Training and Education Command

MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The time to bid farewell to the Corps comes during every Marine's career. Lance Cpl. Mac, the former Depot mascot, will soon be that retiring Marine.

The seven-year-old English bulldog, followed the path many Marines have taken and began his Marine Corps adventure as a Parris Island recruit. Since his graduation, he has served his country by boosting the morale of his fellow troops and recruits, and has shown visiting families what a "real" devil dog looks like.

Just because Mac's active duty tour is over does not mean he is slowing down with his work. Like many retirees, Mac just cannot let go of the Corps and continues to work aboard the Depot, said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Becker, Mac's new caregiver and small ensemble leader in the Parris Island Marine Band.

"He goes to work with me every day," said Becker. "He is very well-received with the band [and has heightened troop morale]."

Becker and his wife, Christina, and stepson, Hunter, were chosen as Mac's official new family after putting in a request to take the rambunctious bulldog into their home. Becker believes part of the reason he and his family were chosen as Mac's new owners was because Christina has experience as a veterinarian technician and has the knowledge to help Mac, who is being medically separated.

Adopting Mac was a case of looking out for a fellow Marine, said Becker.

"My wife, stepson and I love animals," said Becker. "We wanted to make sure Mac had a good home."

According to Becker, Mac, who suffers from a spinal infection and a severe case of pinched nerves in his spinal cord has made a complete turn-around since living with them.

"At first he was in a lot of pain," said Becker. "Now he's very playful. He runs around, plays with his toys and likes to play with the family."

Mac receives bone supplements, antibiotics and a mild pain reliever to help with the injury and infection. He is also regularly treated to "doggie massages" from Christina, who is a massage therapist, said Becker.

Another possible cause for Mac's recent enthusiasm is the introduction of a new friend - the Beckers' other pet, an English bulldog named Ms. Piggy.

While at first apprehensive of Mac's natural devil dog aggression, Ms. Piggy is starting to come around, said Becker. The two spend their time playing together, sharing an occasional sniff and also jealously vying for the family's love and attention, which the Beckers are more than happy to provide.

Mac's other daily amusements include drooling, having his hind-end scratched, sleeping and "inhaling his food," said Becker. 

Despite Mac's retirement, Parris Island will not be left without a mascot for long. Mac's replacement, a bulldog pup named Archibald Hummer, began his recruit training May 6 and will take over the official mascot duties after his graduation.