05/29/2026
A Paws for Pets Behind Their Eyes-by Susan Rodabaugh
Most of the time we have to play a guessing game with the dogs that we receive. We don’t know a lot about them, their behaviors, or their past. Regardless if they are strays or relinquishments, their past is hidden, it’s a mystery.
With some doubts and hesitation to what we assume, we can guess about their previous lives. We do this based off of their behaviors and health conditions. For example, when we get a stay who shows signs of being too skinny and gobbles their food in seconds, they have been without food for some time Or, when they are young and scared, they haven’t had the opportunity or been given the positive socialization in life to overcome their fear factor. Or, if they are aggressive, they have most likely been taught to be aggressive or have lived in constant fear. It is sad what some owners will do to their dog. It is even more sad when we look into their eyes and we begin to see a life that they can’t even tell us.
Mack is one of the mysteries to us. Mack came to us from the Sutton area as a stray. He was covered in hard skin on his stomach area, loss of hair on his chest and legs. Most of it is caused by a rash over rash. We sent off a skin test to Kansas and he tested positive for MRSA. Not knowing where he came from or how he got it, it is highly contagious to humans as well. Along with this skin infection, he was underweight too.
We began to treat him as if he had food allergies, and he got nothing with chicken in it. He gets baths frequently to try and clear up his hard skin. And with the help of steroids and antibiotics for several months he is on a slow recovery.
He finally gets neutered next week. We held off on his neuter so no other infections would spread. He has been with us for 185 days. We know he doesn’t like to be outside and will open any door to get back indoors. His behavior tells us a lot, just not enough of what actually happened. I can guess he is a survivor and had escaped his home of horror. He is friendly, loves people and will hopefully make a great companion for someone willing to take a chance. We are trying some anxiety meds, to see if that helps with his social irregularities.
Mack's eyes tell us his story. He is frightened to be left alone and has a fear of being outside. He does like to go for walks with any person. He is now eating his food more slowly and even leaves some in his bowl throughout the day. He needs love and to feel safe. We are saving Mack one day at a time and truly believe his eyes are the window to his past.
