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
Looking for the Perfect Gift?
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By clicking the shirt below, you will be redirected to Bonfire, our online store. You will be able to view all 6 designs, along with multiple styles that would make anyone an amazing gift. By shopping at our Bonfire store you are supporting our efforts of helping dogs in need!
Update – Pups & Putts 2020 – Cancelled
Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary has implemented a variety of measures to do our part to minimize the spread of COVID-19 amongst our community and valued supporters.
With that being said, we will be canceling our 12th Annual Pups & Putts 2020 Golf Outing. This is very disheartening as this is one of our biggest fundraisers. However, due to the uncertainty of this virus and how it is impacting our ability to host a large event, we feel we have no other option currently, but to cancel.
We thank you for your understanding and unwavering support and want to assure you that our dogs are receiving excellent care as we navigate through this particularly challenging time.
If you have already registered to sponsor the 2020 Pups & Putts Golf Outing:
1.) You can allow us to keep your sponsorship as a donation for 2020.
2.) You can allow us to apply your sponsorship towards the 2021 Golf Outing.
3.) You can contact me directly for a reimbursement at arussell@mackpack.info
To learn more about this becoming a sponsor for this year’s event or to register to play, visit our site at pupsandputts.com.
