TRAVERSE CITY, MI – The journey of an abused and neglected dog that battled for survival and the “life he so desperately should have had” is coming to an end.
Cherryland Humane Society announced Monday that Mighty Mac’s condition is terminal. Posts throughout the week showed him on daily adventures with staff and volunteers, living his best life. He will be euthanized today.
The humane society is closed today as staff and volunteers say goodbye and mourn the loss of Mighty Mac, also known as MacMac, Macaroni, Mackie, Mighty Boy, Mackey Boy, Macadilly, Mac Attack, Mackle, Macaroon, Lil Mac Daddy and Mackery Daiquiri.
Mighty arrived at Cherryland in October. Later that month, an anonymous tip led investigator’s to Mac’s previous owners’ home. Two more dogs, a cat and a bearded dragon were seized; they all needed emergency medical care. The 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were arrested for animal abuse and neglect. According to the humane society, the case has fallen through the cracks; they continue to call for Justice for Mighty Mac.
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When Mighty arrived at the shelter, he was “a skeleton of a dog,” weighing only 23 pounds, so emaciated he could barely stand, Cherryland officials said. Yet, he had only love to give, wagging his tail and licking those who were helping him.
“Despite his condition, there was still a lively spark in him, a flicker of hope, a tiny reminder of the dog he had the possibility to become,” a staff member said in a tribute post, remembering Mighty’s arrival at the shelter. “Mighty Mac has shown strength and resilience to everyone he meets, his tail wagging with energy and his eyes filled with joy.”
Mighty Mac was taken to the Cherryland Humane Society during October 2024. He was extremely emaciated and had a damaged esophagus. His previous owners was recently arrested for suspected animal abuse and neglect. Several other animals were seized from their home in Grand Traverse County, Mich.Cherryland Humane Society
He fought for six months to recover, receiving extensive care for esophagus injuries that made it difficult for him to eat.
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“It is with both gratitude and pure anger that we write to inform you that Mighty’s journey is almost over,” Cherryland officials said on Monday. “After giving everything we had to Mighty, his condition improved for a short period but has recently steadily declined and is now terminal.”
Cherryland consulted with five veterinarians, including a specialist, who all agreed that the most humane decision was to end Mac’s pain and suffering.
Posts throughout the week showed staff and volunteers taking Mighty on adventures, ticking items off a doggy bucket list.
On Tuesday, he visited Barks and Rec. Animal Training and Behavior for agility and nose work.
“Our brave little man used up all his energy wiggling his booty as his nose went to work,” the post said. “It was heartwarming to watch his curiosity and joy.”
Wednesday’s adventures included a trip to a pet store and a photoshoot, complete with a comfy couch, cozy outfits and kisses for staff.
“Mac deserved so much more than what he got, but at least in his final months he knew he was loved,” a tribute post said on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Mac took a trip to a beach on the Old Mission Peninsula. Photos show him double-wrapped in a sweater and a coat as he explores the sandy shoreline.
“There will never be enough time to love him, to hold him, to twirl his ears or rub his booty, to watch drool bubbles pop or kiss his honey noggin,” Cherryland officials said Friday morning in a farewell post. “We are grateful for the time we’ve had and wished we had more. Our pain of losing Mighty will take time to heal, and it may never fully heal. We know our love meant everything to Mighty. Everything.”
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