CLEVELAND, Ohio — Though the calendar reads February, Thanksgiving gratitude plays into the story of a stray dog, found on Cleveland’s streets last fall.
Like so many dogs, whose pasts are a mystery, this pup’s story begins at the Cleveland Kennel, where Animal Control Officers brought her. But signs on her body pointed clearly to neglect and abuse.
“There she was with those sadly cropped ears and kind of cowering in the back of her kennel. She seemed a little overwhelmed and a little scared but very sweet,” said Val Gesting who is a volunteer for City Dogs -- the volunteer and adoption program of the City Kennel. Gesting also serves as the finance director for Friends of City Dogs Cleveland, the nonprofit supporting medical, enrichment and volunteer programs at the kennel.
She had gotten to know the dog as soon as its stray hold was up. Out in the City Dogs play yard, enrichment specialists determined the pup was shy but friendly with other dogs. It’s there Gesting used her assessment skills.
“I remember saying to them, 'I don’t think she can hear.' There’s no way with those ears she can hear. I just knew it in my heart.”
A veterinary exam confirmed her suspicions, but also determined the infections had done too much damage. The little dog’s ears would need to be removed in two separate surgeries.
The kennel would not be the place for the pup to heal. So, City Dogs began looking for a foster-based rescue to take her in. That’s when Dogs Unlimited came forward to help. And volunteer Melissa Schroeter agreed to take on a medically fragile foster.
“When we first got her, she didn't know what to do. I don't think she's ever been in a house,” Schroeter said.
The foster arrangement was sealed on Thanksgiving morning, with the parade underway on TV. A grateful Schroeter decided Macy would be the pup’s name.
“She’s loving, she’s fun. She doesn’t have a care in the world.”
That sweetness that didn't fade -- even as Macy underwent three separate surgeries. Instead, she began to blossom, bonding and cuddling with her foster siblings -- and becoming a bit of a diva, with a look for every occasion.
“She lets me dress her up in anything. She doesn't care. She'll do anything for a treat. She loves to eat. I mean, she's my spirit dog,” Schroeter said.
Macy's medical bills were substantial. But another angel in the animal welfare community stepped in to help. Valley Save A Pet is a non-profit humane society established to alleviate the unnecessary suffering of all animals. It provides veterinary care assistance for those who cannot afford the cost of emergency veterinary care for their pets. Valley Save A Pet also has a spay/neuter program. It offers these services at a discounted rate.
Part of Macy's recovery has included training, specifically designed for deaf dogs.
Deaf dogs are not uncommon. According to the American Kennel Club it’s estimated about 5-10% of dogs in the United States suffer from deafness in either one ear or both. Longtime City Dogs volunteer and advocate for deaf dogs Mary Motley has done her part to help shelter workers and volunteers recognize signs that could mean a dog is deaf.
Motley has devoted the last several years to teaching, training and educating on the topic. It started with Acorn, a deaf foster she took in and later adopted -- even releasing books to educate shelters, fosters and the public.
Motley also routinely fosters and trains deaf dogs. She estimates she brought home at least 15 in 2023. Her most recent is Silver Bolt -- who is up for adoption through City Dogs.
Motley is also advising on Macy’s case. She wants people to know that deaf dogs can make incredible companions.
“You're on a journey of love. And I promise you, if you spend 15 minutes a day or 15 minutes twice a day in two weeks, this dog will be very responsive to you. You'll teach him faster than you could have ever taught a hearing dog,” Motley said.
That journey of love continues for Macy as she’ll soon head off to her permanent home. Once a broken dog, she’s now been made whole by the love from a village she’s received along the way.
Also helping along the way, well-known Cleveland pet photographer Greg Murray, who shared photos and social media posts about Macy. The response to her story was overwhelming.
“I hope people understand how broad and dedicated the entire animal welfare community is. City Dogs couldn't do what they do without the partner rescues who help pull these dogs. And everybody working together has given Macy a new “leash” on her life,” Gesting said.
As for Schroeter, she knows there will be tears when Macy leaves her home. From her experience as a foster, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Of course, you are going to miss them. That’s the hard part. But I say, I’d rather cry seeing them go to a home, than cry seeing her in a shelter,” Schroeter said.
How can you help?
Get Involved: Dogs Unlimited, Valley Save A Pet and City Dogs all have a variety of ways you can help out. Fostering is also incredibly important. Check out the links below:
Financial Support
Donations allow Valley Save A Pet, Dogs Unlimited and Friends of City Dogs to provide life-saving medical care including surgeries as was Macy's case. Financial support is necessary to help continue to make a difference.
Deaf dogs are among the most difficult to adopt, because their hearing loss often goes undiagnosed. You can learn more about Acorn's mission HERE and help spread the word!