10/07/2020
It is with heavy hearts that we had to take Maximus to the rainbow bridge last week. He developed Liver Cancer and our vet was able to reassure us that there was no genetic or shunt issues, and nothing more we could have done for him. He was my husband's heart hound and best friend. He was 6yrs 10 months when he passed.
He was a big part of our family with a big heart to match. My husband loved to let him stand up and he was much bigger than my 6'1" husband, but Max always tried to keep his head lower than his leaders head, so it was comical to see him stretch and also duck his head at the same time! Max loved to show off, and meet new people. If he felt he was being ignored he would try to climb up on Dad's lap as if saying, "hey people, there is a big dog hear ready to be adored, come look at me."
He was an honorary troop mascot for both the Springville, CA boy scouts and girl scouts, and as such went on no less than 24 camping trips with the scouts and his family too. He helped draw attention for 6 years to the Boy Scouts booth at the Annual Apple Festival, being an ambassador for the breed and educating the public and generally being adored by the masses.
He loved ALL other dogs and people; the smaller the child the more he would melt like butter, laying down and letting them crawl all over him. Every dog he met, he wanted to be their friend; even when attacked he would immobilize and sit on the unruly dog and wait for a person to take care of the unruly animal and never ever broke the skin, and afterwards just had the attitude of "what's your problem, I just wanted to be your friend, why are you freaking out?"
He loved to go on road trips, no matter how long or short, he was up for it. He loved the spotlight, and if there was a beach trip, a St Patrick's Day Parade, a renaissance faire or just a morning at Starbucks; his attitude was "Let's Go!!"
Pictures and pets were always free. His attitude was, I'm here people, let the party begin! He was constantly photographed by strangers and loved posing. He definitely knew what a camera was and how to turn on the sparkle.
Every morning at 6am he would lead the pack reveille to wake up the kids for school. But the rule was that Mom was not allowed into the children's rooms until Max had all his morning hugs and belly rubs first. He would lead the wolfhound chorus 2-3 more times a day just to get everyone's spirits up. And he was suspected to be a member of the Hug Mafia, as no embraces of any sort were allowed in his presence unless he received his tribute first! (Beside's his great love of pizza pointing to the fact that he must have been Italian too 😉)
He was our Alpha and everyone is missing him, but we are glad that he is no longer in pain. We love you Max, and thank you for the 6+ years you have blessed this family. You have brought infinitely more joy than sadness, and we would walk this road with you again one thousand times over! Rest well big boy!
