Mac the Dog - An Unsung Hero's Story

Renee Nicely is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Lawrence Byron.

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This is the story of an eight-year-old German Shepherd, search and rescue team member in Telford Pennsylvania named Muddy Creek Mac Attack (Mac). Let me tell you a little about this amazing dog and the work that he does. Mac has the extraordinary ability to search for lost people. Mac also has a natural gift to soothe the minds and hearts of both animals and humans alike. As a registered therapy dog, Mac uses his innate calm and loving demeanor to aid all kinds of people and animals who need the gentle care that Mac can provide.

Sadly, Mac's life was almost cut short when he had to be rushed to the emergency vet. There it was found that Mac suffered a spontaneous pneumothorax (air escaping from his lungs into his chest cavity) due to a bullae . With only days to live, it was decided that it was not Mac's time yet. He still has so much to give to the people and animals he loves so much. There was no question that he needed to survive, but it was a financially difficult decision as the bills quickly piled up. What started as a $6,000 decision ended up costing close to $15,000. We are here to ask for your help by donating to this wonderful animal that has given so much and asked for nothing in return.

Mac and his handler were at a family gathering. There was a female dog named Caomihe (above) in attendance. She was deathly afraid of other dogs due to being viciously attacked by another dog months before. Her owners were afraid that they would have to keep Caomihe locked away from the other dogs for the entire weekend. Mac's handler Larry, knowing Mac’s gentleness, stepped up and offered to help the dog overcome her fear. Mac was slowly and carefully introduced to this fearful little dog who soon began to feel safe and comfortable with Mac. In no time they were inseparable. This is only one example of what Mac does; moreover, the conditioning of search and rescue dogs involves intense physical and mental training.

The dedication involved overall is enormous. In addition to weekly practice, the handlers and dogs are on call 24 hours a day seven days a week. Mac's handler Larry Byron, is attached to an app that alerts him when there is a "search call". I've witnessed that app sounding and he and Mac jump into gear and rush off to the site of the call. Quite often the alarm will sound sometimes in the early hours of the morning, only to have the subject found while they are on their way. Yet this doesn't upset them, Larry say's that they would rather be called and not needed, than be called too late.
Mac cooling down after he had a find in Springhouse, PA a few years ago.

Mac's reward after his find! He "invented" the pup cup.

Ready to start a run at search practice.

Equally important is Mac's love for his family and friends. He simply loves children, (Here he is asleep with a team members son, who is also asleep on Mac after a night practice)

and spending time with his papa.

Out of Service (OOS) at the beach.

Suddenly, tragedy struck when Mac stopped eating. X-ray's show that Mac's left lung had collapsed. From the Search and Rescue (SAR) team veterinarian, Mac was rushed to the emergency hospital. There he was stabilized and a plan attack his illness was put together. A CT Scan revealed that Mac had a bullae or bleb on his lung that had to be patched, Consequently, he underwent surgery. The leak that caused his lung to collapse had to be stopped before it ended his life.

Mac on oxygen after chest tubes were installed and suction started, but before the CT Scan.

Mac on medication drip at the hospital the day after surgery.

Ready to leave the hospital for home. So happy to have Mac back!!

Fortunately, the skilled surgeon who operated on Mac was able to remove the affected area of Mac's lung. His prognosis is excellent, and he is expected to be able to continue his valuable work for the community.

I’m asking now that we collectively pay it forward toward Mac's medical bills and help Larry Byron who is equally as loving, kind, and generous as Mac. I was invited to live in the home with Larry and Mac nine months ago and I attest that when I first saw Mac I was petrified to say the least. But within 24 hours I was in love with him. I can’t imagine life without this gentle giant. He has brought so much happiness into my life. When he got sick I thought, "what could I do to help him"? I thought, why not "Go Fund Me"? I would now like to pay it forward to Mac and his handler Larry Byron. They have both done so much for me!

I 'd now like to make a challenge and ask kindly, 15,000 people to help Larry Byron by donating just one dollar to help pay for Mac's hospital bills. If you can give more it’s appreciated. Once the goal is reached, any additional funds will go toward the search and rescue team, of which Mac and Larry are members, to help other team members whose dogs could end up in the same situation. It would be a travesty to have to put down such awesome dogs because surgeries are just so expensive. Please, if Mac has touched your heart like he has mine and so many others I ask again please give as much as you can. It is well appreciated! Thank you!!

Mac after a search run