From commentor Lisa D:
This is Max. He’s an American Eskimo and Dachshund mix (odd but it works well for him). When I first started my search for a dog, I saw his photo (he was named Bose at the time) and fell in love. He had such a sweet face and was the right size and well, perfect. But after inquiring about him, I found out that a family was just a home visit away from adopting him.
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Braving on, I kept looking. Went through all the steps I needed to be approved for adoption (the rescue organization I adopted from is such an amazing group – they really care where these dogs go – Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan is their name) and waited. A few dogs were talked about (even one my sister eventually adopted) but nothing seemed right. I went to the adoption site again and there was Bose, back up for adoption.
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I contacted the foster family and fate worked out that I had my dog at the end of the week. Talking with the foster mom, she said he was so quiet when they first went to see him – his soulful eyes just watched them as they looked at other dogs. He wasn’t one to bark for attention and I think that’s what helped him the most. He was to be put down later that day but for some grace in the universe, he was selected and taken out of the kennel.
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When he first came to my home, he was a bit nervous and quiet (he didn’t bark for a good month), he wasn’t great with strangers and marked his territory at my parents place a few times. Don’t even get me started on the crate disaster. But soon, he started to shine. I read how John’s dog Lily blossomed into the great dog she is and I completely understand that. Seeing Max relax and adapt to his surroundings was nothing short of amazing. The quiet timid shell of a dog was now playful, cuddly and ‘smiling’ at me.
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I told countless people that since I brought Max into my life, I laugh every day. He’s totally changed my life – I think we rescued each other.
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Having a dog growing up was completely different from being a dog owner. Max and I are a pair and the fact that someone gave up on him, while is a damn shame, have been the biggest blessing I’ve ever had come to my life.
Lysana
What a sweet face! And I’d love to see other pics of Max. That blend of breeds has to be fascinating to see. Thanks for sharing the story.
JenJen
Max is just a dollbaby. I just want to give him ear-scratches and cuddle!
So, I worked late-night and I’m still getting caught up, taking my usual daily spin around the internet. Sully’s Daily Wrap today is the biggest lolz ever:
In one paragraph (!!), I count three Palins, two Bristols, two Todds, and a Willow.
That’s a lot of Alaska for one blog, isn’t it?
mistermix
How in the hell does a Daschund/American Eskimo get made? That’s like an elephant fucking a mouse.
JWL
“This is Max”.
Oh, shit, Max is as good as dead, unless We The People rally to save his flea-bitten ass.
That’s what I thought when I began to read this entry..
But every thing’s cool.
Live long and prosper, Maximillian!
SiubhanDuinne
Max is a beauty! How big is he? I’m having a little trouble wrapping my head around his particular mix of breeds. But OMG what a sweet face!
thalarctos
@mistermix: “That’s like an elephant fucking a mouse.”
For the mother’s pelvic canal’s sake, let’s hope it was the other way around.
bkny
what a cute dog … i won’t even ask about the logistics of his parents’, uh, get together… ;-)
R-Jud
Eskimo/Dachsund? I’ll just leave this here:
“There’s no limitation to mixin’ and matchin’
Some get an itchin’ for a critter they’ve been scratchin’
A skunk was badgered, the results were strong
I hope that somethin’ better comes along!”
WereBear
American Eskimo dogs aren’t that big; we aren’t talking Newfie/Chihuahua here.
And just look at the results!
All shelters should be no-kill.
The sad part is, it can be done. It just isn’t.
Kristine
Max is a beauty! Thank you for posting this. Good news with coffee–best way to start the day.
Annie
What a beautiful story — I love what you wrote. Here’s too more laughter and lots of love from Max. He is awesome.
Lisa
Thank you all for the kind comments! Max is about 40 pounds (he could stand to lose a pound or three) and about two feet high at the shoulder.
@mistermix like WereBear said, American Eskimos dogs aren’t that big… maybe averaging 25 pounds? They look like a smaller version of a Samoyed (which can run 60 pounds)
comrade scott's agenda of rage
Everybody needs a “Max” in their life.
Please give him a hug and a scritch for me.
Riles
I know Max (because I know Max’s “Person”) and I can’t even imagine him not being around. And don’t let Lisa fool you, he’s not a big barker, but with a little coaxing you can get the best howl outta him – and you can’t help but laugh along with him as he does. :)
cathaireverywhere
Very cute boy! I had two different Eskie rescues, and just loved them both. So glad he was saved and has a wonderful home now.
bystander
Wow, Lisa D. What a cutie! And, how spectacular that you have each other. I spend a lot of time around “dog” and “cat” people. They’re all good folk. But, the people who rescue are the best. There is something deeply special about folks who will rescue a critter from a shelter. Good on you for persisting on Max’s behalf.
Dog is My Copilot
Rescue stories are the best.
brenda
What a lovely story. I’m going through a similar process with a rescue. After some harsh treatment followed by six months in a shelter, she pretty much sat silently in a corner watching the world and flinching when it came near her. I’ve had her now six months, and while she still seems to look at the world waiting for the other shoe to drop, her progress has been unbeliveable. She’ll play with other dogs, let people approach and pet her without cringing, and even occasionally barks or whines to try to get her way. She’s really blossomed, and is just a joy to have around.
Rottweiler/Miniature Schnauzer. For reals.
ruemara
Max is wonderful! Have to admit, I scroll down every morn, just to read pet stories first.
Amanda
Ya know, I am a terminal cat owner, but all these lovely dog stories are making me want a dog. Max sounds like a super guy — thanks for sharing
TuiMel
What a beauty.
asiangrrlMN
Max is a gorgeous boy. Seeing his sweet face made me smile.