I grew up with lots of animals around- quite a variety and sometimes quite few. But other than reptiles, it has been over 15 years since my last cat, Purry died. Then Matt and Jenny got Max after they bought their house in Seattle.
Max was a rescue originally from Hawai’i. He was a little scared and extremely food respondent. The vet thought he had probably been hit by a car and I figured abused. He was also very mouthy but so gentle. His first soft toy, duck, lasted almost 5 years. He had a very stiff gait and could only wag his tail halfway. So dang cute. He was definitely mixed breed and we jokingly called him a “Medium Brown Dog” although medium might have been a stretch! He never really lost his COVID 20 but we sort of tried. Well, they all sort of tried. I’m a sucker for a dog NEEDING his treats!
After quarantine, Matt and Jenny moved from Seattle to Fremont, Ca. Only a couple hours from us. We watched Max for a week so they could have the full capacity of their car to move a last load here. He was so sad and depressed after they left. And so excited when they got back to us! But over time, he got very used to being at our house and getting to smell all the wildlife smells. He didn’t move very fast on walks because there were just so many “sniffs” to explore. It got to the point where he simply marched up the stairs, through the pool area, onto the deck and to his bed just inside the slider.
He traveled well also. Other than he moved quite slowly, he was not destructive. Ok- there was the occasional rapid hole digging some times. But he went across country to Atlanta and Cherie’s graduation from Emory, and to a couple graduations in Salt Lake City. As far as I know, he was always invited back!
The last couple years, Max really slowed down. And got more gray in his beard, mustache and eyebrows. We had him for several weeks this last summer, and we were a great pair, poking our way around the yard. He loved the new place and it was great because it is completely fenced in. He got to freely wander while Dave and I did our gardening. In November I noticed that he wasn’t feeling great, but he still liked exploring and sniffing everything. And his night time greenie! The only good thing about his death from prostate cancer was that I don’t think he was ever in pain. But probably uncomfortable. He never really complained and I am happy I got to be there at the end. I am just sorry he never got to really spend time at his namesake Medium Brown Dog Farm. I miss you every day Max. Goodbye Little Buddy!
