The Dog They Called Macy

Macy, a young German shepherd, was one of those dogs. Emaciated and barely hanging on, she was left in the shelter’s night drop in the dead of night. Her bones jutted through her skin, her fur was coated in dirt and feces, and the color had drained from her once-lustrous coat. Yet, when I first approached her kennel the following morning, she didn’t growl or shrink away. Instead, she trembled, clearly afraid, yet desperate to connect.

A Cry for Connection

Her behavior was a blend of desperation and submission. She paced, whimpered, cowered—but always stayed close. Eventually, she came near, leaned into my chest, and tucked her nose under my chin. She cried. Not just a whimper, but a human-like sob, as though she was releasing months of fear, hunger, and loneliness all at once.

A Long Road to Recovery

The medical team noted she weighed just 42 pounds—barely half what a healthy shepherd her size should weigh. Her teeth were worn and broken, her ears chewed by flies, and she had sores and scars all over her body. She was in rough shape, but still had the strength to try.

Once cleared from her mandatory hold, we took Macy to a veterinary facility in Norco, California. There, she received fluids, small meals, and a peaceful space to rest. Within days, she gained seven pounds. She passed what appeared to be a peach pit—an indication of just how desperate her scavenging had been. Thankfully, it passed naturally, avoiding surgery.

Macy remained under professional care for nearly two months, slowly rebuilding her strength, trust, and sense of safety. As she healed physically, her emotional recovery began. She had no idea how to behave like a dog. She lunged on leash, nipped at treats, and didn’t know how to interact with other dogs. Trainers stepped in to help build her confidence and teach her basic skills.

From Shelter Dog to Family Member

By January, she had doubled her weight. Her health stabilized. Her coat regained some shine. But emotionally, Macy was still learning. She wasn’t ready for just any home.

Around that time, I spotted a comment left on one of Macy’s original YouTube videos—a message from a retired vet tech in Arizona named Sherri. She had followed Macy’s story and felt a connection. She offered to adopt her, explaining that she had experience with special-needs dogs and could provide the time, love, and care Macy would need. After a few phone calls and a halfway meeting in a quiet ballpark, it was clear—this was the match we had been hoping for.

Macy, now renamed Lucy, lives happily with Sherri in Arizona. She runs by the pool, lounges in the sun, and finally knows safety. The transformation has been nothing short of incredible—a true before-and-after story of resilience.

The Dog Who Chose Love

Her story is a reminder: no matter how dark the past, every dog deserves the chance to feel loved. And sometimes, it just takes one person to say, “I’ve got you. We’re going to get through this together.”

Want more stories like Macy’s? Dive into Sitting With Dogs book and discover the dogs—and the moments—that change us. 📖🐾

“Macy’s condition was shocking, but even more incredible was her gentle spirit and determination to survive,” Rocky shared. “The moment I met her, despite her hardships, she was all about giving love and finding comfort in human touch.”

Abandoned in Night Drop

Macy’s journey from a precarious state of health to finding her forever home was fraught with challenges. She was discovered through a night drop at the shelter, a system that allows animals to be safely left for care outside of operating hours. Initially, Macy’s future was uncertain—malnourishment had taken a severe toll on her body, and her recovery was far from guaranteed.

She Was Emaciated

“Her bones were almost protruding through her skin, and she was incredibly weak. We didn’t know if she would make it, but I saw that glimmer of hope in her eyes,” Kanaka explained. The community rallied around Macy, with donations and support pouring in to aid her recovery.

Rocky documented each step of Macy’s rehabilitation, from her first nutritious meal and medical treatments to her emotional and physical recuperation. Viewers of his channel were particularly touched by moments like when Macy, during a quiet moment of connection, gently placed her paw on Rocky’s knee, an action that seemed to express her gratitude and trust.

“It’s moments like these that remind me why we do what we do. When Macy put her paw on my knee, it was as if she was saying thank you. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about her recovery and trust,” Rocky recalled with emotion.

Macy Rescued from The Shelter

In a pivotal turn of events filled with emotion, Rocky Kanaka decided to adopt Macy, who had captured his heart through her resilience and gentle spirit. Despite the myriad of challenges she faced, including severe malnutrition and health issues, Rocky saw a fighter who deserved a chance at a better life.

“Adopting Macy wasn’t just a decision, it was a commitment to her, to ensure that she would never have to endure hardship again,” Rocky expressed. The adoption process was both a formal and deeply personal act, signifying Rocky’s dedication to not just rescuing Macy, but also providing her with a permanent safe haven. As he signed the adoption papers, Rocky felt a profound sense of responsibility and joy, knowing that this was the beginning of a new chapter for Macy, one filled with hope and the promise of unconditional love.

Macy Heals in Boarding

Macy’s stay at the boarding facility was a critical phase in her recovery, serving both as a sanctuary and a place for her to receive constant medical attention and care. Under the watchful eyes of the staff, Macy began to slowly rebuild her strength and health.

“It was amazing to see her starting to trust again, to see her tail wag a little when one of the staff members came close,” Rocky shared. The facility provided her with a structured environment where she could receive the nutrition and care she desperately needed while also giving her space to heal both physically and mentally.

During this time, Macy showed signs of her emerging personality, often gently placing her paw on the knee of a caregiver during quiet moments, seeking comfort and connection. This simple act was a heartwarming testament to her recovery and her readiness to embrace a hopeful future.

She Gained 20 Pounds!

When Macy arrived at the boarding facility, she was in a fragile state, both emaciated and weak, her coat dull and her eyes lacking the spark of life. “Every little milestone felt like a victory,” Rocky noted, reflecting on the initial weeks. As she started to respond to the consistent care, Macy began to gain weight gradually. Initially weighing only 55 pounds, she gained a remarkable 20 pounds over her stay.

The staff also monitored her for any underlying health issues, ensuring that her recovery was on the right track. This period was crucial, as it not only stabilized her physical health but also prepared her for a future adoption, turning her story of sorrow into one of hope.

Here’s How Macy Got Healthy:

🥰  Vet-assisted rehab and managed feedings at Animal Care Services, Norco, CA.

🐢Utilized a slow feeder to moderate Macy’s fast eating.

🦷 Dental health, now corrected with root canal.

🥩 Introduced a high-quality, human-grade diet from Sunday’s for Dogs, enhancing her weight and overall health.

A Chance at a Forever Home

One of the pivotal moments in Macy’s journey was her first interaction with a potential adoptive family. The anticipation was palpable, as Rocky hoped for a perfect match. “Introducing her to her potential new family was nerve-wracking. We all wanted so much for her to find her forever home,” Rocky said. Although the first meeting did not go as planned, it was a learning experience that helped refine the search for the right family.

Finally, the perfect match was found, and the connection between Macy and her new owner was instant and heartwarming. “Seeing them together, how she immediately warmed up to her new mom, it was all worth it. It was love at first sight, and I knew she was going to be cherished,” Rocky shared, reflecting on the successful adoption.

A Story of 2nd Chances

Rocky Kanaka’s dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs like Macy not only changes the lives of these animals but also inspires a community of pet lovers to advocate for animal welfare.

“Macy’s journey from the brink back to health, and finally to a loving home, really embodies the spirit of second chances. It’s a testament to the power of community and compassion in transforming lives,” Rocky concluded, hopeful that Macy’s story would encourage more people to consider rescuing animals in need.

We had LOTS of Questions!

• How do veterinary dentists perform dog root canals?
• What is the difference between a dog tooth extraction VS root canal
• how do you know which procedure your dog needs?
• How much would a dog root canal cost
• What would life look like for this dog after having her broken teeth repaired? 

If your dog needs dental work done and you’ve got questions about root canal therapy for canines, you’ve found the right place! Here’s what you need to know to get your dog the right care. 

What is Dog Root Canal Therapy? 

Teeth have long roots that extend into the gums. The term “root canal” refers to the center of the root of the tooth where nerve tissue and blood vessels are stored. This soft tissue is called “pulp” and helps to deliver nutrients to the tooth that support immunity, sensory function, dental strength, etc. 

Root canal therapy is a procedure that involves entering the tooth through the crown (top) and removing infected or damaged pulp and surrounding tissue. The empty “canal” is then cleaned and filled with artificial tooth material. 

Although removing the pulp from the tooth means the tooth is no longer alive, root canal therapy allows your dog to retain normal function of that tooth. The therapy restores tooth structure and essentially rebuilds your dog’s tooth from the inside out. 

Does My Dog Need a Root Canal? 

Dogs can cause dental damage and fracture teeth by doing everyday things like chewing, biting, or simply through natural dental decay. If your dog has any broken teeth, it’s best to talk to a veterinary dentist immediately and discuss root canal therapy. 

Broken, cracked, or fractured teeth can leave the sensitive tooth pulp exposed to bacteria and possible infection. Not only can your dog lose its teeth, but dental injuries and broken teeth can be very painful. With early detection and root canal, tooth retention is high among dogs who receive this treatment. 

Dog Tooth Extraction vs Root Canal: Benefits & Considerations

Root canal therapy is considered the best option to treat broken and fractured teeth by most veterinary dentists, but there are other treatments available. The most common alternative to dog root canal is canine tooth extraction which involves completely removing the tooth from the root and stitching the gum closed or placing a dental implant. 

So, which option should you choose for your dog? 

Root Canal Therapy for Dogs

In general, root canal therapy is the gold standard for treating broken teeth in dogs. This procedure gives the dog the most comfortable resolution and allows them to retain their natural teeth. Dogs who have this procedure have a very high success rate, and chances of reinjury can be significantly lowered by applying canine dental crowns.  

The biggest drawback is the cost of dog root canal therapy. A single tooth may cost upward of $1,500 to $3,000, and this price can be even higher if you choose to give your dog crown tooth caps. 

Tooth Extraction

In some cases, preservation of the tooth may not be possible, or the high cost of root canal therapy may make tooth extraction the only option. Once the tooth has been extracted, most people choose to have the gum closed and leave a blank space where the tooth once was. Some people may opt for cosmetic dentistry options like dental implants, but most veterinarians do not recommend this for dogs and cats. 

Benefits of Canine Dental Crowns

Following root canal therapy for a dog, crowns may be recommended to prevent future damage. Dog crowns protect the top of the tooth from cracking or fracturing and come in a variety of materials. When applied to canine teeth, canine tooth crowns can also prevent chipping general wear. In show dogs, crowns are sometimes placed to preserve dental aesthetics. 

Canine dentists offer both metal crowns—typically made from titanium—and natural tooth color crowns. Typically placing a crown requires you to bring your dog in for an additional appointment after their root canal therapy. The dog dental crown should last for the rest of your pup’s life!

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The Race Against Time

The situation was dire. Macy might need surgery, and the uncertainty was overwhelming. As I waited for the vet’s call, my mind raced with possibilities. Would she need to be rushed into surgery? I hoped against hope that she would be okay.

Breaking Macy Out of The Shelter

In all that craziness, it suddenly hit me. Macy wasn’t just some dog at the shelter; she had wormed her way into my heart! Deciding to adopt her just felt right, like it was meant to be. “You’re adopted,” I whispered to her, sealing a promise of a fresh start. Her tail gave a little wag, like she got it, like she trusted me.

A New Chapter Begins

The moment I told Macy she was adopted was heartwarming. “Macy, you’re adopted. You’re coming home with me.” Her response was immediate – her eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and recognition. It was as if, in that instant, she understood the profound change about to unfold in her life.

An Unplanned Rescue Mission

I found myself at the vet center, a place I hadn’t planned on visiting that day. Now, with Macy officially mine, the stakes were higher. The vet’s recommendation was clear: Macy needed to be boarded at a vet-assisted facility for close monitoring. The holidays made finding a place difficult, but thankfully, we secured a spot for her.

Deciding to put Macy in a vet boarding facility for a whole month was a bit of a tough call for me. She’s come so far, and part of me just wanted to keep her close. But here’s the deal – she needs more than just a cozy spot on the couch right now. With her health still a bit shaky and that awesome weight gain, she really needs some round-the-clock care. The vet boarding place is perfect for that. They’ve got all the gear and the know-how to keep an eye on her, make sure she’s healing up just right, and give her all the medical attention she needs. It’s all about getting Macy in top shape, so when it’s time for her to step out into her new life, she’s 100% ready. A month might seem long, but it’s just what she needs to get back on her paws.

The Emotional Journey

I gently scooped up Macy, feeling her trust as she settled in my arms. Heading to the car, I could tell she was curious. This was her first ever car ride, something totally new and thrilling for her. I carefully put her in the passenger seat and watched her gaze out the window, her eyes big and full of wonder. Everything outside was whizzing by in a mix of colors and shapes, so different from the small world she’d been in.

Macy kept switching her look from the speeding scenery back to me, like we were having a quiet chat about trust and all the new freedoms she was about to enjoy. The car purred along, and with every mile, we were leaving her old life behind and heading towards something new. It was a bunch of firsts for Macy, and I felt super lucky to be the one showing her the ropes. You could just feel her excitement, a bit cautious but so real. Right then, I knew we were kicking off an amazing adventure together.

A Place of Healing and Hope

The facility was impressive, a testament to the love and care for animals. We found the perfect room for Macy, one with a view of the play yards. It was important for her to have a comfortable space during her recovery.

Facing the Financial Challenges

Jumping into this whole thing with Macy, I totally knew the money side of it wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. We’re talking some serious vet bills here. She needed surgery, not to mention all the dental work and the regular check-ups to keep her on track. When the vet handed me the estimate, and I saw it was going to be thousands, I’m not gonna lie, it kinda knocked the wind out of me. But, you know what? I was all in for Macy. Her getting better was the only thing on my mind, and I was ready to do whatever it took to make sure she got the best care, even if it meant my wallet was going to feel a whole lot lighter.

Join Rocky’s Pack

By joining Rocky’s community, you’re not just signing up for updates—you’re supporting a fantastic cause. Every member helps Rocky in his mission to give dogs like Macy a second chance. Plus, it’s a great space to connect with fellow dog enthusiasts, share stories, and stay in the loop with the latest rescue tales by offering insights into the rescue process and even giving members first dibs on exciting updates. And let’s not forget the added bonus: members get discounts on products. So, come on in, make a d

The Road to Recovery

Macy’s weight is a real concern. She’s way too thin, tipping the scales at just 42 pounds. It was clear she hadn’t had it easy, and her weight was a stark reminder of her struggles.

But here’s the heartwarming part – since she’s been with me, Macy’s started to turn things around. She’s now up to 45 pounds! I know, it’s just three pounds, but in the world of doggy health, that’s pretty significant. It’s not just about the numbers, though. It’s about seeing her get a bit of her mojo back, filling out and looking healthier day by day.

A Promise to Fulfill

I wanted Macy to stay at the facility for a month to ensure she was fully healthy before finding her forever home. It was a promise I made to her and to myself. We would make her whole before she embarked on the next chapter of her life.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

Leaving Macy at the facility was one of the hardest things I’ve done. I had become her first adopter, her rescuer, and now I had to trust others to care for her. But I knew it was the best decision for her.

Hope for the Future

As I walked away, I promised Macy I would be back soon. The journey wasn’t over yet. We still have to navigate her health issues, but there is still hope. PLEASE keep following Macy’s story, sharing it, and to consider adopting her once she is ready (we are taking applications now even though it will be a month until she’s ready)

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The first time I saw her, she was just a shadow of a dog, huddled in the corner of a shelter room. I’ve always had a soft spot for the underdogs, the ones who need a little extra help to find their forever homes. But this one, she was different. Her eyes held a story of neglect and longing, a silent plea for a second chance. (Watch the full video above + scroll to bottom for update)

A Struggle for Survival

“She just came into the shelter,” I said. “She’s so hungry, taking treats like she’s never seen food before.” It was heart-wrenching to see her devour the treats, each bite a stark reminder of her desperate struggle for survival.

The Mystery of Night Drop

The shelter’s night drop, a place for after-hours animal drop-offs, was her unexpected sanctuary. “Night drop is a good thing, 99% of the time,” I explained, pondering the unknown details of her past. Was she a victim of neglect or suffering from a medical issue? These questions lingered as I watched her, frail and famished, seeking comfort under a blanket.

An animal shelter night drop is a designated area at an animal shelter where people can bring in pets outside of regular business hours. The purpose of an after hours night drop is to provide a safe and secure location for animals to be surrendered when the shelter is closed. The idea of a night drop is not new. Some shelters have been using them for decades as a way to prevent people from abandoning their pets outside, chaining them to gates or tossing them over fences.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite her condition, there was a glimmer of hope. “You are in the right place,” I assured her. “We are going to fill your belly full of food and your heart full of love.” It was a promise, not just to her but to myself, that we would turn her life around.

The Harsh Reality

As I spent more time with her, the extent of her neglect became painfully clear. Her nails, untrimmed and overgrown, and her coat, oily and unkempt, and flystrike to her ears told a story of years of neglect. “She’s probably half the weight she should be,” I noted, a sad realization of her dire state.

A Ray of Light in the Darkness

But amidst the despair, there was a ray of light. “She’s a good girl,” I kept telling her, and with each affirmation, her tail wagged a little more. It was a small victory, a sign that she still had hope and trust in humans despite her ordeal.

The Road to Recovery

The journey to recovery was not going to be easy. I knew she needed more than just food and water; she needed medical attention and a lot of love. “I’m going to reach out to a rescue,” I decided, determined to give her the best chance at a new life.

A Transformation Begins

The transformation began with a simple bath. Mel, the shelter’s groomer, worked her magic, gently washing away months, maybe years, of neglect. “She’s going to be a beautiful dog,” I remarked, watching her fur regain its natural sheen.

Macy’s New Beginning

We named her Macy, a name that seemed to fit her newfound dignity. Watching her walk back to her room after her spa treatment, it was clear that this was more than just a physical transformation. It was the beginning of Macy’s new life.

A Call to Action

As I wrapped up the video, my message was clear: “Consider adoption first.” Macy’s story is a testament to the resilience of shelter dogs and the transformative power of love and care. Her journey from a neglected, emaciated dog to a hopeful, loving companion is a story that needs to be shared, a story that can inspire others to open their hearts to shelter animals in need.

A Moment of Reflection

Sitting there, with Macy now resting peacefully, I couldn’t help but reflect on the impact of our work. “This is what we’re trying to accomplish,” I mused, a sense of fulfillment washing over me. It’s about giving these dogs a moment of peace, a glimpse of the love and care they so rightfully deserve.

The Power of Compassion

As I left the shelter that day, I knew that Macy’s story was just the beginning. There are countless others like her, waiting for their chance to be loved and to love in return.

UPDATE 12/10/23: I am going to see if I can pull her from the shelter to either foster her or get her boarded at a vet’s clinic so she can have 24/7 supervision so she can have the time and medical attention that she needs to get health

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