Christmas Overload!

It's been quite a Christmas here in the Macho household! We've been busy, and it's shown in my lack of posting. Macho was a pretty lucky pooch this year for his first Christmas. He got a new blanket (which you can see a little bit in the picture), mouthwash that goes in his water bowl to freshen his breath, a water bowl for the bedroom for at night, and 3 bully sticks- his favorite treats! He also got a box of treats from Nick's grandparents that he has been enjoying all week. I got a Flip video camera for Christmas myself, so I have been trying to catch Macho eating his bully sticks and new treats, but whenever I pull out the camera, he is a lot more concerned with what I'm doing than the treats. Not a typical dog, right?

In other news, I received an e-mail yesterday from this Puppy Training website saying that they came across the Macho Minute and they decided to feature Macho's blog on their site. We were pretty excited since this is just a little blog, I was surprised that someone found it and thought that it was worthy of being featured. You can view the post here.

It's been a great year with Macho, and with the one year anniversary of his adoption coming up next Wednesday, I have to say that I am not only impressed with him, I am proud. I was able to work from home this week, and I think Macho liked having some extra time with me. All day he is curled up next to me on the couch while I work. He just seems to be more relaxed, which has been nice to see. With the progress he made in only one year of 2010, I am excited to see what 2011 will bring. Happy New Year!

The Story That Changed My Life

One year ago I was sitting at work, reading the online news, when I came across this story.

I had been following this story of the chihuahuas since it was first announced a few months back, so I knew it would be a story I would want to read. I clicked on the headline for the story, and immediately I fell in love with the dog in the picture. Before even reading the story, I read the caption about this adorable dog only to find out that he was one of two chihuahuas from the Dearborn house that needed a forever home.

That night, while laying in bed still thinking about the dog, I told Nick about him. He said he didn't really want a dog, especially a chihuahua, but if he needs a home and I set everything up with the animal shelter, he would buy him for me for Christmas. The next day I called the shelter and he was still available. With much excitement, I filled out an application, and within the next couple days, I got a call that I was approved for adoption!

One Friday during work, Nick and I went to the shelter where Macho was in a separate little room with another terrified chihuahua that was so small I could hold her in one hand. Neither dog wanted to come out of the cage, but with some cheese, I was able to get Macho to come to the front of the cage. After our first meeting with Macho, Nick was really hesitant about getting him since he is obviously a lot different than a dog with a normal upbringing. As lame as it may sound, I felt a connection with Macho and didn't even want to think about him being adopted by anyone else. I wanted him to be my dog so that I could give him the loving home he never had but deserves so much.

After much convincing (and a lot of crying!), Nick agreed to adopt Macho. On January 5th, we drove to the Dearborn Animal Shelter and picked up our dog.

Who would have thought that one little news story would change our lives? :)

News Article About Macho's Past

Our local newspaper ran an article this weekend about hoarders, and it featured a story about Macho's previous owner. There are a lot of details in this particular story that I haven't read anywhere else in the news even though I follow Macho's case very closely. The article is hard to read for any animal lover, especially for me knowing that this is where Macho spent the first few years of his life. There is also a short video to the right of the story that is raw video of the house where the chihuahuas were found. I have never seen footage like this, and although hard to watch, I can't take my eyes away knowing that Macho was there in that house for years. I know I have posted documentaries and news clips about Macho and his story, but for some reason this one is a little different.

The story is here for anyone who would like to read.