue because she did so well after the surgeries and was a happy girl. 

We should explain not every lump or red spot would be a mass cell - some were simply fatty benign tumors or hot spots.  However, because of Kenzie's mass cell history, it was necessary for us to stay on top of every abnormal looking place on her.  Several times Dr. Bernander and his great assistant, Jennifer, would find additional mass cells during surgery that none of us knew were there. 

In 2008 we were wintering in Florida and were referred to Dr. Heidi Ward, an Oncology Veterinarian in Sarasota.  She was concerned because Mackenzie was getting older and the mass cells kept popping up more and more frequently.  No sooner would one surgery be over and we would find more spots or lumps on her (at times it was just a week or two later).  She felt Mackenzie was strong and could tolerate Chemo just fine.  Plus it could very well keep the cancer at bay and hopefully increase her life span.  We began the treatment in late February.  Mackenzie would take a Chemo pill every 3 weeks for a total of 6 months.  Dr. Ward also referred us to a Homeopathic Doctor in Sarasota.  He put Kenzie on additional natural herbs and vitamins to help keep her immune system built up during the Chemo treatment.  We also had to have her blood checked every 3 weeks to make sure the Chemo was not harming the liver. 

We traveled all summer and had the blood work done on schedule.  Everything seemed fine.  We were feeling really great about Kenzie's health.  She hadn't had a surgery for 10 months.  That was good news - we thought.  In retrospect it was the calm before the storm. 

Kenzie became ill in late October and after much testing by Dr. Linda Holste, Internal Medicine, we found the mass cells had invaded some of her vital organs.  It was decided Kenzie should go on a different kind of Chemo.  She seemed to tolerate the treatments just fine.  We were back in Florida in mid December 2008.  On December 22nd she became ill again and we called Dr. Ward in Sarasota.  She saw Mackenzie that day and said prognosis didn't look good.    However she decided to give her some fluids (called saddle bags) and sent her home with us.  She got better and we were thrilled. We returned to Dr. Ward's office on Dec. 26th and Dr, Ward was surprised but pleased to see how well Kenzie looked and acted. On the 27th Kenzie was a bit slower and a little lazy but we'd gone through this before and thought it was a temporary set back. However on Sunday the 28th things got worse over the course of the day. She'd had cancer for nearly 5 years.  Even with all the surgeries, she beat the odds over and over again. She was still trying to walk less than 2 hours before she died - she was trying to go outside to potty. We knew at 10:00 our time was running out - this time she would not make it.  We held her and loved her up to the end.  We told her it was okay to go - Mama and Daddy would be okay.  Within minutes she was gone.  Mackenzie girl thanks for the memories - we'll never forget you!

Mackenzie passed away at 11:30 p.m.

In memory of Mackenzie,friends and acquaintances gathered on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. behind the swimming pool area at the Royal Coachmen RV Resort. Together we thanked God for the love and joy our departed loved ones, both human and animal, shared with us. Dozens of pink and white Helium balloons werel released with names of departed loved ones.

We would like to thank Kenzie's long time friend and Veterinarian, Dr. Dave Bernander (Franklin, TN).  You took very good care of our girl for the past 12 years.  We thank you not only for your compassion for Kenzie but also to us.  You and your staff were always incredibly generous with your time as well as your kindness and quality care showed Kenzie whenever she was at the clinic.  With your help we believe Kenzie lived a longer and happier life.

We would also like to thank Dr. Jocelyn Allen, with the Pet Emergency Treatment Center (Brentwood, TN).  Your compassion and gentle care of Mackenzie each time we came in was very much appreciated.  Thanks for caring. 

We would also like to thank Dr. Heidi Ward and her staff for their dedication in trying whatever was possible to help Mackenzie live a longer life.  Thanks, too, Dr. Ward, for calling us and sharing your thoughts and insight about Mackenzie's last hours.  Those kind words and your time meant a great deal to us.

We would also like to thank Dr. Holste and staff for their dedication in trying to help Mackenzie the last few months of her life.  Thanks for the great care and trying to help our girl.  Debby, thanks so much for your compassion and sharing words of wisdom with me when I phoned to tell you Mackenzie had passed away.  Your kind words helped ease some pain that day.

We would also like to thank the team of doctors at Colorado State University Veterinarian Teaching Hospital in Ft. Collins, Colorado.  Two surgeries had been performed there and each time Mackenzie received wonderful and quality care by several different physicians. 

And a very special thank you to all our family and friends for the many phone calls, the visits to our home, the cards, e-mails and flowers.  Your heartfelt sympathy in our deep loss means more to us than words can say.  From the bottom of our heart, thank you.......