Bowchies

Bowchies Founder to Help Animals and
Owners in Need through the MSPCA-Angell
Dog’s Battle with Cancer Brings Hope to Others

Bowchies founder, Jennifer Johnson, is giving back to the medical community that cared for her German Shepherd-Collie mix, Maceo, as he battled terminal cancer. Following Maceo’s cancer management and end of life care at the Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, Johnson created the Friends of Maceo Foundation to benefit the MSPCA-Angell’s Pet Care Assistance Fund (PCAF). Johnson will raise funds through donations and the sale of limited edition collars, including Maceo’s favorite “Williston” design, of which 50% of the proceeds will benefit the PCAF.

“Maceo touched many lives and his positive outlook never wavered, even in his final days,” said Johnson. “He always gave friendship and love without asking for anything in return, which is why I know that he would have wanted to continue helping pets and their owners if he were with me today.”

Maceo, a certified therapy dog, brought joy to the faces of children with special needs, hospital patients and the elderly during nursing home visits. No matter the difficulties in one’s life, Maceo’s unwavering enthusiasm helped those around him to enjoy the moment with their furry visitor and put aside their cares if only for a short while.

Maceo’s life began to change in early 2008 when he developed a limp. As Maceo’s limp grew more pronounced, Johnson grew more concerned. In March 2008, she brought Maceo to Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain where veterinarians determined that his limp was caused by Fibrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. If left untreated, this aggressive cancer would soon spread throughout Maceo’s body and take his life. Maceo’s survival depended on the amputation of his leg.

A mere three weeks following surgery, Maceo was again bouncing from one smiling child’s face to another, inspiring people with his own tale of survival. His perseverance following his leg amputation even motivated humans that he visited to push through the barriers of their own physical limitations and rehabilitate faster.

However, during his six week recheck the news delivered to Johnson was grave – Hemangiosarcoma, the most aggressive of all cancers was detected. In nearly every case, Hemangiosarcoma, once discovered, means that the affected animal has only months to live. Exploratory surgery was scheduled and this time Maceo’s spleen was removed. He began Chemotherapy treatments every two weeks.

While Maceo put up a strong front, Jennifer could see the effects of the Chemotherapy. The walks that he enjoyed with such vigor, even with three legs, became longer as he frequently stopped for rest. However, never one to stay negative, Maceo continued to battle the cancer and bring joy to those around him until he passed away this autumn.

About the Pet Care Assistance Fund
The PCAF was established in 1990 to support the medical care of sick or injured animals being treated at the MSPCA-Angell whose families have limited financial resources. The fund also defrays the cost of treating animals that are victims of cruelty and abuse as well as homeless animals currently cared for at the MSPCA’s Animal Care and Adoption Centers.