Help Save Mackey

When I was little, I remember watching the movie Beethoven for the first time. That dog…there was something about that dog. When Beethoven 2 came out, there was no question what I wanted for Christmas. Now, I didn’t get a real one, but I got the whole Beethoven family as stuffed animals. My parents probably still have them at their house somewhere lol.

Fast forward to April 9, 2019. I got my “DREAM DOG.” We drove almost 3 hours each way to go get him. He sat in my lap the entire ride home. I was on cloud 9. Little did I know how much work comes with owning a Saint Bernard lol (and yes, I did my research). The slobber, the hair, the food, the poop- but it’s all worth it . I got a best friend out of it.

Some people say that they’re just dogs, but my dogs are family. And Mack is young, and healthy (besides his eyes), and has so much more life to live, and love to give. Everyone that has met him falls in love with him. He’s a gentle giant. So with that being said, I have made the decision to save my friend.

Mack was recently diagnosed with Glaucoma. And unfortunately, there are not too many options for treatment. The pressure in his eyes causes major migraines and pain. Right now we are somewhat stabilizing it with eye drops and medication, but that treatment is only temporary. Our only options are:

1. do fancy, expensive laser treatment, which will still cause him to go blind in 6-12 months. This surgery is over 15k

2. remove his eyes to remove the pain, but have him live a normal life adjusting to being an even more special boy by being blind

3. Euthanasia

I have talked with numerous vets, friends, family, and more agree that #2 is the best option for my friend. All of these decisions suck, and I know it won’t be easy, but he’s already adjusting to going blind, it’s the pain part that’s the problem.

The surgery to remove the eyes will cost somewhere around $3,500. Anyone that knows me knows I am way too stubborn to ever ask for help. But, if it helps me with saving my big boy and letting him live out his life, then I am more than willing to put my pride aside. Our vet bills have already totaled close to $1500 the past week. Any little bit helps! I can’t ever thank you all for being so supportive in this journey, and convincing me to do this. I love you, Mackey Wonder! ❤️