Max

4.10.11 to 4.25.21

Soft fur, silky ears, soulful amber eyes. Fur that tended toward dreadlocks when long. The look of a bear cub when brushed and fluffed. A sock thief, he would bat me with his paw for treats and give the nudgiest low ruff when belly rubs were wanted. He snoozed like a pro, his paw thrown over his eyes, stretched out the length of the couch. 5-10 minutes of belly rubs were required in the morning before he could offcially ‘wake up’. Before retiring at night, the search for the best hiding place would begin, stolen socks dangling from his mouth (sometime 3-4 pairs at a time), crying all the time. If he didn’t hear my encouragement “go hide those socks, you always find the best place”, he would stand by the bed, staring, waiting for those words. After the best place to ‘hide’ the socks was found, peace at last – he would roll into a puppy-bean-ball and drop off to sleep. He loved with his entire being. He listened when I talked, staring deeply into my eyes. He talked to me as best he could. He understood me. He was my constant companion through the most challenging 10 years – my touchstone, my protector, my security, my solace, my friend. He will always be in my heart. His last moments, after being terribly injured, were just what we both needed – I cradled him, he lay against me, he sighed deeply and breathed his last. Life will not be the same without him. He gave me every bit of his love and his trust every single day and I am the better person for it. I will miss him forever. I am so proud and blessed to have known such a sweet, sweet, giving soul.