Max 06-435

Profile

10/04/06: If you're looking for a Golden with maximum looks, maximum personality, and a maximum potential for loving, let me introduce you to Max! He is a one year old male that is going to be able to blend in to a lot of different families. Max is a super sweet guy that has been dealt a rotten deal in life, but he is showing all of us how to make lemonade out of lemons. Max was given to RAGOM by his family that loved him and wanted the best for him, but were unable to financially carry that burden any longer. At his tender young age he has already had surgery on both hips because of hip dysplasia. He is adjusting very nicely and will have a pain free life, but he will need to keep his weight in check (that's your job) and will need daily exercise to keep his muscles toned and in shape (sorry, but that's your job too!). Max loves, loves, LOVES water and swimming would be an excellent way to keep his muscles in shape. He also has arthritis in his right knee, but that will be manageable with supplements. His left eye was thought to have a problem with his eyelashes turning inwards, but my vet feels that it is an allergy related problem, so no surgery is needed. We will be monitoring this also.

Max lived with another dog, his litter mate, and 2 small children, ages 4 and 6 in his previous home. As long as everyone in the family is aware of his limitations (no jogging, hunting, or marathon races) he would adore being the family love bug! He would love to be the only dog in the family, but he would also do well with an older dog that wants a companion and not a WWF wrestling partner! He is doing well here with my 2 big and 2 small dogs and 6 cats. The cockatiels are very tempting but he is learning they are off limits!!

So, in a nutshell, Max would make an excellent best friend and walking partner for a single person, younger or older couple, or a family with kids. He is a dream passenger in a car so maybe you could take him with on your next vacation (to the lakes, hint, hint!)???

At a Glance #06-435

Breed not specified Born: March 2006
Male Weight not specified

Status: Adopted

Profile

10/04/06: If you're looking for a Golden with maximum looks, maximum personality, and a maximum potential for loving, let me introduce you to Max! He is a one year old male that is going to be able to blend in to a lot of different families. Max is a super sweet guy that has been dealt a rotten deal in life, but he is showing all of us how to make lemonade out of lemons. Max was given to RAGOM by his family that loved him and wanted the best for him, but were unable to financially carry that burden any longer. At his tender young age he has already had surgery on both hips because of hip dysplasia. He is adjusting very nicely and will have a pain free life, but he will need to keep his weight in check (that's your job) and will need daily exercise to keep his muscles toned and in shape (sorry, but that's your job too!). Max loves, loves, LOVES water and swimming would be an excellent way to keep his muscles in shape. He also has arthritis in his right knee, but that will be manageable with supplements. His left eye was thought to have a problem with his eyelashes turning inwards, but my vet feels that it is an allergy related problem, so no surgery is needed. We will be monitoring this also.

Max lived with another dog, his litter mate, and 2 small children, ages 4 and 6 in his previous home. As long as everyone in the family is aware of his limitations (no jogging, hunting, or marathon races) he would adore being the family love bug! He would love to be the only dog in the family, but he would also do well with an older dog that wants a companion and not a WWF wrestling partner! He is doing well here with my 2 big and 2 small dogs and 6 cats. The cockatiels are very tempting but he is learning they are off limits!!

So, in a nutshell, Max would make an excellent best friend and walking partner for a single person, younger or older couple, or a family with kids. He is a dream passenger in a car so maybe you could take him with on your next vacation (to the lakes, hint, hint!)???

Updates

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Happy Holidays! Great news to share!

Max found his forever family! He packed his bags and belongings and headed to Minnesota last weekend. I spoke to his new family this morning and things are going well. They adore this handsome boy and think he will make a wonderful addition to their family and playmate for their female Golden, Lucy.

If you ever get the chance to meet Max in Minnesota - maybe bump into him at a PetCo - don't pass up the opportunity. This is one of the sweetest Goldens I have ever had the opportunity to foster.

Best of luck Max! We will miss you but we know that you will be "happy" in your new home.

Your Foster Family

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Hello Everyone! It's me - Max. First, I want to wish everyone a Happy Turkey Day this week. Second, I want to let everyone know that I'm doing just fine after surgery. I know everybody was wondering about me.

My foster mom says I have been really hard on my cone that is attached to my head. We are on our second one, and might need to go for number #3 before the week is over. It has not slowed me down one bit.

I did take a walk today but I came right back home because sometimes I get really, really scared and I tuck my tail between my legs. So my foster mom said I could just play in the yard for exercise with my foster brother and sister, Jack and Megan.

We are putting up Christmas lights today. I'm excited about Christmas; and, I am asking Santa for many things even though I did get a bunch of new toys this weekend!

I love to go for car rides. It's fun. Often times I just lay on the floor of the van and don't make a peep.

I am housebroken too in case you were wondering.

Well, I better go. Have a Happy Thanksgiving. From Max

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Max is having entropian surgery this week, Wednesday, Nov 15 for his eyelid. He will need to wear one of the Elizabethean collars for several days so that should be fun! We are anxious to get the surgery behind him so he no longer will have any discomfort in his eyes.

After speaking more with the orthopaedic specialists in Des Moines, they have decided that it is not in Max's best interest to have surgery on his front legs. His suggestions include keeping Max on high quality dog food that is good for his joints possibly staying with Science Diet JD food and also a diet supplement Cosequinn ( great for the joints ) for the rest of his life. If Max would show signs of discomfort there are anti-flammatory and pain meds he would recommend.

Please do not shy away from taking a closer look at Max because of his health issues. He is a wonderful, wonderful dog. He is loyal, gentle, affectionate, and just wants to find a lifelong family of his own. He really has no bad habits - although he occasionally thinks he can drink from the toilet so we keep the lid down! and he is a chewer so you will need to keep an eye on what he is chewing on!

The family who adopts Max probably should not have stairs in their home that he would be constantly climbing. And preferably no young children or young dogs because Max's legs are very sensitive to rough play and he should not be engaging in rough activities. Daily exercise for Max will be a must!

Please find a new pic of Max taken Nov 14. He looks sad in the pic - but is constantly smiling so don't let the picture fool you.

More updates to come!

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Max had a great week and hopes everyone else did also! His calendar filled up fast starting with a date with a beautiful blonde named Sophie on Wednesday night. Then Thursday he had a party with his other Golden Buddies - Chica and Dud. Friday - he went to the doctor - and then Saturday back with Jack & Megan in foster care. He has so many friends!

We found out more detailed news about Max's medical condition: a set of digital x-rays was taken of both elbows. Max's left elbow has moderate arthritis; and the right elbow has a somewhat severe case of arthritis. There is some scar tissue and cartilage build-up around the joint, which is the bump, or growth that is visible. There is also a lose bone fragment in that area, which is rubbing and causing some discomfort. Because of the previously mentioned, Max does not walk on the flat of his foot, rather he walks more on his toes, so his tendons are not being used like they should be. The vet made the following recommendations......switching to Hills Science Diet J/D food for his joints. He will need to be on a good glucosamine supplement, such as Cosequin, the rest of his life. He will also need to be on Deramaxx or Rimidyl for his arthritis the rest of his life. The vet was very firm in the fact that Max requires daily exercise to keep the muscle around his hips in the best condition possible. He determined that Max does have an entropic eye lid.

Well, Max thinks this arthritis and dysplasia stuff is just going to be a minor nuisance in life. It's not going to stop him from swimming, running through the leaves, playing with other dogs and people, and just simply enjoying life. Even though Max is not worried, his foster mommy is looking for a very special home for this very special guy.

If you are interested in Max, I would like you to consider and be committed to the vet's recommendations: daily exercise, special diet, supplements to help his joints, medicine, and LOVE. He will be a wonderful companion to you in return.

Max loves to be with his people and I would prefer to see him placed in a home where he would not have to be going up and down steep staircases frequently. This would be very hard on a young dog with a bad case of arthritis. I do have a few steps the Max goes up and down from the deck to the grass - but he will not go downstairs to my laundry area. He agrees with me!!!!! Stairs - no thanks!

More updates to come! Oh - and Max wants to wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Max transferred to a new foster home last week after the Iowa Pet Expo so he is now residing in Ankeny Iowa. We are grateful for the opportunity to foster him. He has a beautiful coat and color and seems to be constantly wearing a smile.

This boy is so kind and affectionate. Last night when i got home i sat on the floor and he immediately trotted over and wrapped his furry legs around me and smashed his mouth against my face. He has no aggressive tendencies.

He is busy exploring his new world and trying to figure out all the noises. He loves to be outside - if you go out with him. Otherwise, he wants to be right close to you.

He is looking forward to Trick-or-Treat. Max is going to be Batman this year.

He is scheduled to see an orthopaedic specialist this week regarding a growth around his elbow area.

More updates to come as we get to know this sweet boy!

Monday, October 9, 2006

Max has only been here a few days, but I am in awe of him already! As I said before he has a maximum personality. He just loves life to the fullest, with no reservations and no fears. He has never met a stranger and probably never will. He seems wise beyond his years, and I swear one day soon he'll try to talk to me. His capacity to give and receive love is, well, as I said in his last write up, MAXIMUM!! He is very quick at learning new things and wants to do all he can to please you. I was told that he was not house trained but he has not had an accident in the house or in his crate. I will be doing all I can to find him the best forever family that I can, but it will be up to Max to decide who he wants to spend the rest of his life with. He'll tell me in his own special way! For now it sounds like a lot of roo-rooing, but who knows, he may start with real words any day now!