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Puppy Maxers at the shelter
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Maxers enjoying a hike in CSZ
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| Maxers resting at home in Barcroft |
A Letter to My Maxers
My buddy Maxers, my life changed immensely the minute that you came into my
life. Appearing with Russ and Blue out of the rainstorm at High Hampton with
your cute little sibling Chloe. It had been a little while since I had a
dog, since I was off at school, and hadn’t really thought about having
another one until you guys came into my life. Your auntie B and grandma
thought that you would be a good change to my life as you would help me
learn to care for someone other than myself. I think grandma secretly wanted
you to help prepare me for having children someday.
I had to wait a whole month from that first weekend until I would make it
back to Cashiers to rescue you from the Humane Society and we would begin
our adventures together! You came back to DC and settled into “city” life
fairly well, even though you were a mountain dog at heart. You were a
rambunctious puppy and certainly did your fair share of puppy destruction
around the house. You loved our almost daily trips to the Shirlington Dog
Park, even if you didn’t like to chase balls and only wanted to run and play
with Chloe! And then Daddy met a girl who he really liked. Fortunately for
him, she loved you just as much as Daddy did. And unlike your sister, you
didn’t really mind the feline brother that she brought with her. You even
tolerated it when we brought home another little feline companion for
him.
I’m sure it came from your early life of scrounging around High Hampton for
something to eat, but you never found a trash can that you didn’t like! It
didn’t matter the contents; you were happy to sniff around to see if there
was something worthwhile and chew whatever was in there. And of course we
have to mention your love of all food that was left unattended in your
vicinity. It didn’t matter whether it was chocolate in a bag or steaks and
Irish soda bread on top of the counter, your nose would show you the
way!
But where your heart really lay was in adventure. You were most happy when
you could be out roaming the wilderness. Mostly in Cashiers on our many
hikes through the woods, but sometimes you liked to split off and give us
all a scare by going off on your own. There are probably too many times to
mention here, but some of the notable ones are the escapes from the backyard
in Pittsburgh, the snow adventure in Vermont, the chase in Hopewell, and the
Thanksgiving dash in Cashiers. We always got you back safe and sound and you
always convinced Chloe to go with you, even though I think she was nervous
about leaving us. And who could forget your first Christmas in East Hanover
where you did a number on the powder room door!
The last seven years, you have enjoyed having your Mom at home to give you
treats and let you out during the day. Ever since she joined the family, you
have always been a Mama’s boy, very content sitting with her in the basement
while we watched our TV shows. I wish that you would have gotten to know
Rowan and Chase when you were more active. I know they would have loved
playing with you, but I am glad that you got to spend as much time with them
as you have.
Maxers, you haven’t made getting old easy on us with your 2 knee ligament replacements and your mast cell tumor. The last year has been especially tough as you have lost your mobility. We have had our scares that you would be leaving us sooner, but you have always persevered. You have had an amazing almost 16 years with us and we are forever grateful for the memories that you will leave us with. From all of us, especially Kristi, Rowan, Chase, Susie, John, Britton, Jarrett, Chris, Joe, Chloe, Sushi and last of all me, we give you all of our love and thanks! Give our best to Corky, Funny, Crackers, and Harry. We love you.
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