We have realized many gifts since adopting Max on Oct 28, 2009. He has brought us laughter and joy, peace and a deep sense of gratitude. He has helped to heal us and our other dog,Hershey, after losing our beloved Riley, beagle/hound mix of 14 years. He has helped to refresh and inspire our belief that there are great people out there that love animals and desire to help them! We feel immense gratitude for his amazing foster Mom and the B & T Coonhound Rescue Association. We look forward to adopting another Coonie rescue some day down the road!
After seeing how Max loved Thanksgiving we couldn’t wait to give him a Christmas at the Hale house complete with a whole tree decorated with dog ornaments (primarily Snoopy but as we are non-discriminatory we have pictures of all the dogs of our lives, and Scooby, Astro and Clifford ornaments too) his own stocking, presents, being featured in the holiday greeting card and a trip to visit Santa Paws! After we put the tree up he would sit and stare at the lights. It seemed he was enamored with the bright lights-that or he was wondering why this tree was any different than the ones he loves to mark on his walk!! Thankfully he has not tried to lift his leg on the tree!
I worried about Max being our third dog and didn’t want the third child syndrome (you know less pictures etc) and made big plans for him to go visit Santa Paws. First, I had to shop for the perfect holiday outfit. After visiting 3 local pet supply stores I finally found a nice fleece in his size (XXL?). Although it is not very holiday-ish he seemed to enjoy wearing it and when I put his HOHOHO scarf on he looked so dapper! Before the big visit to Santa Paws we had our first snow! We imagine he did not have much experience with snow coming to us from Atlanta! Max did not like this and waited until he could wait no longer that first morning before going outside. He is starting to explore the snow more and comes in quite frisky and invigorated after his time outside! Max loved his field trip to the mall to meet Santa! He made new friends waiting in line and everyone laughed when he started to howl and the other dogs joined in! We think he wants to be in a choir!
Max quickly learned how to open the wrapping on presents and about his own very own stocking! He cracked us up on Christmas day when he went behind the couch and tried to bury one of his prized bones that Santa Paws brought him! We had never seen him do that before!! Although he enjoys toys he seems to be most grateful for simple comforts such as: lying on the sofa, sleeping in the bed, organic treats, walks and a good ear scratch. He came to us with quite a scar on his rear leg. Although he has full range of motion and function he seems to enjoy when I work on the tissue and use the techniques learned in an animal rehab class I took. We intend to keep this tissue healthy and functional into his golden years!
Max is so easy going-he doesn’t mind at all if Hershey steals his toy-he walks away! He is actually a big baby. If he unknowingly picks up a squeaker toy out of the pile of toys he gets upset when it squeaks, drops it and runs to find one of his parents. Once he was playing with a fleece toy and the stuffing came out. He dropped it and sat (yes all 75#) on Chris’s lap!! We imagine with such a sensitive soul he probably didn’t make a very good hunter. We have made it very clear to him that he is retired from working as a hunting dog. He can hunt for fun if he wants but he is now free to be a family dog. He seems to fully understand and enjoy his new life as a family member! He is so great with all the neighbor kids and we can’t wait for him to meet our baby in June! We thought he was such a great dog when we got him but every day he shows what a sweet soul he is and we deepen our bond and connection even further! We tell everyone what a great dog he is and what a great experience adopting a Coonie Rescue has been! We hope that more families will realize the amazing dogs that await them at the B&T Rescue!
Kelly and Chris
