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MAX 1/31/04 
#269

 

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Max's Foster Journey - Adopted 10/9/04

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8/8/04

8/5/04

9/27/04


 

Pertinent Information
4 yr. old Male Boxer
75  lb. Owner Surrender
Natural Ears and Docked Tail 
Neutered and UTD
Being Fostered Near Fayetteville, NY
Adoption Donation $175

                       

9/07 - Max has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.

1/12/05 - Max medically, is done with the vet. Everything is well with him. The yeast infection in the toes are gone, and all his hair grew back on his chest, that you cannot see his grey polka dots on his chest anymore. He has a pure white chest now.
I am having some behavioral problems with Max that I did not have for the first 4 months he was here. The vet. feels it is anxiety. Perhaps he is smart enough to realize that he has been here awhile, and is comfortable, he is worried that he may be moved again. It is very trying at times, and time consuming. He is acting like a puppy, but I am going to go thru the training exercises with him more vigorously and more intense and see if I can correct his behavior. The vet. does not want to give him medication for anxiety, as he is on the seizure medications, which, by the way, he has had no seizures in months.
Max is sweet, but does have to be watched, as he still gets into food items when he can. He ate a box of dog treats yesterday, so he has diarrhea today. I have caught him trying to eat a tissue, and cardboard from the box he tore open. I don't know what is tasty about those items, but Max has to be crated when I am not home, and doors closed when I am home. Lets hope the training helps him.
Max is handsome, and climbs on your lap for some loving, and sleeps on your lap when you let him. He is like a big overgrown baby, and a big bear to hug. Max is a sweet boy, and I hope he realizes soon that he is loved and has a forever home...if he would just behave.

12/15/04 - Poor Maxy. We just can't seem to find a food that he doesn't show an allergic reaction. It seems after eating 10 lbs. of the light Nutro Max food over the past month, that an allergy reaction has erupted. His neck is pink again, and has a yeast infection again. I am now going to try the light Science Diet. Well have a laugh...Max gained 6 pounds in the month on light food. Go figure! May be it is because my yard is total mud this time of year, and I haven't been playing fetch with him and the hall in the house isn't wide enough for 4 dogs to run for the toy.I took all 4 dogs to the vet. today...3 in the back seat, Max up front with me. No problems at all with any of them, and it is a 25 minute ride each way. I took all 4 in at the same time, and it was amazing how well they all were together. Max, for such a big boy, is really great with all dogs. Even though his neck is pick, all the workers could not believe he was the same dog they had taken care of with no hair 6 months ago.
Max is sweet. He is like hugging a big teddy bear. He likes the cookie the mailman gives him, and he eats snow!

12/3/04 - Max continues to be well and sure knows the routine here. He even barked a few times in the past few weeks. It is rare to hear him bark, but I think he is starting to be a bit of a watchdog. Max is now on light dog food. He likes both the Science Diet and the Nutro Natural light foods, and he enjoys getting more food each meal. He is doing somewhat better on his desire for food all day. Actually, he has been perfect in his crate during work hours, so he can get along fine without looking for food all day. He sits and waits for the ok to eat his food for over 15 seconds, so my Maxy has been a very good boy.
Max is a sweet dog and has never started any squabbles with any of the other dogs. He has had no seizures for months now, so that has been really great.
Max is like a puppy that never grew up. I found him unwinding the toilet paper twice in the last couple of weeks. He even tore a hole in the middle of the roll the first time. After the fact, it was funny that this 5 year old, big, tall, 79lb. dog is unrolling toilet paper. I think he must have seen Peter Pan, and decided he will never grow up! Thank goodness he is at least housebroken. Max has the most sweet, handsome, perfect boxer face and I love his white toes too. He really is a good looking boy.
Stay tuned for more updates.

11/3/04 - HALLELUJAH!! Max is well and no longer needs to go the vet! Max is in perfect health and you would not know that he is the same dog that arrived here in June. No itching, no pink skin, no skin infections, & all is hair has grown back. He looks like a new man. He has NO thyroid problem and therefore needs no medication for a thyroid condition. He weighs in at a solid muscular 79 pounds. And Max is on regular Nutro Max food. The vet. is quite pleased and impressed that no one would ever know, looking at Max now, that he had had sarcoptic mange & skin infections of any kind. All the employees at the vet. commented on how handsome he is. The only medications Max is on is his phenobarbitol and potassium bromide for his seizures...only one pill each twice a day. He got his vaccinations today, so Max won't be going to the vet. again for a year!
Max continues to be fine with the other 3 dogs, taking a run around the yard with them and chewing on marro bones together. He sleeps in his crate all night with no problems. He is practicing training lessons with Flash who is attending obedience classes. He follows her around when we practice, so he I decided to give him his own lessons too. He likes it.
It is so wonderful to see Max healthy and looking like a normal boxer boy. Max has truly found his forever home!

10/16/04 -My Maxy, so sweet, loveable, & HANDSOME, I just couldn't give him up. He likes it here, and he likes the other 3 dogs. He fits in just great, and I love that big boy!
Max went to the vet., and fortunately the yeast infection is gone, but he still had a bit of bacteria infection on his feet, so he is back on the antibiotic for 3 weeks. His neck had also become red & itchy for a few days before his appt. The vet. felt that it is an allergy reaction to something he ate within the last few days. I could not think of anything he had eaten within the last few days that he hadn't had before...until I went to leave & in the reception area is greenies to buy. Max had a greeny just 2-3 days before his appt. and before he started itching his neck again.
So, we now know what kind of ingredients are NOT good for Max. No more greenies for Maxy. Funny, I did not give it to Buster, as I was concerned he may have a tummy problem from it, but it never crossed my mind that Max would have an allergy reaction to it. Dumb!! But by the next AM, his neck was back to the faint pink that is still lingering.
Flash has started obedience classes, & we were practicing in my empty living room. Max followed Flash around & participated in the obedience practice, so I think I will do the same with him as Flash learns in classes. He did perfect & he seemed to enjoy it, so it be fun working with both dogs one at a time. Buster was not a willing participant, so I will leave him out for now.
Max's thyroid test results should be in within a week.
I am so glad I was able to give Maxy a birthday present for his 5th birthday on October 12th of a permanent forever home that loves him so much.

10/9/04 - Max has been adopted.

10/5/04 - Max is pending adoption as soon as he is medically clear - YEAH

9/27/04 - It seems Max has gotten very comfortable here. He makes a b-line to the recliner thinking it is his "new" bed. I have to escort him to his crate. I must admit, he does look cute in the recliner.
I was having a problem with Max peeing in the crate when I was not home...he does prefer the recliner. But limiting his water intake in the AM before I leave for work, has solved that problem.
Max does still look for food during the day, so I have been giving him carrots & banana slices so he does not gain weight. I have found that Max likes green peppers, tomatoes, and iceberg lettuce as well. I haven't tried cucumbers yet, but if he likes that too, I will have to give him fine dining with a toss salad, with no dressing, before his main dinner entree, and a banana for dessert.
Actually, Max's IVD food is a high calorie food, that did not allow him to have a large quantity of that dog food. He will be on a lower calorie, larger quantity of dog food shortly.
Max has a vet. appointment on Oct. 13th for his thyroid test. There is still a faint pink on his neck of the yeast infection, but he still has a 2 weeks supply left of the pills to take for it.
Max has had no seizures in over 2 months, so the medications and dosage amount is perfect. I will update again after his vet. appointment.

8/31/04 - Max is doing very well. No itching whatsoever. The pink on his chest and toes, (the yeast infection), is definitely improved & should be cured when he is done with the one pill for it in 5 weeks.
For those who did not read all the write ups on Max, let me try to recap.
Max is now a healthy boy. He is tall and weighs in at 85 lbs. He is on 2 medications twice a day for seizures. He has not had seizures since July 23rd, so they are now under control with the 2 medications. The pictures do show a small growth on his right front leg. It does not bother Max and it has not grown in size. He may or may not need thyroid medication...that will be determined in October.
Max is a sweet boy who gets along well with other dogs. He does jump when he meets new people, but after he knows you, he doesn't jump on you.  Max likes to toss toys around, and sometimes he talks to them while he is playing with them. He also likes tug of war.
Max sits for his food, and waits till given the ok to eat. He comes when he is called. Max looks for food during the day due to his seizure medication which increases hunger. So counters & tables should be free of food, and the garbage out of his reach. He does listen to "no" if you catch him before he gets something to eat that isn't his.
Max likes to sunbathe, so I have had to remind him that he is hot and should come inside. He is good in the crate, but there has been a few times I have come home to a wet crate. He has NEVER had an accident in the house of any kind. Max has found that he likes sleeping in the recliner as well, but he does sleep overnight in the crate.
Max is a handsome boy with white on the nose, toes neck and chest. 95% of his hair has grown back. He is missing some hair underneath on his tummy, but that may come in yet...hair grows slow.
Max is not a watch dog. He never barks at any noise, people on the street, cars coming down the street, or other dogs barking. He is quiet & quite mellow, and usually only gives kisses after you eat and he thinks there is food to lick off your face.:) He begs only if you let him. If you tell him "no", he will walk away. Guess he figures you never know unless you try!
Max walks well on a leash with a prong collar and has learned to sit and stay when you stop along the walk.
I think that just about sums up Maxy. A sweet, quiet, handsome boxer boy!
 

8/20/04 - Max went to the vet. and he is doing so well that he doesn't have to see him again for 2 months. He was quite happy to see all the hair that grew back on his neck. As I thought, he does still have the yeast infection on his neck, under his chin, and in his toes. He will be on the pills for the yeast infection for another month. The yeast infection is the only problem Max has now. His seizures are now under control, as he has not had any seizures since July 23rd. I will be reducing his potassium bromide dosage back to 2 pills a day next week. That will be his maintenance dosage. Max's thyroid will be tested at his 2 months from now appointment to see if he needs thyroid medication at all. Max has been in rescue for quite a while now, but he is finally 99.9% healed, with a yeast infection that will is easy to treat, with the medication that should clear it up in a short amount of time.
Max is good boy. He gets along with other dogs with no problems whatsoever, as you can see from the pictures. He is a handsome boy, and is a quiet, mellow dog that is ready to play fetch or tug of war when you are ready. He can amuse himself by tossing a toy around when he needs to. Max needs a permanent forever home that will love him and be willing to spend about $ 30.00 a month for his seizure medications. He really is a sweet boy that needs to know that he has finally found a home to call his own.

8/16/04 - Max received his stamp of approval. He met foster grandma the other night, and he was such a good boy
at her house, that she told him he can come visit again any time. The way to get Maxy to not jump on people when he meets them, is to have them sitting down when he comes in the room. They are now at a level that he doesn't have to jump on them. And reminding him "no jumping" is very helpful. He never jumped on grandma or his foster aunt the whole evening. He was such a good boy, he exceeded my expectations and I already know what a sweet boy he is.Max's hair has grown in around his neck. The hair is a nice soft golden fawn color. He is really looking good, and the itching is rare...no more than any healthy dog will scratch. The vet. is going to be quite pleased when he sees him on Thursday. I am not an expert on yeast infections, but I do think he will need to continue on that pill a bit longer, as there is still a pink color in his toes and faintly on his chest. At least it isn't a red color anymore!
His last reduction in dosage of the thyroid pill starts this week for a month. He will then be weaned completely off thyroid medication and we will see if he really needs it or not. I don't want to talk too loud, but Max has gone beyond the 3 week mark with no seizures. Hopefully, the vet. has now got him on the correct medications and dosages, so the seizures will occur rarely or maybe not at all. That would be great!
I have gotten all the dogs to go to bed around 9:30-10:00 PM. for the night. Max goes in his crate with no problems. If he really doesn't want to, all I say to him is " go to bed with Flash and Buster", (they are in their crates) and he walks right into his crate. Max is a sweet boy that will be medically ready to find his permanent home soon.

8/7/04 - Max's itching of his ear, is getting much better. The yeast infection is starting to clear on his feet. Max will be done with the antibiotic next week and will be seeing the vet. in 2 weeks for a follow up appointment.
We increased the potassium bromide by one pill for a few weeks. I thought Max was having a tummy problem from the increased dose yesterday, but it seems my little Maxy ate my hosta plant flowers and stems outside and he was sick from that. I don't think throwing them up was worth eating them.
Max is a good boy. No accidents ever in the house. No problems at all meeting and being with 3 other dogs in the house. He does not get into anything in the house that isn't his, unless it is food. So, you just have the keep the food out of his reach. Max listens to no, comes when he is called, is walking well on a leash with the training collar, and he never barks. He, like Buster, lets the girls do the barking.
Max, or Maxy, as I call him, is sweet and friendly. He does jump on people when he meets them, but after he is used to them, he doesn't do it anymore. We are trying to work at that, as Max is a big boy at 80 lbs. and could knock you over if you are not ready for his jumping.
Max likes to play fetch and tug of war. So if you are up for a game, Max is the boy to play with. As you can see from the new pictures, Max is a beautiful boxer boy. 

7/29/04 - Max went to the vet. today, and the little bit of itching that he has been doing, is because he has a yeast infection on his skin and a secondary bacterial infection. Max is back on the antibiotic for 2 weeks for the bacterial infection, and on a different pill for the yeast infection that will be given to him for at least a month. Max never had a biopsy done of the skin, so the yeast infection may have always been there, but had never been on the surface of his skin to diagnose earlier. Hopefully, once these infections are cleared, Max's skin will be in perfect condition. As for the seizures, the potassium bromide will be increased in dosage from 2 pills a day to 3 pills a day. Max was a perfect angel at the vet, and the technicians and receptionists get a laugh out of him. He wiggles around and jumps for some loving, which does look funny cause Max is tall and wants to give them a few licks. He greets other dogs there with a wagging tail and would like to meet them. Max has been thru a lot medically, but he is a sweet, gentle boy who just wants to be loved.  Check out his newest pictures at the bottom right.

7/26/04 - I really love this dog. He is so sweet and has such a beautiful face. I can now see that he has a 3-4 inch wide white marking on his neck that continues to his white chest. Max is handsome!  Max is such an easy going boy. There is no problems with him and the other 3 dogs. He has done some running around the yard with them and plays fetch with them.  Max is going to the vet. on Thursday for a follow-up. The only concerns to discuss with him will be the few times he scratches his ears each day, and the seizures he had on Friday. Otherwise, Max's medical condition has vastly improved since he has been in NY.
I have discovered that Max hates a squirt bottle. I do not want him eating my girls' food, (the boys are on vet. IVD food), if they head toward the girls' bowls while they are eating, you just have to show Max & Buster the squirt bottle and they run out of the room! Of course "No" works too.
I will update again after the vet. visit. It won't be long till Max is ready for adoption. 

7/15/04 - Max continues to do be a nice sweet dog. Ok, so he does still try to get on the counters sometimes, but the poor boy is hungry. His phenobarbital medication has the side effect of increased hunger, but Max doesn't understand that we don't want to see him get fat. If there is nothing on the edge of the counter, he won't get anything anyway. BUT, catching him smelling before it gets any further, with a "no", gets him out of the kitchen!
Max has such a beautiful, perfect boxer face. It is hard to catch it in a picture. He has a perfect square jaw, beautiful nose with white on it, that goes up to a thin line of white to his forehead, and the sweetest big brown eyes. Can't help but give him kisses on those cheeks!
Max will be done with the antibiotic in a few days, the antihistamine in about a week or so and I will be reducing the thyroid medication dosage next week. Of course he will he always be on the phenobarbital and the potassium bromide pills for seizures.His skin is healing. The dark pigment around his neck is changing back to the normal flesh color. The white hair on his chest is coming in. He only scratches the back of his ears periodically, but they have healed 99.5 %. The vet. is hoping that the little bit of scratching at his ears is not an indication of an allergy. He will be getting one last treatment of Revolution on July 29th and he has a follow up vet. appointment that afternoon too.
Max enjoys walks around the neighborhood, and he is walking very well on the leash with the training collar. He comes when he is called, will sit and stay before he gets his food, (Extremely excellent for a hungry boy) and will amuse himself squeaking and tossing a toy. He plays fetch and tug of war. He does not inhale his food, unlike Buster who is always done first. He takes his pills any way you want to give them to him. He can sleep for hours in a crate and he is housebroken....what more could you ask for?

7/8/04 - Max went to the vet. today. His skin is healing nicely, but Max was given an additional 
seizure medication, as he is having seizures every 3 weeks.  The vet. would like to see the
 frequency of seizures decreased.  
Max is such a sweet boy and he really has an adorable face. He only needs training on jumping on 
people when he meets them and some pulling on the leash when he has a regular collar on. Very 
typical traits of a boxer.  He is very good when the training collar is on him. Just reminding him with 
a no when he smells the air at the counters and table, and begging at the table, is all that is 
needed for him to walk away.
If you are ready for a game of fetch or tug of war, Max is usually ready too.  And if another dog 
joins in and takes the toy during play, oh well, Max will play with another toy. Can't get easier 
than that! Max is such a good boy!
Oh, and I forget to mention.  Max ever so gently climbs in the recliner to sleep on your lap. He 
is such a cuddler, that we have slept together in the chair for hours. If you are looking for a 
cuddler, Max is the boy for you.

7/3/04 - Max is doing real well here. He's doing so well, that I was sure I closed the gate in the living room last night as he was sleeping on the mattress.  Well, guess who's cute face I saw staring at me
at 4:20 AM. I wondered how long he had roaming the house, and what he got into. Max is such a good
boy, he got into NOTHING! And I had a bag of garbage from under the kitchen sink tied & in the
kitchen, ready to take downstairs to the barrel on my next trip downstairs...and it was intact. Max
didn't even look at it.
If he is begging at the table, Max now knows "no begging, its rude" and he walks away. 
It took Max for a couple of short walks this week. He is interested in squirrels, the neighbor's
barking dog, and people walking, but with a little correction and training, he is getting to
understand heel very well. I think he will be a pro at walking in a very short time.
He really has a cute boxer face.  He plays fetch, tug of war with the hollee ball and doesn't pay
alot of attention to the other 3 dogs, although he did run with them to fetch a toy.
Max has a follow up appointment at the vet. on July 8th. He will be on the antibiotic and
antihistamine medications for a couple of months and we are weaning him off the thyroid pill. 
I have gotten a couple of boxer wiggles when I have come home, Max does small tail wiggles and he
goes right in the crate when "crate duty" is needed when I leave for work, like 2 of my other dogs
do.  All the crates are in the same room together, so it comfortable for all them to be with each
other.
Max is a very sweet boy who is finally on the mend.

6/28/04 - Max is really a good boy. He is getting a bit more comfortable here. Max has not gone potty in the house or in his crate at all. Last night he slept all night on the mattress in the living room. And he was terrific in the crate today when I went to work.
Introducing Max to my 3 boxers has been so easy. Max is so easy going with the other dogs, that when Flash barked in his face & pounced around him to play, he did not even pay attention to her antics. He ran a few moments in the yard with Flash & Buster this AM., and does love a game of fetch. And he doesn't care if one of them takes a toy from him. When he sleeps, he sleeps like a log for hours, and loves to spend time outside.  .Max takes his pills either by putting them in his dry food, and he eats them with right up with the food, or opening his mouth & putting them down his throat. He is accommodating either way, he doesn't care.
So far Max has not put his feet on my kitchen counters or table. He does stick his nose in the air to smell them, but a few firm "NO's" puts an end to his desires.  Max is such an easy going guy, he can fit in anywhere. 

6/26/04 - I picked up Max this afternoon from the vet.  His skin looks great.  And he is not scratching.
He has the antibiotic and antihistamine medication to take a bit longer and I will be doing 2 more 
treatments of Revolution over the next few weeks.  
Max is a rather mellow boy.  He loves to sunbathe outside. It didn't take him long to realize the 
wood steps are more comfortable than the flagstone patio.  He met my 3 dogs and showed no interest 
in them.  While he was sleeping outside, I brought each dog out one at a time.  He never got up to 
meet any of them.  
He found the comforts of the mattress I have for the dogs.  He made himself right at home.  I left 
him in the crate for over an hour while I went shopping.  He was great in there. And we played 
fetch down the hallway, and he actual drops the ball for you to do it again.
He has climbed on my lap a couple of times for some loving. He actually tried to climb up on all 
4's.  I had to tell him, he would not fit.
Max is a sweet, cute, quiet boy who will make a great companion.

6/21/04 - I visited with Max today for about an hour and a half. He looks so much better. His skin is no 
longer pink and the scabs on his skin from his scratching wounds are no longer there.  He is a quiet, 
sweet boy.  He played with his dinosaur toy...tossing it around the room.  He knows "sit", and likes 
to give kisses.  He never scratched himself while I was there, so I think this boy is on the mend. 
I am sure he is looking forward to getting sprung from the vets.  I promised him it will be soon.

6/19/04 - Max has been at the vets. for a week now, and he is doing much better. He is responding 
very well to the treatments for mites, therefore, it is determined that that is what Max had.  He has 
gotten a bath with special shampoo, and was treated with Revolution...a treatment applied to the skin 
like Frontline, but not only does it work on fleas & ticks, it kills mites as well.  Seems Max never 
had enough treatments for mites before, and the previous foster home was not given anything to 
treat Max's environment, and therefore he was getting reinfected in the home.
Max has not been itching for a few days now, and if he continues to improve, he will probably be 
released from the vet. next week, as my vet. does not think he is contagious.
Max was immediately taken off the prednisone he was given, and any other steroids he was given, as 
it suppresses the immune system, so he could not fight off the mites. Now that the steroids are 
out of his body, a blood test was taken to check his Phenobarbital level.  The thyroid medication 
was reduced as well, as Phenobarbital slows the thyroid, so he may not have hypothyroidism.
The results of the blood test will be in next week, and I will be visiting and spending time with 
Max on Monday, when I take Buster there to be neutered.
It will be great to see Max finally over his skin problem, and feeling so much more comfortable.

6/14/04 - Max arrived Saturday in NY, and was taken to my vet...the one who took such good care of Buster.  Max is so cute.  He is friendly, sweet, and the pictures on this page do not do him justice.  He
is adorable, with a beautiful white marking on his nose.  And I got boxer kisses from him with the
little bit of time I spent with him.  Max has a staph & a bacterial infection all over his skin.  He will be on antibiotics and after the infections clear, his skin will be tested to determine what is causing his itching. 
Poor Max has to be very uncomfortable, but he maintains his sweet, friendly personality.  What a
trooper!
 

6/1/04 - Max has been to the vet numerous times in the past few weeks, as he is scratching his neck and other areas.  It seems to be some kind of allergic reaction to something and we are trying to figure out what it is and how to treat him.  So, for the time being, we have put Max on a medical hold until he is 100%.

5/12/04 - Well I’m a couple of days late on my update so I got up at 4:00 AM in order to get it done. And who’s at my side? That’s right my trusty companion Max! I’m upstairs and it’s got to be at least 85 degrees, and who’s by my side? You’re correct-Max! Why? Because he doesn’t care about being uncomfortable or inconvenienced he just wants to be around his human companions more then anything else. By the way where do you think Blaze is? You’re right again, downstairs sleeping on the couch. He barely opened an eye as Max and I went by (I’m sure Max is more then happy that squirt is still sleeping which I believe is when Max likes him best). So what’s your excuse? Afraid that by taking Max you might be inconvenienced or made uncomfortable because he’s not a “perfect dog”? I can only tell you from experience that there are no perfect dogs, and that the strange thing is it seems the more I learn about Max’s foibles the more he becomes endeared to me. Maybe the price or administration of his medication might have you concerned. Well his seizure and thyroid meds total up to a whopping .42 cents per day, and he’ll practically eat them out of your hand (okay, to be honest the boy is such a food hound he’ll almost eat your hand too) although we find that after wrapping them in a piece of cheese he just inhales them. This dog deserves a good home with lots of patience and love, doesn’t this sound like yours?

5/3/04 - I almost don’t want to report some good news for fear that I may jinx the situation. Max has had a sore over one of his ears for the past month that resulted from his constant scratching. At times it would seem about healed, but he would always start in again. This time though it does appear that it’s 99% healed. I’m not sure whether it’s from some topical spray the vet gave to relieve the itching or the pills we gave him for two weeks or the thyroid pills he is now on. Regardless we’re glad to see it, and hope it stays this way. Otherwise the boy is doing well. While we were writing this Blaze has been tormenting Max (nothing new there). Max really is a people dog, and was trying to play with Kym; however, Blaze gets jealous and gets right in his face barking and nipping at every opportunity. Max really doesn’t want to play with Blaze, but he’s a gentleman about how he deals with the obnoxious little squirt (fifteen pound difference between the two of them). Max is big
enough that he could certainly hurt Blaze if he wanted to, but he stands there and tolerates him. But that is Max’s demeanor. He is a gentle dog that makes you want to hug him like a big Teddy Bear, and he will melt your heart (when you’re not chasing him away from the garbage or the counter)! It seems to us that he does do well with other dogs he just doesn’t quit get that he’s supposed to play with them not us. He also does well with kids, and is very gentle, prone to giving kisses every now and then, but they should be older/bigger as Max doesn’t know his own strength. Does this sound like your home? Max is hoping so.

4/25/04 - Well Max has been to the vet since my last update. He has a suspected allergy causing him to scratch his ears and chest, sometimes to the point of bleeding. The vet thought there was a possibility that he could have a thyroid deficiency, so a test was done. It turns out that his thyroid level is low, and tomorrow he’ll start him on some medicine. We’re in hopes that this may help on several different levels, and will let everyone know how it goes. Other then that he continues to be a big sweet loveable guy. I enjoy the differences between him and Blaze. While Blaze is fast and nimble, and hyper in the car Max is slower and bigger and a pleasure riding in the car. When playing Blaze tears around while Max economizes his movements and packs a wallop! He really teaches his toys a lesson. He must be starting to settle in now that we’ve had him just shy of a month. I say this because his play level is becoming way more frequent now, and it’s a gas to watch him. This guy deserves a good forever home, and I hope he gets it soon….

4/13/04 - Hey everybody, Blaze here. I need your help with Max. This big lug is steeling all my thunder. It used to be all about me me me, and I had these humans wrapped around my paw. Now all I hear is oh Max your so cute, oh Max your so cuddly, come here Max I have a treat for you. Please! give me a break. And look at the picture I just sent in, sleeping on the driveway? That's what couches are for, my god the dog has no couth. I keep trying to get him in trouble like telling him they left that food on the counter for him to go get it, or sure the trash is there for you to sort through, and what happens? All they do is squirt him with the water bottle, scold him, and gate him in the other room. I had a hobo stick and a bandana wrapped up with his meds and a few treats hoping they'd send him packing. But what do I hear instead? That when his forever home gets him they'll work with him on obedience, and he'll be the best dog ever! Made me feel like I was going to hack up a hair-ball and I ain't even a cat. Just between you and me, Max really isn't too bad a fellow, but I'm too jealous to share my humans with him. So what are you waiting for? You know you want him, please come get him already!

4/10/04 - Well another four days have gone by, and it's a pleasure to watch Max continue to settle in day by day. His level of playfulness continues to increase although he would rather play with humans then Blaze. The two of them are still trying to work it out. Blaze will start the ruff-housing, but then when he does get Max to respond he has to run for cover! Max is enough larger that without Blaze having a large area to use his quickness to his advantage he'll run and hide under the furniture. They do get along well together, and I enjoy walking the two of them. I took Max over to my
brothers yesterday to see how Max would react to the outside cats. He showed too much interest, and had to keep him on the leash for the kitties sake. I'll next try to introduce him to Kym's cats inside, and will let everyone know how that goes:). It seems that he does have a food allergy that causes him to scratch himself bloody, but I'm happy to report that once we switched his food he healed right up. What a great companion this boy is going to make once his forever home finds him! It's supposed to be sunny today, and I plan to get a few pictures outside. Stay tuned, and be prepared to have your heart melt. C'mon he's waiting for YOU.

4/6/04 - Well Max seems to be settling in nicely here at his new foster home. My first general impression seems to be holding true, and that is Max is a gentle dog who loves people. I gave him a bath last night, and he was so calm it amazed me. I'm used to Blaze who thinks baths are my way of torturing him, but Max just stood still until I was done. I also can't believe how easy it is to give Max his medicine. Other dogs I've had seemed to be able to know what I was up to, and would eat whatever I had the pills wrapped up in, and spit out the pills, but not Max. He just inhales the treat, and looks at you as if to say "where's the next one"? Max loves the company of people and will do some
whining in the middle of the night if he's not allowed up on the bed. We've been keeping both dogs gated in the living room, and some nights he's gone without a peep, and others he'll make some noise until he gets a reaction. I believe that this is starting to get better, and will continue to do so as long as he sees that I'm not going to give in every time he whines. Which I must say is hard because to look at Max is to want to hold him and hug him, he's a big teddy bear who needs someone to give him the love and care that he'll gladly return. Could that someone be you? I know there's someone out there that will give Max the home he needs, he just hopes don't make him wait much longer.

3/31/04 - Oh how quickly Max works his magic! Just a couple of days at the home for wayward boxers, and he's already winning hearts around here. Max is still getting used to the new routine and surroundings, and I expect as he gets acclimated his personality will start to shine. Just a couple of sparks of the boxer playfulness so far, and that has been with me not the other four legged resident. I think that so far Max tolerates Blaze but would prefer the pesky guy go bother someone else. Max has been getting some nice long walks which he seems to enjoy. He's not bad on a lead, and with a little work would be super. That could be said for his obedience in general-pretty good right now and would be great with a loving family willing to invest the time and devotion he needs. He will return the favor many times over. Might it be you?

3/28/04 - Max rode in the car to his new foster home like a perfect gentleman (Blaze could take some pointers here). Once at the Bordentown home for wayward boxers he was introduced to the current King (Blaze). The two were fine together all day with no incidents. There is nothing wrong with Max's
appetite, and there were no issues when either he or Blaze came by the other's food bowl while eating.  He seems to have had a good day all around.

3/13/04 - Wow, time has flown by and it is time to send in an update on Mr. Max.  He continues to  do so well here, it almost feels as if he has become a permanent resident!  I got the cutest picture last night of all three boxers curled up on one dog bed.  Max has a wonderful temperament and gets along
perfectly with the other dogs in the house. He is a rock-steady dog for my toddler to be around, he actually seems to enjoy being hugged and thwacked about the head.
Max's house manners are improving with consistency and patience.  Every so often I will catch him with his paws on the counter or his head in the garbage, but he has come to truly detest the sight
of a spray bottle and will immediately find something better to do with his time.  Max spends about 8 hours in his crate during the weekdays and has never had an accident in there.  He goes in willingly, I think mostly because we make it worthwhile for him with a Kong toy stuffed with some of his food and topped with a small amount of peanut butter.  His Kong is one of the highlights of
his day. 
Max is a very gentle and loving dog.  He loves to have his ears scratched and his belly rubbed, and although he is not a licker, he will give you sweet little tiny kisses when you request them.  I can't believe Max is still with us, although it is possible that his seizures are off-putting to some folks.  I can tell you that since he has been with us he had one small cluster of seizures, which our vet tells us is very normal in dogs with a seizure disorder to have, particularly when they are due for their next dose of medicine.    They were all within a half-hour span and each lasted less than a minute.  He was a little disoriented after, but was back to his normal self within 15 to 20 minutes.  We just petted him and talked to him through them, and we all got through just
fine.   The vet assures us these seizures aren't hurting him or doing any damage to his brain or nervous system, and that he will live a normal life with them.  For the most part, the medicine does a very nice job of controlling them, since he has been with us around two months now and has only had the
one instance.
Max is a very special dog.  Yes, he has some special needs, but he is a perfect example of why rescue organization exists.  He will be a wonderful family dog for any situation, all he needs is someone who is able to make sure he stays on his medicine and be there for the infrequent times when his disorder causes him to have an episode.  He is a wonderful dog who deserves to get nothing but love.  Won't you consider giving this great dog the time and attention he deserves?  In return he will give you his all and be your constant, faithful friend.

2/25/04 - Time to update everyone on Max. There's not much to tell, he is such a great guy and has fit so well into the routine here. Max is a cuddle bug for certain, he loves to be with you and near you whenever you're home. He is a very affectionate dog, not a big jumper, but gets so happy when the humans walk in and has such a cute wiggle! He gives the sweetest little kisses, and his big brown eyes are real heart-melters.
Max likes to chase birds. We discovered this just recently, when his attention was caught by a bird on the deck, just on the other side of the slider. I opened it and let him out, and boy did he take off! Fortunately there is little chance of him ever catching a bird, but he was funny to watch, sitting at the fence and hoping against hope that little bird would come back.
Max has been tested in all ways with handling and children and other dogs. He has learned to sit and wait for his food, and does not lose his temper if you put your hands near or in his bowl. He is far more interested on eating as much as he can as fast as he can. You can grab him by the ears or face, hug him around the neck, hang over his back or pull on his tail, and he takes it all with patience and calm. He truly is a great dog for a family with his easy ways.
Max has had his vet clearance and is ready for his forever home any time now. If you're looking for a great all-around dog, won't you consider this super boy?

2/15/04 -Max is continuing to do well with us. His house manners are improving, thanks to some consistency and the help of a spray bottle conveniently placed here and there. Now if he starts to get into something he ought not to, all we have to do is pick up the bottle and say "NO, Max." He immediately redirects his attention.
The most significant change for Max in the last few days is that he is learning how to actually play with other dogs. When he first came here, although he was not in any way badly behaved with other dogs, he simply did not interact with them in a playful way. He sniffed them a little, but for the most part focused on the people in the house. As he gets more and more comfortable and used to being constantly around other dogs, he is learning that they are more fun to play with and more available to play with than humans. He gets so excited and makes the most amazing LOUD growls, but he is clearly having the time of his life when he starts boxing and jawing with the guys.
Max is mostly a laid back buy, I think in part to his medication. He takes Phenobarb to control his seizures, and we have found that the cost of his medication is extremely minimal. 100 pills (he takes two a day) cost about eight dollars. He has not had a seizure at all since he has been with us, so apparently the medication controls them very effectively.
Max's coat looks better every day, he is no longer itching and the bare patches are filling in. He has a follow up vet visit in two days, then he will be completely ready for adoption.
Max is a really great dog, very friendly and has a good personality. Because of his medication he is a very calm boxer. He does need some obedience training and can be a puller on the leash. He has all of the potential in the world to be a truly great companion. If you are sitting on the couch watching TV, he wants to sit right by you and have his ears scratched. He likes to sleep in your room and he loves kids. He is great with little children, though dirty diapers cannot be left anywhere in his reach since he seems to have an addiction to eating them.
As spring nears and the weather starts to warm, I bet you're looking forward to getting outdoors more and having some nice long therapeutic walks. How about considering bringing Max along with you?

2/9/04 - Max continues to do well. His skin is much improved, and all the redness is gone. He is getting to be quite affectionate with us as he has been here longer. He gets just as airborne as our own two when we come home at the end of the day. I have dubbed them all the "flying boxerini's," they just wiggle and leap!
Max has been off leash and completely with our dogs from very early on here, and we have been pleased with his interactions with everyone in the house. He seems to prefer to play with humans, and it is almost like he is not sure how to play with other dogs, but we have noticed small improvements in this area. He notices the other dogs much more and has been sleeping curled up with them on their beds in the evenings.
Max is a very lovely dog, both to look at and to be with. He is quite easy to have around, once you figure out how to keep him from getting in trouble with your garbage and your kitchen. We are really enjoying this lovebug. He is a super dog, all he needs is a home to call his own!

2/5/04 - Max had his vet visit last night and he is doing great. He is on antibiotics and prednisone for a few weeks for his skin infection, and he is also being treated with Ivermictin as a precaution. When he returns for his second shot in two weeks he will get the distemper booster he is missing, and then this lovely boy will be ready to go! 
Since my work hours conflicted with getting him to the vet in a timely manner this week, one of our other volunteers whom I also work with took him for me. I brought Max to my office to transfer him to Mark, and I really got a kick out of how friendly and affectionate he was with everyone he met. He played with a couple of people, distributed kisses, and at one point rolled over on his back for a belly rub. We've done this with other fosters for vet trips, and I have to say that Max is the first dog to be so un-shy and outgoing on the first trip to the office. 
Max is also funny to watch when he plays with his toys. His former owner sent him with a couple of toys, and he has a squeaky rubber dinosaur monster that is his favorite. The last couple of nights he has played with it, tossing it, chasing it, growling and barking at it, squeaking it, and occasionally bringing it to one of us to toss for him. He is really comical to watch! 
Max is a great dog, extremely friendly and affectionate, gets along with all dogs and people of all ages, and he is going to be a super addition to one lucky household. If you can give this boy the love, structure and obedience training he needs, won't you think about having Max become part of your family? He won't let you down!

2/2/04 - Max is settling in very nicely here at the Lakeside Boxer Retreat. This is one super dog, very calm and loving. He has learned a couple of commands very quickly: he will "down" for food and he knows now to "wait" when I put his food bowl down until he gets the "release" command. He is very smart, and extremely food-motivated. Max learned the dog door on day one, and has so far had not one single house accident. He likes to snuggle with you on the couch or bed, and gives lovely wiggles and kisses when he greets you at the door. He is not a barker by any means, he has yet to make a single growl or bark. 
Max gets along splendidly with my pesky boxers. He really has a nice way about him with both dogs and with people, especially with our toddler. He tolerates all kinds of handling with patience, and I have tested him extensively in this regard. He would be a great addition to a home with children or with other dogs. 
One thing that Max needs work on is his counter-surfing habit. His food-orientation is a weak point, and he figured out how to bypass the child locks on our kitchen cabinet to get to the garbage can and remove some thrown-out leftovers! Left on his own he will go to great lengths to locate something to snack on, so we are using the baby gates quite a bit to help him keep out of trouble. 
Yesterday Max spent the entire workday crated while and had no accidents and no destructive tendencies. He really is a pleasure to have around, a very easy-going dog and not troublesome at all. 
Get your applications in for this big love of a dog, I have a feeling he is not going to be with us for very long.

1/31/04 - Max arrived today at the Lakeside Boxer Retreat. He is a big, adorable boy and very handsome. He has a very puppy-ish face, and is quite laid back and placid in temperament. He seems to be quite good on the leash although he does not appear to have had obedience training. He knows "sit" and that's about all. He needs some work on his house manners, specifically learning that he can't just jump up on whatever suits his fancy (couch, counter, table...).
His biggest asset is his sweet temperament. He is very calm and has met both of my dogs without incident. The most personality I saw of him was when my toddler woke from her nap and I carried her into the room. He got absolutely pie-eyed with delight, started to wiggle and gave her nearest limb a huge kiss. Clearly Max adores children. We will evaluate him carefully with both kids and dogs and provide more information as we get to know him better. So far we are pleased with what we have seen.
Max has medication to take twice daily for his seizures, and he needs to be seen by a vet to have a lump on his leg and a skin condition evaluated. Keep watching this sweet boy for updates!

7/10/04

7/29/04