macsmom said:

I've noticed that Mickey, our 7 year old Golden Retriever (the one with the 'extra leg', ha!), has really been changing since McGwire's diagnosis and surgery. 

• He's started playing with his toys like he did when he was 7 months!
• He is much more attention needy
• Here's the weird one, whenever McGwire goes to pee outside, Mickey pees right where Mac just did.  He never did that before. 

Hi Amy,

Mickey may just realize that since Mac had the surgery,  Mac is not up to playing alot right now.  Our dog Gretchen was very toy oriented when Chuy had his FHO surgery.  Also, Mickey may see how much attention you are giving to Mac and he may feel that he deserves that too.  As for the peeing on Mac's spot, Mickey is probably taking Alpha dog position now that Mac is weaker.  When Mac makes his comeback, Mickey will most likely submit to Mac again.

Thanks for your insights!  The weird thing with Mickey and McGwire is that they haven't really played together in years!  Mickey is quite active and frisky and loves to play, but McGwire is like a big grumpy grandpa dog.  We foster Golden retrievers and Mickey loved to have a dog he could run around the yard with and who would battle him in fetch, but if the running got too rough or too close to McGwire, he'd let out this bark that basically meant, "You kids cut that out!"  McGwire is definitely the alpha, and I think the peeing thing is Mickey trying to take over Mac's place, or perhaps even masking the fact that Mac is hurt? 

Sue's post was really interesting.  I know that when McGwire goes, we are going to have to do something quickly for Mickey because between Mac and the fosters, Mickey is really a 'dog's dog.'  He gets depressed when McGwire used to go to the groomers for the day, I can't even imagine how he'd feel if/when McGwire doesn't ever come back.  He loves to play fetch, play in the lake and take walks, but he's also keenly aware of the other dogs.