Do you have a soft spot for the seniors? Does a gray muzzle make you swoon? Then read on, because we’ve got a silver fox Frenchie we’d like you to meet.

At 8 years young, Macklin was surrendered to FBRN because he didn’t see eye-to-eye with the other animals in his life. Truth be told, Macklin doesn’t much like other dogs. Or new people, either. He is extremely reactive with other animals, and while he loves humans (eventually), it takes him a long time to warm up to strangers. For this reason, Macklin is looking for a home where he can be his person’s one and only; he wants to be their numero uno, their pride and joy, and the apple of their eye.

Along with his reactivity, Macklin also suffers from anxiety and what might be best described as doggie OCD. His love of balls doesn’t just border on obsessive, it jumps right over the wall. If he can’t get his paws on his particular ball of choice, then there’s heck to pay in the form of loud, incessant barking. The same goes for being left alone—Macklin has separation anxiety and will bark himself hoarse when his person is not around. Apartment life is out for Macklin.

Finally, Macklin has some health issues that are common to Frenchies, but exacerbated by his age. He is on a limited ingredient diet with daily doses of Apoquel to control his allergies, and he has limited hind end mobility (no stairs or jumping on the furniture for this boy!) He has a calcified ulceration (essentially a healed-over scar) in his right eye, which has impaired his vision, and he is currently being treated for a deep ulceration in his left eye. His new family will need to administer medicated eyedrops and follow up with an ophthalmologist. Finally, Macklin has experienced facial swelling that we suspect was masseter muscle myositis (MMM), an inflammatory disease affecting the muscles used for chewing. The condition has resolved, but Macklin’s new family must be on the lookout for recurrence and take him to the vet lickety-split if it comes back.

So how can we best describe Macklin? Well, first we need to be honest about his behaviors and needs: he is a reactive and anxious dog with health issues, who can’t be around other animals, children, or strangers. But that’s not all there is to this beautiful boy. He’s also a master of fetch, a top-notch lap warmer, and a connoisseur of cuddling. Macklin is an active, happy boy who can amuse himself for what seems like hours with his beloved tennis balls (and the occasional antler). Of course, if you’d like to play fetch with him, all the better! Foster mom tells us that he is the first Frenchie she’s ever had who actually returns the ball after retrieving it! What a good boy. Macklin is also extremely loving and affectionate with the people he trusts, and he tries his best to keep a paw touching foster mom at all times. (“Gotta make sure she doesn’t get away,” says Macklin.)

The ideal home for Macklin is a single person or couple who is retired or works from home, and doesn’t have any children, pets, or visitors popping in on a regular basis. A detached home with a fenced yard is preferred, since Macklin is not only a barker, but would prefer not to see any other dogs while he’s getting his exercise. Applicants who have experience with reactive dogs are preferred, so please be sure to tell us about yours!

Most of all, Macklin needs a place where he can finally feel at home. His anxiety and the injuries to his eyes tell us that life hasn’t been all that kind to Macklin. He needs a home where he can feel secure and loved, and one where his people won’t give up on him when he inevitably displays some less-than-ideal behaviors. Macklin is a true rescue; he's a challenging dog, no question, but he’s the reason why rescues like ours exist. We truly believe that the right home is out there waiting for him, and we’re determined to find it!

Macklin’s foster mom has fallen head over heels for her very special boy, and says, “Macklin is smart, athletic, and affectionate. His tail doesn't really wag - his whole back end wiggles back and forth. When I first got him, I sang to him, a little ditty just repeating his name so he knew I was singing to him. He was SO HAPPY that he howled! It was one of the cutest things I have ever seen. He is a GREAT little dog. So cute, sprinkled with grey at all the points. I love him and wish him the very very best. I will be so sad to see him go. He is welcome back to my home ANY TIME.”

So there you have it! If you think you might be the lid to Macklin’s pot, please fill out an application and tell us why. And be prepared to travel—Macklin is dreaming of Thanksgiving dinner in the Garden State of New Jersey, and will not be shipped.

FBRN dogs are in foster care in people's private homes. For the foster families' safety, we do not disclose specific locations, and we don't set up meet and greets prior to applications. For detailed information about the dogs in our care, please read the extensive bios on each dog.

ABOUT MACKLIN:

Macklin has several allergies and must remain on daily Apoquel and Nature’s Pharmacy supplements. He is allergic to cats so must never be around them.

Macklin has impaired vision due to a calcified ulceration in his right eye. A deep ulceration in the left eye is being treated with tacrolimus drops. He should receive follow up care as directed by an ophthalmologist.

Macklin has face swelling that is suspected to be masseter muscle myositis. It has resolved and must be monitored for recurrence.

Macklin has limited hind end mobility and must always be carried up and down stairs and must not be allowed to jump on or off the furniture.

Macklin has exhibited aggressive behavior that will require continued training to address his triggers. He must never be around children and must remain an only dog.