I however fell in love with this block headed girl the moment I laid eyes on her. I've always adored and worked with large breed working dogs and knew I could give Mako a far better life than the one facing her were she was. She was fearful, unsocialized, anxious, and aggressive in a number of respects. Behaviours that would have led to her certain death in a shelter. Yet all of this was due to her lacking in care from her previous owner. This was not her fault and killing her was not the answer. Anyone having owned an American Bulldog (or any dog!) knows what fabulous family dogs they make when raised in a loving home, with proper boundaries and exercise. Sadly Mako had none of these things, that is until she entered into my home and care.
Mako has made tremendous strides and overcome a great many issues. My daughter and I work with Mako daily, and have gained her love and trust through a long laborious process. But it is a labour of love. We do love her so very much. It took us a great deal of time and patience to have Mako accept the other dog in our home as pack, but we did it! We taught her to eat from our hands as she had severe bowl/food aggression; and we've overcome that too! Mako has worked with a behaviourist, in further efforts to allow her to relax and just enjoy being a beloved pet. Once again she had made great strides!
To my complete shock and utter sadness a week ago Mako's forward momentum into being a happy dog seemed to be regressing. With no outside changes in our home, or the constant care we provide for her we are now having to face the reality that this regression into antisocial and anxious behaviours is something more physical. Mako has been failed by too many humans in the past, I cannot fail her as they have.
While she trusts myself primarily, she is not trusting of other humans. This includes the vet and vetting staff. As such Mako must be given strong sedatives and muzzled before we can even get her into the vets to ensure everyone's safety. I am extremely realistic about her limitations and always take every precaution necessary to protect everyone who must interact with Mako. Just as I cannot fail Mako, I will not fail my fellow humans by allowing her to cause harm to another.
Mako and I have bonded. She knows and accepts my love and leadership, trusting that I will do her no harm. Through that trust, I know of her love for me. There are no external sources for Mako's regressing behaviour so I must now do what we continually dread, taking her in for numerous tests at the vets.
I have already taken steps to aid in this by taking a job which allows me to work night shifts, so that I may be home with Mako during the day while she is at her most alert. Doing so allows me to work more with her during the day and keep her on a routine that gives her consistency and structure, as we try to assess with the aid of the vet just what is going on. Our biggest fears are that it is something neurological or tumor-wise. As my suspicions mount in that direction I am preparing for the long and costly battle ahead, which is why I am reaching out to you... The last time I went through this with a beloved pet my costs ran upwards of 15,000 dollars. I am prepared to take on the majority of those costs but know I will also now require some help from others as well.
It would mean the world to both Mako and I if you could find it in your hearts to help us give her the fighting chance at just being a beloved happy family member as she was born to be.
Any funds not used in Mako's vet care will go towards the rescue and rehabilitation of another deserving furry soul, be it by me or through another organization. For I firmly believe in doing my all until all the cages are empty. And what an amazing day that will be for human and animal alike.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you!
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