A Tribute to Magnum
We are dedicated to helping abused, abandoned, and neglected dogs for as long as they need.
On September 10, 2020, Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary said a heartbreaking goodbye to our beloved German Shepherd, Magnum. As the Midwest’s largest no-kill animal rescue, Mackenzie’s mission is to be a home along the way until we can find dogs in our care a loving forever home. But for Magnum, Mackenzie’s was his home.
Before he came to MAS in 2012, our adoption coordinator, Tommie, would drive by a small brick house in the middle of a cornfield on her way to take other dogs to their forever homes. It was during these drives that she saw Magnum, sitting on the side of the road with a giant chain around his neck. It did not matter if it was sunny, snowing, or sleeting, he was always at the end of that chain.
There was a tiny doghouse by him that he had long outgrown. It was puppy size and he was three years old at that point. Tommie started asking around and found out that Magnum’s situation had been reported to animal control, but nothing was done because he had food and shelter (though the shelter was too small for him to get into).
Tommie spoke to one of her co-worker’s, Brenda, who raised German Shepherds. Brenda was friends with someone who knew the owner. The owner was about to lose his house and had tried selling Magnum on Craigslist. By that point, Magnum had grown aggressive and as his owner could not sell him, he told Brenda’s friend that he was going to shoot Magnum. Tommie asked Brenda and her friend to run over and see if they could get him. They did, and the rest is history.
Due to his aggression issues with strangers, Magnum became a permanent resident at Mackenzie’s. He lived with us for eight years. Although it is never our intent to keep a dog forever, it is wonderful that we have that option.
Magnum is one dog, that for sure, had it better at Mackenzie’s, with a roof over his head, great medical care, and great food. He was loved by all, he learned how to play with toys, he slept on blankets piled on the floor (even though he was provided a comfy Kuranda bed). He became extremely popular with staff and volunteers who loved to take him for walks and give him cuddle time, he even had a few sleep overs with a Mackenzie’s staff member. He had sponsors that sent him presents every Christmas. He was the resident guard dog as he never quite got over his tendency to watch over things. When a stranger entered the Sanctuary, he let everyone know they were there.
Sadly, Magnum started acting off in the beginning of September 2020, and we discovered that he was suffering from bone cancer that had spread to his lungs. Unfortunately, he rapidly declined over the span of 48 hours, and after speaking with specialists, we decided the most loving and kindest decision we could make, was to set him free of his cancer and pain. Magnum passed away peacefully, surrounded by the people who loved him. It is going to be a lot quieter at the Sanctuary and his deep, booming bark is already missed.
Your support helps Mackenzie’s provide ‘A home along the way’ for dogs like Magnum, and so many others. Help continue our efforts by donating today!
- Via Facebook (mackenziesanimalsanctuary) (100% of donations will go directly to the dogs at Mackenzie’s, no fees charged)
- Visit our website: www.mackenzies.info
- Sponsor one of our rescue dogs at – Sponsor Today
- Items from our Amazon Wish List
- By check, Mail To:
Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary
8935 Thompson Rd.
Lake Odessa, MI 48849
