Monday, February 02, 2009
Play the Video to see "Our Life with Max"
Earlier last month my dog Max had a seizure that lasted too long and caused his body to give out. We had to make the tough decision to put him to sleep. It was horrible. He was totally the same dog from the neck up but his body twitched uncontrollably from the damage caused by the seizure. I could never allow myself to selfishly hang onto my dog knowing his quality of life would be so poor. The decision didn't happen immediately. We kept him at the emergency vet for 48 hours to see if anything could be done. Once we knew that his condition would not be reversed we decided to formally say our goodbyes. We brought our other dog Reggie to see Max and we spent time with him and took some goodbye photos. I loved him too much to not be with him while he went to sleep forever. I was so glad to have his head in my hands, petting him and telling him how he was a good dog, knowing my voice would be soothing and relaxing until the end.
Max was my best pal. I got him when he was six weeks old and he became my little buddy... he quickly turned into my BIG buddy! At over 80 pounds, he was a huge ball of smiles and energy. He loved to play, swim, fetch and run (or you could even say gallop). He loved the snow in the winter and the sprinkler in the summer. We took walks at Creve Coeur Park together. This guy was always by my side. I never had to use a leash with him... he would never go far. He was the leader to the other pets in our home. They will never be the same without him.
When I was sad, he would run, literally, to my side and put his paw on my knee or head on my legs. He was a great comfort and such a joy in our home.
He was incredibly smart. He knew all the standard commands. He also knew so many other ones like "hug", "let's go for a ride", 'get the paper', 'let's get the mail', 'where's your blankie?', 'go get a drink' and many many more. I felt like he understood so much. There will never be a dog as smart as he was.
I will miss Max's joyful spirit. There aren't enough words to express what a wonderful dog he was. My life was unknowingly changed that day we chose to be spontaneous and get a puppy. Now my life will never be the same without him.
I miss you, Max. Love you forever.
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7 comments:
Thanks for sharing all of those pictures. It was really neat to be able to see the pictures of him ever since he was a puppy and to see you with him at different stages of your marriage. I was very touched by your video and by how much you love Max.
-Kacie
What a nice tribute to Max. I'll miss the way he loved to knock me over and when he would stand with his paws on my shoulders with his big old face right in mine. I loved him too. He was a good dog.
-Mom H
I forgot how small he was before he turned into a horse! We will miss him too, he was such a good dog. What a great video.
By the way what were those songs you used? Sounded like maybe Mark O'Connor or Chris Thile on that second one. You know I had to ask.
Josh
Thanks Josh!
There are three songs: the first two are Sean Watkins' "Neo's Song and Birth" and the last is Ben Folds' "Lullabye"
I thought they sounded familiar!! I have that CD - Let it Fall - I just haven't heard it in a while. I never would have guessed that you listened to music by a member of Nickel Creek! :) Although I do blame a certain person (who shall remain nameless) for that!
Good choices
Josh
Yeah, I'm surprised you didn't pick up on that!
The first song is actually "Nostalgic", not "Neo's Song".
Originally, I wanted to use "Neo's Song" because that was my FAVORITE song to listen to while I walked Max at Creve Coeur Park. He kept up with the tempo of that song and it fit with his explorative demeanor while walking. In the end, "Nostalgic" was much better for the slideshow... and the title was fitting!
Thanks for taking the time to share this part of your life. Max was truly a one of a kind dog and you were blessed to have him. We love you guys and enjoyed your memories.
Uncle T Aunt C and Niece K
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