Remembered

mcSmith, is healthy and robust at age 13,  probably because he is a Yellow Lab/Golden Retriever cross and has the benefit of 'hybrid vigor'. He was surrendered because his owner joined the military.  She tried unsuccessfully to find her beloved childhood pet a new home before going to active duty. If GRR didn't take McSmith, he would have been euthanized.  McSmith wandered into her yard when she was 9 years old. She & her dad were stringing up Christmas lights in the front yard, and the pup appeared from nowhere.  She named him McSmith, after the McDonald's hamburger chain.

McSmith was attacked by a pit bull in May 2000.  McSmith was in his fenced yard, when the pit bull bounded over the fence for an unprovoked attack. The Pit Bull tried to kill McSmith.  By the time they were able to beat off the pit bull, McSmith was badly injured.  He had puncture wounds on his neck & back, which became infected & required lengthy medical treatment.  He did recover fully, however the trauma scarred McSmith emotionally.  When he first came to my house, he was fearful & defensive toward my 6 Goldens.  It took a week before he realized that they were friends.  Currently, he is doing very well socially with the other dogs.  They have accepted him, and he is making friends with all. He is really enjoying living with all these other dogs.
 

McSmith is afraid of thunderstorms and he needs to be loose in the house so that he can get to whatever safety zone he chooses.  In one home, it was under the antique sewing machine, in another it was the bedroom. Sometimes he shivers, and sometimes he is okay as long as he is with you or can get to his safety zone.  During severe storms here, he was fine as long as he could lay near me.

McSmith is totally housebroken.  He does not bother human items, except for baby gates which he jumps or chews on.  He likes having his picture taken. He knows sit, lay down, and stay.  He is excellent on a leash & loves walks. McSmith is real good with cats.  He lets cats chase his tail, and generally wags at them or ignores them.  One of his best friends was a poodle (she died).  He is very gentle taking treats but is not into retrieving.  He can swim, but likes wading better.  Owner reported that he "loves kids & is good... young kids can crawl on him & he'll lick them...he won't bother them."  McSmith only gets on the furniture if allowed/asked and he'll lay on your feet if he likes you. He does not bolt at door or jump up, "but he might bounce if happy."  Owner describes McSmith's personality as "Witty & funny.  Expressive eyebrows.  Loves attention.  Has been very happy during his entire life. Sweet & calm.  Warms up to people very easily.  Easy to fall in love with. Can sleep all morning long."  He is an easy foster son & we are enjoying him.

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