Marcus Aurelius - Our Stoic Dog
In early March 2024, Sedona received an urgent plea from Finding Shelter Animal Rescue to help save a neglected adult German Shepherd. This handsome and gentle boy, who we estimate to be about 7 years old, didn’t even have a name. He was used as a breeding dog and lived most of his life outside, receiving little medical care. His days were spent with little human interaction and without proper shelter from the elements, connected to a chain and curling up with barn cats. We knew from just seeing his picture that we needed to save him from these terrible conditions.
On the day we met him, we immediately thought of a quote by Marcus Aurelius, “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” There was no doubt that we would name him “Marcus”. Upon entering our program, we brought Marcus to receive the medical care he never received during his life. Marcus was gentle and sought affection from everyone he met. He was physically uncomfortable; his fur was matted and extremely sensitive to needles but still trusted us throughout the examination process. We provided him with vaccinations for rabies, Bordetella, and distemper. However, at that point, he was so uncomfortable with needles that we were unable to take any blood work from him for additional medical testing.
Following the vet visit, Marcus’s journey continued to his foster home. His foster mom has been with Sedona since our founding and has worked with several of our medically challenged dogs. He quickly settled into the home, mostly ignoring his new furry friends (the house cats) and settling onto a nice soft bed. Our initial goals for Marcus were straightforward. First, provide a comfortable and loving environment. Second, deal with a urinary tract infection and digestive issues. Third, build up strength and increase the muscle mass in his hind legs. Finally, begin to introduce him to potential adopters.
Marcus began to build up endurance on short walks in the neighborhood. He spent time outside with his foster mom while she was gardening and tending her property. His infection led to some housebreaking issues, but with medication, patience, and a consistent schedule, Marcus's medical recovery appeared to be underway. Marcus was a great ambassador for Sedona, joining us at a street fair and a “Yappy Hour” event at a local brewery.
His story and picture touched many potential adopters. Once we knew Marcus could tolerate needles, we brought him back to the vet for bloodwork and to be neutered before his planned adoption. It was at this point that we were hit with some devastating news. Marcus had chronic kidney disease, most likely brought on by long-term Lyme disease that was never treated while he was a breeding dog. The diagnosis was not good. The kidneys were possibly too damaged to be treated with medication. Given Marcus's lack of historical medical information, it was difficult to predict a prognosis and timeline for his lifespan going forward.
Despite this uncertainty, his adopters never wavered on Marcus and opened their home up to him. Their love and dedication played a crucial role in Marcus's continued recovery. He would now be living with a family dedicated to caring for him, and he had a senior dog named Pax to join him on his journey. Marcus continues to thrive despite all that has been thrown his way. He is eating a special diet for dogs with chronic kidney disease and receiving supplements and medication. Marcus gets his daily walks, and when feeling adventurous, he and Pax explore their neighbor's 60-acre farm and trails. Marcus’ story is “tail” of how dogs can overcome an uncaring environment and remain trusting of humans. We are incredibly inspired by his foster home and adopted family, both of whom were dedicated to rewarding Marcus with the trust he placed in all of us. Marcus embodies all that is good in a dog. Our time is short by a cosmic perspective but eternal by living in each moment.
“If we understand by ‘eternity’: not an infinite temporal duration, but a lack of temporality, then he who lives within the present lives eternally.” - Wittgenstein.
