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Uncle MaxUncle Max was welcomed to Old Dog Heaven on January 31st, 2021 as a perky 11-year-old Border Collie mix. His family in Utah became unable to care for him. I arranged transportation with the amazing people at Simply Diego's who helped shuttle Uncle Max to Old Dog Heaven!
Uncle Max is an unusual adoption for Old Dog Heaven in that, apart from some skin allergies and joint issues, he appears to be in good health. Uncle Max has behavior issues instead. He must have been traumatized at one point when riding in a car because he cries and howls in fear as soon as the car starts until the engine cuts off. It is also clear that at some point in his history, Uncle Max was hit. He is always flinching and cowering at sudden movements, and he expresses his fear or displeasure through biting. Also, whoever had Uncle Max as a young dog did not work with him: he is extremely smart, but not as obedient as Border Collies tend to be. We are working on things and he has made great progress! Uncle Max loves to go on walks, chase tennis balls, and snuggle at night. His favorite toy is a fishing line with nothing on it: he loves to grab at it! He is a quirky little thing with his funny-looking ears and his getting worked up at the skateboards riding by in the neighborhood. He is a kooky boy who just wants to go-go-go. Uncle Max keeps me on my toes and he teaches me a lot about patience and love. He always makes me laugh and his gentlest little kisses make my day. He is a welcome addition to Old Dog Heaven! *** In January 2022, Uncle Max was diagnosed with stage II kidney disease after just a year at Old Dog Heaven. The good news is that he has been holding steady. However, in October 2023, Max was diagnosed with mitral valve issues that lead to congestive heart failure. This is very serious, giving him only a few months to live. Max has come a long way since coming to Old Dog Heaven. When I first brought him home, he wouldn't let me pet him anywhere but his head; he wouldn't let me kiss his face; and he would never kiss me. Now he lets me (carefully) scratch him all over, smooch up and down his snout, and he loves to give the sweetest, most gentle kisses over my cheeks and nose to show his affection. He has been such a hard adoption, biting me often to show his ire. Still, we have bonded deeply and he has blessed Old Dog Heaven with his love. I feel a great sadness in anticipation of his leaving. |