10 years ago I went in search of adopting my first dog since I was a child. I had grown up and thought I could handle the responsibilities of owning my own canine.
To be honest, I think it was just plain luck that I went to an animal shelter and adopted a dog. Back then, I had no idea about the millions of dogs that were put down each year or any of the other reasons why I should adopt and not buy.
I wound up at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in New Jersey and I immediately fell in love with Max, though his name was different back then.
The next few months were rough. Max had extreme separation anxiety and I have the teeth dented doorknobs to prove it. There were a few moments when I wondered if I had made the right choice.
But then something happened.
I noticed that because of his attachment to me, I could teach him all sorts of tricks. He learned them all so fast, many in ten minutes. If he was getting my attention, he would be happy to do any trick I asked of him. I found that the time we spent together doing this, built a strong connection between us.
As the years went by, Max and I became quite a team. My friends knew, if they invited me over, Max was coming with me. That’s just the way it was.
What I didn’t realize at the time was how much Max had added to my life. He was and still is, my best friend. And I make no excuses or apologies for that. This furry creature has been here for me for ten years, through good and bad times, always with a smile for me.
In fact, pretty much everything I do in my life… the people I know, the work I do, the causes I fight for… are all because I walked into St. Hubert’s and spotted my best friend waiting for me.
Max may be 11 years old but I prefer saying 11 years young! He still loves going on mile long walks with me every day and though he is just a bit mellower than he used to be and he has a very distinguished grey beard, I am happy to report that he still holds a grudge against the mailman, he still views squirrels as the advanced stealth team of the enemy and when it comes to his brother, Remy, he’s still the boss.
Happy 11th Birthday, Maxie Moo! I hope I’ve given you the same amount of happiness that you’ve given to me over the past years.
Love,
Kenn
P.S. These are some pictures I took of Max today.
Happy Birthday Max! You are so handsome!
He is absolutely adorable!
Happy birthday Max! You look marvelous buddy!
Happy Happy Birthday Max. You’re such a handsome boy!
Happy Birthday Maxie Moo from Derby Dog who shares your birthday!
HB Max! Lookin’ goooood!
What a great looking dog! Very regal looking and of course handsome. My best buddy Duke was 161/2 when we had the hard decision of putting him to sleep. He was so very sick that I’m sure I made the right decision. He was a stray and was picked up on a cold december night. Around 8 to 12 weeks old.What great dog and friend he became to me and our family! Give Max our best wishes for his birthday.
Feliz cumpleaños, Max. You are a very handsome boy. You are a lucky dog and Ken is a lucky guy, you both deserve the happiness you give each other.
Thanks Betty!
Max looks like a McNab Shepherd…..
Max is an American Foxhound/Pointer, but hey, you never know!
Happy Birthday Max from Uncle Stan and Aunt Mary!
Thank you!
HB2U, Max!!!
Thanks!
Happy Birthday Max, we love you. Grandma and Grandpa Bell
Thank you for all the frosty paws! And the evil Swans!
Happy Birthday Max! What a beautiful boy!!
Thank you!
He’s a honey – Happy Birthday Max, and may the three of you have many more happy years together – what you did for Max 10 years ago brings to mind this quote, which is so true
“The kindness one does for an animal may not change the world… but IT WILL change the world for that one animal”
Thank you, but because of the Dog Files, Max WILL change the WHOLE world! Hahaha!
Happy Birthday Max, what a great life you’ve had and will continue to have for many years to come.
Thanks, Michael!
Happy Birthday Max. God bless you and your daddy! LOVE!!!
Happy birthday to Max! Love the photos.
Happy birthday, Max! I think I teared up a little when I read your post, I can feel how much you guys are bonded for life. How old was he when you got him from the center?
Happy birthday Max you touch my heart
Thank you, Polly!