Mac
Stephanie and I are saddened to report that Mackenzie “Mac” Dopp passed from this life today. Mac was born on March 1, 2000 and lived for 11 years and 10 months. She was a pure bred golden retriever and lived up to all the great qualities of that breed.
Mac was an avid swimmer and could swim across a lake to retrieve a Frisbee. She could spot the smallest article on a body of water and bring it back to shore. She could retrieve anything and got particular joy from playing tug of war. She had jaws of steel and once she locked onto something, you could rarely pry her loose.
As a puppy, her enthusiasm and joy kept our other dog, Abby alive a year after doctors predicted Abby’s death. She gave Abby companionship and opportunities to play. Then, as the elder dog in our family, it was Mac who raised our young golden Flash and taught him how to swim and how to retrieve.
Mac was good with children, dogs, cats and horses. You could set a toddler on Mac’s back and know that Mac would protect the baby from harm. Mac had a secret love affair with our cat Rascal and the two of them would cuddle together when they thought we weren’t looking. She regularly visited LaLa to make sure she was okay.
Mac loved to play with our granddaughter, Arizona and was always the first person to greet anyone who came through the door. Every night when I came home from work, I was warmly and enthusiastically greeted by Mac. There were days I felt like I didn’t have a friend in the world and Mac would remind me that she was my friend and would always be there for me.
To say that Mac was a great dog is an understatement but I’ll say it anyway: Mac was a great dog.
Mac, thank you for all the fun and good times you gave us. I will miss you so much. I will love you forever and cherish the happy memories you gave me.
Buck
1.27.2012
