Name/Age: Max - 6.5 yrs old
Family Members: Rosemary (Mom)
How long has Max been in the family? 8 months
Profession: Manufacturing/SAP Tech
Location: Suwanne, GA.
Nicknames: Maxey, MaxMax, Maximus, Moofus, MooCow
5 words/phrases that best describe Max?
Over Stimulated
Squirrel Obsessed
Fearful
Fearless
Affectionate
What makes Max unique? Max has irrational fears such as ceiling fans and humidifiers but has no problem trying to throw himself in front of a motorcycle or golf cart. He does not like anything with wheels, tires or motors. He does not like movement – he’s anti-movement.
The joy in the freedom to run!
Rescue Story: I lost my pittie, Ben, in April of 2021 from Lymphoma and that was difficult (as all the losses are) because I only had him 18 months. I knew I was going to save another pittie but thought I would wait until at least the Fall. Unfortunately, I can’t stay off social media and saw a Lifeline/CAC video of Max (Damon at the time) that got my attention. I made an inquiry to my friend, Josie, the Lifeline volunteer who had introduced me to Ben. Josie got in touch with Max’s foster mom, Deb (also a Lifeline rockstar) and we met in a park for a meet/greet. He was very over-stimulated and was going to need decompression and training. I just seem to fall in love with the needy ones and his smile is the sweetest.
As for Max’s history: In late April of 2021, Max was surrendered to Baldwin County Animal Control in Milledgeville, GA from a domestic violence situation. Deb and another volunteer were down there to pick up two other dogs that Lifeline had pulled and they met Max. He was on the euthanasia list but was spared when other dogs were adopted. Deb kept track of Max and when his name came up on the euthanasia list again, she asked Lifeline to pull him. Deb lined up a foster for Max but when the meet/greet with the foster’s dog didn’t go well, Deb decided she would foster as she promised Max he would not be returned to a shelter. She fostered him through the summer and through heartworm treatment. Our meet & greet was in late June and I officially adopted him July 5, 2021. Deb kept him a little longer so he could continue to recover from heartworm treatment plus I was getting ready to move.
What is your favorite pastime as a family? Max’s anxiety issues are still a work in progress so, other than seeing a trainer, the only thing we really do is take lots of walks and stalk lots of squirrels.
What is life like since you rescued Max? Well, it’s cliché but true, we save each other and I will continue to save them for as long as I’m able too. Max is so damn affectionate that it’s almost annoying 😊 He sleeps under the covers, he is a black belt in Zoomies and he makes me laugh every single day. To think he survived the euthanasia list twice and found me is amazing.
Social Media: ? It’s nothing exciting as I’m more of a follower but we can be found on Instagram @rescued_dempsey_ben_max
Photographers Note: This is the third time Rosemary has volunteered with Shine A Light. First time with her dog Dempsey in Nov. 2018, next with Ben in June of 2020 and now with Max. I also happen to notice all their last photos in the story are very similar, capturing the joy of running with the wind in their ears. I love that Rosemary is always willing to help change perceptions with her pups. I of course wish I didn’t get to see her again so soon after we featured sweet Ben but I am glad she saved another gorgeous pibble in his honor.
Max had the best day the day of our shoot. He was able to race around a horse paddock and stop by the barn doors to say hello to the VERY large dogs inside ; ) and sample some of the local cuisine left by the residents! He had that enormous pittie smile on his face the whole time!