Marcus

Marcus Born 12/17/1996 passed 6/22/2006

Marcus aka Porkus, aka Markie Boo-ster

Marcus came into my life in April 2002. Marcus had been a show dog for 4-5 years and was retired after he became “stubborn” and refused to perform. Once retired he was used as a stud (and still thinks he is), and sired 32 offspring, one of which I now have. Marcus is a wonderful dog, full of personality, but timid and cautious around people. Marcus had been moved from home to home several times in 1 year and had become leery of all humans. When I first got him he would sleep in my bathroom next to the tub almost as if he was hiding. He had been “debarked” a few years before and the first time I had heard him bark, I panicked. If you have never heard a “debarked” dog bark, it sounds like they are choking. Slowly , after many months, I believe Marcus knew he was here to stay. He had his own bed, bowl and “comfy spot” on my bed. Once he knew he was here to stay his personality really started to show. He must eat on my bed. He will not eat if the bowl is on the floor, he refuses to drink out of anything but a metal dog bowl. Marcus attacks both his food and water with gusto. When he drinks his entire nose and mane get drenched. No grace involved here. He likes only the green or “beef” flavored dog bones. He hides his favorite cornstarch booda bone in his bed for late night chew fests. When Marcus demands attention he sits a few inches away from my hand and then poses for me so I can pet him while he plays “royalty” If I stop he slaps my arm with his paw and looks at me with the expression “excuse me I am royalty, you stop when I tell you” Marcus is my sweetie. Recently, with our newest addition Marcus has taken on the roll of "woman protector". In the morning after breakfast he sits in the doorway watching over the three girls in the room, virtually blocking Yoda from entering the room. If one of the girls moves or makes a noise (Kimmi likes to half bark to get attention), Marcus will come over to make sure his little "pack" is ok. With Fancee now if she barks for any reason he runs over to her and gives her kisses and waits until she either stops barking, or lays down. Marcus also guards Fancee when it is time for the "thundering herd" (picture the keystone cops, and you have an image of what 5 dogs running to the backdoor looks like), to go outside. He will walk behind her to slow the others down so they don't slam Fancee into the walls or doorways Marcus doesn't care how long it takes Fancee to navigate to the backdoor, he is just too laid back to care. Such a good leader and protector he is

Marcus had a bad year for 2005. First we bring in this 4 legged parka named Rocky. Furriest puppy you ever saw. Rocky decided Marcus was going to be his new best bud and slept with, harassed and pestered poor Marcus, who ultimately protected Rocky from all the bigger guys who looked at him like a snack. Shortly after getting Rocky, Marcus suffered severe kidney stones. Then a month after that he started suffering cluster seizures. He was put on Phenobarbital and we watched him closely. He did fine until 6 months later when he started suffering more cluster seizures. After extensive tests to include a CAT scan and spinal tap, it was determined he had Tick Fever and is currently treated for that.

We just recently found out that Marcus is now partially blind in his right eye. He is not navigating really well and is relying on his sense of smell more now. Poor little guy has been through so much in his short life, I hope this is the last thing he has to go through in his life, but something tells me it won't be

6/2006 Marcus is not doing so well. We thought he might have Peripheral Vestibular Syndrome. He is walking in circles, bumping into walls, stargazing, and walking and staying in corners. We had thought he was having a phenobarb toxicity reaction since his meds have been tripled in one day. This was not to be the case. We switched him to Neurontin, but he was still having small seizures. He was hospitalized and put on IV fluids, but was still circling and stargazing. The Dr put him on antibiotics because his titre was still extremely high for Tick Fever. After a week on IV fluids he did not seem to be getting much better. He was put on another anitibiotic because I feared he may have an inner ear infection. This also was not the case. On 6/21 Marcus spiked a fever of 106.3 ° and nothing seemed to help bring it down. He laid totally motionless except for his eyes blinking and his breathing, which was labored. We made the decision to let Marcus go on 6/22. It was terrible to see this once amazing baby, deteriorate so quickly. Marcus had always been our trooper, bouncing back from some horrible sicknesses. God rest this sweet gentle soul. I pray he will be at peace now. We love you dearly Marcus and you will be so missed. I love you baby

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