09/17/2025
Good morning Yuma, we received a message we would like to share. We are grateful to all our adopters that give our shelter animals a new life. Thanks Rachael!
"Dear Humane Society of Yuma,
I’ve been meaning to write this for some time, though it’s taken me a little while to find the right words. I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing Max into my life, and also to share the sad news that he recently passed away.
I adopted Max from your PetSmart adoption center in Yuma, Arizona, and from that very first day, he changed my life forever. Max was so much more than a pet—he was my companion, my comfort, and my joy. I was blessed with 10 beautiful years by his side. The grief I feel now is really just all the love I still have for him, love that lives on in his memory.
Max gave me more than companionship—he gave me courage. Because of him, I found the strength to leave an abusive relationship and start over completely from scratch. He would always protect me in those dark moments, standing by my side when I needed it most. Together, we healed, and in the process I became an advocate—with Max guiding me every step of the way, showing me that even the deepest wounds can be mended with love.
Life took us far from where we started—we moved all the way from Yuma, Arizona to Detroit, Michigan. Max embraced our new life fully and loved experiencing all four seasons, but winter quickly became his favorite. Watching him play in the snow was one of the many joys that reminded me how resilient and full of wonder he was.
Max passed from Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a rare and heartbreaking cancer. His journey has inspired me to raise more awareness about this disease, in the hope that sharing his story might one day help others. Though saying goodbye has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced, I take comfort in knowing that Max lived a full, happy life surrounded by love every single day.
None of this would have been possible without the care and dedication of your team. Because of you, Max got his second chance—and I was given the greatest gift of my life. Thank you not only for the work you did to bring Max into my life, but for the work you continue to do every day to give animals like him the chance to be loved.
If you feel it’s right, I would love for you to share Max’s story. My hope is that it might encourage others to adopt and meet their own soul dog—just as I was lucky enough to find mine.
Max will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always be grateful to your shelter for making our time together possible.
With deepest gratitude,
Rachael Vallejo"
All of our adoptable animals can be seen here. https://hsoyuma.com/adopt.html
