Remembering Maximus
Rest in Peace
Maximus is a total love bug with the volunteers he knows and trusts, but he's another of our long-timers. He's been with us since the beginning of 2013. Yes, 2013. Earned his "angel wings" 3/25/22
When you rescue a dog from the shelter, you rarely know what you're going to get. Sometimes, they just need to get out of the shelter and decompress, which will allow them to relax and adjust to their new life. Sometimes they need more.
This is Maximus. Yes, he's stunning and he's a big boy. No, we don't know what his life prior to rescue entailed, but we can only imagine. Maximus doesn't trust people he doesn't know. Potential adopters? They're all people he doesn't know.
If you spend time around him, not even touching him, he'll notice you. He loves treats and tossing him treats is a sure way to get him to bookmark that face of yours. Some of our volunteers spent a week just giving him treats before moving on to walking him. Once he thinks of you as a treat dispenser, he's no longer too scared, because treats are kind of worth whatever bad things he imagines could happen. I mean, treats!
Then, when you get him out, you'll notice he's cautious, but he loves going on walks so much that he's willing to put up with the geeky human at his side.
We don't know what happened to him, but we're pretty sure it was nothing. A whole lot of nothing. No socialization, no attention, no training, no love, and no promise of a better day.
After you've taken him on a few walks, you'll notice his demeanor change. He loves walks almost as much as treats. I mean, walks!
Even though he loves walking with you, he won't be a cuddly, leaning against your side kind of guy just yet. Trust comes slowly. Take it slow and, after a while, you'll notice that he's seeking affection. Once he trusts you, well, there's no end to his adorableness and affection. He loves belly rubs, giving kisses, playing catch, completing an obedience command with flair and then looking at you for praise... he's the whole package.
He's going to need an adopter who can go slowly with him. Someone who is a strong handler and doesn't have a busy household. A local adopter who can come spend time getting to know him before adopting him. We wouldn't put Maximus in a home with young children, because that would be overwhelming for him. This stunner is looking for a person or a couple of people with whom he can build trust and a life.
The minimum adoption donation for adults is $375 and the adoption donation for puppies is $500. This amount only partially covers the cost of veterinary care, boarding fees, and other miscellaneous expenses involved in the temporary care and adoption of our dogs and is tax deductible when permitted by law. The adoption donation provides that all dogs will be spayed or neutered, receive current vaccinations, and are microchipped. If not, arrangements will be made on an individual basis ( i.e., puppies who will need to be altered by 6 mos old). Special consideration may be given to those willing to adopt older dogs or dogs with physical problems.
