Bowchies

As a therapy dog, Maceo has spent many hours visiting children with special needs, people in hospitals, and elderly in nursing homes. Wherever he goes, he lifts everyone's spirits and people are touched by his sweet soul and zest for life.

Maceo is also a business muse: his Mom, Jenn, was always forgetting to bring his stuff when going for a walk in the park. One day she'd forget the frisbee, the next day she'd forget the water bowl. So she created a cute bag for all this stuff. Eventually other people wanted one, and she has been selling the bags ever since. Jenn has since added stylish collars and leashes, and formed a company named Bowchies (Bauw-chees). The name sounds like Maceo's special bark when he is happy, and means "I love you" in dog-speak.

But not all is well in Maceo's life, and he is going through some tough times due to health issues. In March 2008 Dr. Knapp said that a limp he was experiencing was Fibrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. The only way to save his life was to amputate his leg. Three weeks after the surgery, Maceo was again visiting children and inspiring people everywhere. Everyone has been amazed and motivated with how quickly he went back to having fun with his life. One woman at Spaulding Rehab said " If he can do it, I can do it!"

During a recheck 6 weeks after losing his leg, the fabulous oncologist, Dr.Esther Chong, found another spot of an aggressive form of cancer on his spleen - Hemangiosarcoma. The spleen was removed during an exploratory surgery, and Maceo now has to go to Chemotherapy treatments every two weeks. He is responding well to everything and his zest for life is amazing.

Due to all the tests, surgeries, therapies, medicines, and chemotherapy, his medical bills have added up to many, many thousands of dollars. Jenn and Maceo are looking for some help in the finance department. Starting and running a small business is tough, but starting and running a small business with these kind of medical expenses is downright impossible.

Once Maceo's medical bills are paid down, Jenn and Maceo want to continue helping the community, and will start the non-profit "Friends of Maceo Foundation" to help raise money for Cancer Research and help struggling families pay for their dog's medical bills.

Maceo has helped and inspired many kids and adults, and wants to continue to do so. Please help us launch the "Friends of Maceo Foundation" off to a great start.