Max, My whole life.

[Sarah77]

I find this very hard. I have had dogs my whole life (27 years), but none as special as Max. My boyfriends family got Max at 3 months from a woman that was getting divorced and couldn't keep him (there greatest loss). Well he was suppost to be a little girls dog, not a 23 years greatest love. There family had never own a dog before, so i took him to training (basic, advanced, a additional advanced, CGC test, Rainbow's Therapy Dog Test, Agility ( which he did not like, i later took him for x-rays of his hips and he had stage 2 hip dysplicia (sp), so we stopped that right away, Im sure even if his hip were find, he would of hated it, to much work for Max) 3 different class of Rally-O, and the last class was herding sheep ( sorry Max it was so short, i wish i would have know sooner, but who knew a dog that never chased a ball, frisbee or a stick would have a love for herding sheep). I purchased everything class, vet bills, food, and anything eles he needed. Needless to say he became my dog ( their family would refer to me as Max's mommy, Title i hold very high). Max and i went every where in his short life of 4 1/2 years. Anywhere a dog could go, Max went. The Chicago White Sox game ( every year), boat rides on the Chicago river, dog parks, not to forget are visits to the libraries and school (the kids would read to him), the nursing homes, hospital, a camp for children with cancer, and last October we went to Dog Camp ( I think his fantasy, 4 days all about him). Everybody loved him from family to neighbors (the lady next door, told us how she nevered liked dog, but there was something special about Max). Even the night that we took him to be put to sleep, a neighbor was driving down the steet as we were about to get in the car, and asked what was wrong with Max, so we told her, she and her son had to get out of their car and give Max a kiss and say goodbye. What a great Therapy Dog. Max was so full of life that I never new he was so sick. He started acting different about 4weeks, more latergic(sp) he was alway really lazy and became more picker then usual about his food ( Max was always picky about food, when we got him i must of bought every treat in Petsmart, till i found 1 (milkbones) this dog would eat, I would give him the treat he sniff it and turn his head the other way, And I was told dog's would eat anything). After about 2 weeks i took him to the vet, I thought I would just hear, o he as a cold, no they ran bloodwork and came in and told me he was in Kidney Failure, the vet keep talking, but my brian stopped working. The vet told me to take him to a Kidney Specialist, which I did, that was about 13 days ago. His kidney function was at 4.6 % from 100%. The vet thinks that he as been in kidney failure for a year, I never knew and i watched Max like he was kid, in a way he was. Everyone tried to be hopeful, they perscriped meds, and we had a follow up appointment Thur 6-2-05. They retested his blood, but i already knew, and had come to terms with end results. Thursday i could tell we were towards the end, Friday was really bad, at about 4:00 pm i could tell Max was in pain, he had stopped eating (even chicken nuggets, he favorite) and sometimes when he would breathe he would cry. So i helped him to the car, and drove to my boyfriend's home, so everyone could say goodbye, i called the vet i guess i needed the test results, he called me back and told me my greatest fear, his kidney level was at 2.? ( my mind went blank) as of Thursday morning. So i knew it was lower by now (Friday night), The vet said time was very short and the reason for the crying was that the toxins were starting to take over his body. I was going to take him in Sat night, but he seemed in so much pain, i really dont think he would have made it threw the night, and i definitely did not want him to suffer. So my boyfriend, his sister-in-law and I drove to the Emergency vet. There he crossed the Rainbow Bridge, at 9:50pm Friday the 3rd 2005, at the young age of 4 1/2. I think the only thing that brings me any comfort is that about year ago, my boyfriend's stepfather passed away, he was probably the only other person that could of loved Max as much as i did. So I know Jesse is happy to have his boy back, as much as he is missed here on earth, i know with all my heart he's spoiled in heaven.

Max, by best friend, my pal, I'm so glad that you were a part of my life, if even for a short amount of time. Its not goodbye, it's farewell, for i know that your spirit is still here with me. I'll see you again.
Sarah

Sorry its so long.

[alexav]

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Rest in peace Max, I'm sure there are sheep to herd at Rainbow bridge.

[JeanT]

Sarah, I am so sorry. You have written a beautiful tribute to Max. So very sorry that you had so little time together, but you spent it very well. You gave Max a very full life! And I know you feel Max gave the same to you. I'm glad he could have Jesse waiting for him.

[moondog]

Sarah, I could have kept on reading forever....I can feel the love you have for Max. I'm so sorry you lost your best friend. I lost mine, too. And....milkbones were the only biscuits for her, too. I bet Luna and Max are already chasing the sheep together, and then they'll lay down and have a few milkbones together.

It hurts to lose a friend.

[szky]

Sarah-Sorry to here about the loss of your beloved Max. You were a great person for taking him in and showing him the love he deserved during his short life. Like everyone who is involved in Rottweiler.Net, our beloved Black and Tan friends leave huge 100 lb holes in our hearts. Max is with Buster and Bettis, enjoying a good game of Tug-o-War. Godspeed Max, you were a true Ambassabor for all Rottweilers.

[AimeeMB]

Words cannot express my sympathy. Your love for Max shines through in your beautiful tribute to him. Godspeed Max...

[Dee]

Ahhhh Sarah, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your tribute was beautiful and written from the heart. Try to take comfort in the knowledge that you'll see your best friend again.......and what a reunion it will be! Please take care of yourself and know we're all here for you. Godspeed Sweet Max.......

[Denise L.]

Sarah, I am so sorry.

Your tribute was beautiful, Max was so lucky to have had you. Rest assured he has lots of friends at the Bridge.

[jas'smom]

I am so terribly sorry to hear of your loss.....God Speed dear Max

[Birdie'sMom]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Max.

[Patty1231]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing that you have given him the ultimate gift of freeing him from his pain.

[rottgirl]

Sarah

I am so sorry for your loss - I too lost my girl - Snickers on June 3, 2004 after a very agressive lymphoma took over. I'm sure Snicks was at the bridge to greet Max and they shared a milkbone.

Michele

[Mavides]

I'm so sorry for your loss Sarah. Unfortunately, I think all of us on this board know exactly what you're going through...we just never get to have them long enough. Know that Max is still watching over you though, and he's very appreciative for all you did for him - perhaps one day he'll lead you to a new puppy to love also.

[JudyP]

Sweet Max rest in peace.

j

[Sharon Marples]

What a beautiful tribute to Max, be blessed that you had him for the time you did.

His memories will soon be those to cherish rather than to cry about.

God Bless,