Hi Maxie Man here.  Well, thought I'd send in a quick update since foster mom is busy.  I have been enjoying the nice weather...up until today:(  Oh well it's too early for snow to last...right?  We had a new foster here for a while (she has already found her furever home) Ginger 08-518, and she would sometimes play tug with me.  She is more frisbee crazy and I thought it was a stupid game so didn't play.  I have some new non destructable toys, but they aren't as much fun as the tennis balls.  Now those I can defuzz and eat in nothing flat.  FM lets me play with the tennis balls as long as I will retrieve and bring back.  Jeesh soon as I do a little nibble nibble..........she's got that ball gone.  Mean foster mom!!!!

So I'm sure you all are wondering what's up in the blood department.....hhahahahah!!  The numbers are coming up slow but sure.  For now I will remain on prednisone for a couple more months, but don't get excited, I never have an accident in the house.  I have taught the foster parents to keep all food out of my reach  (outside of a recent blunder, FM left pistachio nuts and a brown sugar walnut mixture in a higher drawer.....and well let's just say it wasn't high enough).  Nuff said, ya know what I mean?

I can't believe the snow is here and I'm still here in my foster home, there was snow when I came here:(  I know I've had some health issues, and most likely will have some trouble with my blood readings on and off, but ya know I am the most handsomest and sweetest guy....everyone who meets me says so!  I guess everyone is nervous about my age and the medical involved; I am on Enalapril for protein loss in my urine, Dasaquin and now my prednisone for a while.  I mean come on, give up a movie or something and the meds will be covered.  Well, if you want the whole story, you are just gonna have to get in contact with my foster mom.

I would really love to be in my own furever home, with someone to love me, play a little, give belly rubs, treats, short walks and just hang out together.  I'm really pretty healthy, outside of the food thing I'm really a good boy..........well ok I like to chew on plastic if I get some, but I am so worth having around.  So if you think you are ready for a big redheaded hunka love, contact placementragom [dot] org and we'll talk...ok:)

Max the Man

Handsome Max	Oh no! Snow!!
Ginger and Max	Max and his ball

Sorry for the time lapse on updates.  Maxie Man is the same sweet old boy who likes to act like a 80# puppy some days.  We have given up putting the cereal in the cabinet in the kitchen island.  When we forget to gate him in the hallway, he gets into the cereal.  So, duh, we finally saw the light and store cereal up high now.  Only non food goes in the island cupboard.

Max is perking up again, his one blood count for anemia is up, but the red blood cell count remains low.  We will be doing a new blood work next week.  He is done with his doxy and still taking prednisone 2 times a day.  He does such a great job of not having any accidents.  I limit the water available when we are gone, and then allow him to tank up at night.  Even then he makes the 8 hour sleep time.

We have a new boy here, an English Setter named Doc Holliday and with the nice weather we all are out chasing balls....I only chase when no one will bring one back:)  Even Maxie loves to chase and retrieve.  He would, of course, prefer to chew the balls  up, and swallow.  So I have to keep a close eye on him while the rest are running and retrieving.  

The cat chasing has subsided a lot due to a couple of things.  Holliday is adapting to the cats, especially Coulter, and Bailey hides most of the time, so with no real action going on, Max has decided to give up the chase per se.  He is enjoying his peanut butter bone in the a.m. when I leave for work, and that keeps him busy while we're gone.

There really isn't anything special to report this go round.  Waiting for the next blood test, moving food out of his way, enjoying our time outside walking in the field and/or playing ball.  He loves the outdoors, but still will get funny sometimes and will not go out.  In the evening we go outside via the garage as he is not comfortable going down the deck steps at night even with a light on.  It's ok, at his age he can have his little quirks.

I have decided that with the price of gas and all, this must be the main reason no one has ventured north to meet Max.  Therefore, Max and I will be attending the Maple Grove PetCo event on Oct. 18th.  So for anyone who has been keeping up with Mr Max and would like to meet, now is your chance.

Foster Mom and the crew

Hi Everyone, Max the Man here.  Yep, FM is falling down on her update job so figured I'd best get one done.  The best news is I am off my pain meds!!  Wooo hooo!!  My new food is awesome and since it has everything I need, I'm down to a couple Dasaquin in the a.m. and my Enalapril in the p.m.  FM says I'm frisky like a 8 year old.  

My foster bros, Jake 08-243 and SamSam 07-690 moved out and into a new pad.  FM has been having some healthy issues, oops I mean health issues and I guess 3 and 4 fosters were too much.  First Dora the Boxer left and then the boys.  Now it's just me and resident Jake (ragom # 07-349) so it's like the senior residence here.  WE have a new cat.....Bailey.  He used to live with my human sister in TX, but he had to come live with us.  He doesn't like dogs...can you imagine that?  Well, I keep chasing him and trying to make friends, but so far no go.  I think if he would just come out and hang out with us like Coulter the Cat does, all would be cool.  It's all him cuz Jake chases him too.  Needless to say FM and FD aren't happy with us, so we are trying to be good and give him a little room.

Jake and I have beengoing for walks out in the field.  We get to walk, sniff, amble, sniff, run, sniff.....well you get the picture.  Today FD took us out and took some pictures of me.  Aren't I handsome and regal (aah see picture)?  The folks say it's easier taking us old guys out for a walk then when we had the young 'uns.  We listen, come when called and just enjoy the outing.

I must say I enjoy the A/C.......don't know where it was the first 9 + years of my life, but I can tell ya I don't want to ever have to be without it.  I also got moved up to a new feeding station.  I eat right next to resident Jake in the kitchen now.  It took me a couple days to realize I didn't have to run to the dining side of the kitchen.  This is way closer and I'm by my buddy Jake.

I know everyone is busy during the summer, so I am hoping that as everyone's schedule starts to slow down someone will realize that the great senior who loves walks, scritches and just hanging out is ME and I'm the one for them.  I'm easy going, totally house trained and love cats and other dogs.  So if you are ready to share my golden years with you, just contact  placementragom [dot] org and we can set up a sniff and greet....I mean a meet 'n greet:)

Love Maxie

FIRST off I would like to thank Max's sponsors, Carl and Mary. I have been remiss in thanking them for helping with Max's vet bills. He had his 'lump' removed from behind his right leg, the coat is coming back in and it's not quite so noticeable. However, I found a chipped tooth and it is one of the big ones in the back.  Wednesday he will be heading in to have that cared for. So thank goodness for Carl and Mary and their help.

I'd like to take a moment to sumarize Maxie Man. He was with the same family all his life; lived outdoors; is now a total indoor dog; he is so undemanding, and his favorite things are to greet you by putting his head between your knees (or thereabouts:) and is always on the lookout for food. That is his achilles heel.....and if there is anything he is able to get into, he will. Examples: I keep food in cleaned litter buckets in the kitchen so I don't have to be trouncing around each feeding time. I typically put the buckets up on counters or the other side of the gate. I have forgotten twice and both times Max the Man has chewed the covers and got them off. This of course meant anyone who had free range in the kitchen/hall area also had free buffet thanks to Max. Max discovered there were 2 bags of dog food in the laundry room closet, opened the door, ripped open the bag and again...buffet. He may be a bit hard of hearing, but if it involves the fridge, pots/pans, cupboards opening or even walking up to a counter...he's there:)  

Max is sweet beyond words, is trust worthy in the house as long as food is put up. He loves to play a little, nap in the lower level, give Coulter the Cat a little cardio exercise, but would not hurt him. He still hesitates to go outside, especially for last call.  It's as if he's sure I'm gonna make him stay out there. No way. This is a house boy. He gets along with everyone and all the dogs. Being back on the tramadol has put that spring back in his step.

Max does not do the GR paw thing, you know pawing at you for attention. He will come over, sit down and look at you. Then if you talk low and quiet to him, many times he will 'talk back'......it starts like a low rrrooooo and then gets a little more verbal. He's not a big barker, he listens, he doesn't have accidents in the house and is just content to 'Be'............with you, alone, with other dogs, whatever the situation offers. He's not a runner per se, loves to go for walks and is pretty good off leash (don't tell anyone I said that) and will follow resident Jake around when out and about.

People worry about adopting older dogs, the seniors, but you shouldn't. They have manners, are easy going, love you just cuz you are there, are undemanding, appreciate everything you do for them and with them and love you more than anyone else. They may be with you for a year or 5. You never know, but I do know they are special and the amount of time with them is very special and you give them the greatest gift of all; total love and happiness during their years left here. When our family fur members go to the Rainbow Bridge they do so knowing they were loved, cared for and appreciated, and in the end it's about what we can do to make their lives complete just as they complete ours. It is better to have loved an old dog for a short time, than to have had a young dog that you resent because of all the work. Just look at each of these senior faces and know they could be the best companion you ever had.

Please consider Maxie as a possible family member, I don't think you will ever be disappointed in how loving and sweet he is. He's like a comfortable pair of slippers, he just feels right.

Maxie Man will be ready to go to his forever home after next Wednesday's surgery. But he is always open to meeting a possible forever family.  Please contact placementragom [dot] org for a meeting.

I apologize for the delay in getting an update in for Max, but I have been waiting for all his medical tests to come back so I can give everyone an accurate and honest update.

Keep in mind Max has lived the majority of his life outdoors and at age 10 things have caught up with him. A few weeks ago he had a lypoma removed and has recovered very nicely.  We had x-rays done of his back legs and it does show severe arthritis.  He is now on Dasaquin to help with his joints. At present we have put him back on a low dosage of Tramadol, a pain med, to help manage any pain and see what kind of improvement we see in him.

Max had a UTI (urinary tract infection) and was losing protein in his urine, which is not what we want. He was put on Baytril for the UTI, Sucalfote for a couple weeks to protect his tummy lining against any ulcers, tummy upset etc., and on Prednisone to help boost the Baytril. We are in the process of weaning him off his prednisone and he will be totally off it in 2 weeks. When his protein loss count came back high again he was put on Enalapril which helps protect his kidneys and allow them to work more efficently. He will remain on the Enalapril the rest of his life. For now we have Maxie on V-Caps and will remain on them until he can go on perscription JD food which helps with the joints etc. Moderate leash walks will be best for Max to keep limber and in good shape.The UTI is gone so no more antibiotics needed.

Maxie has been with us long enough to have his surgery and get his medical issues addressed and in order. He is ready to find his forever home. He would like a home where people enjoy seniors that are sweet, easy going, loving, and easy to please. He loves to be out side enoying a roll in the grass, a walk around the field, over to the neighbors, wherever. When you go to the kitchen counter he is right there....... might be food involved or better yet.........pills in moist food. I love the way he is just this big goofy boy, not a mean bone in his body and is content to lay down and nap anywhere. His absolute favorite thing in the world (next to food) is raw marrow bones. And he has the teeth to take it on:)  He is so content to take his bone outside, chew away and mind his own business. The other dogs don't bother him.....in fact they all can have their bones in different parts of the yard. Though given the chance, foster sister Dora, the boxer mix, would be happy to steal it away. And of course he is happy to go to work with you or stay home and rest up for your welcome home greeting which usually consists of him sticking his head between your "knees" and getting loved up:)

Max's pictures don't do him justice and I need to get a new head shot of him. The 2 things people always say when meeting Max is: 1. He is bigger than he looks in his pictures (he's about 83 lbs and needs to lose those new 3 lbs:)  and 2 He is so sweet and mellow..... and he is.  Nothing really bothers him, he loves everyone.  This gentle senior would like nothing better than to find his forever home and enjoy his senior years laying on a big old comfy doggie bed, chewing his marrow bones, going for walks or car rides. He is great with my cats, ignores them mostly, but will give them a little cardio exercise when he feels it's time.  

Max is bringing me to the RAGOM PETCO event on Saturday the 17th in Maple Grove.  So here's your chance to meet this loving senior boy. Or if you'd like, contact  placementragom [dot] org if you can't wait that long to meet him.

I apologize for the lack of updates on Mr Max. I have been out of town on 2 different trips this past month, and luckily temp foster mom Carol did an update on Max.  

Max had surgery on Monday the 7th to remove a fatty growth under and around his right elbow area. He stayed with another foster mom, Konnie, until I got back in town and met her on Thursday a.m. She said that morning he had blood in his urine and should probably be seen. I took him home, settled him in and ran into work, spoke with the vet and made an appointment for late afternoon.

You have to understand Max has had a lot going on since coming into RAGOM; ear infection in both ears, he broke out from either the ear cleaning solution or the ear drops so we had to use just saline, and he was on antibiotics for the infection. We also found out his protein was high in his urine count and that he has anaplasmosis from tick disease. While he was on antibiotics for the ear infection we were watching the anaplasmosis and protein count. I feel responsible for not getting everything straight before leaving on this last trip, but we now have Max the Man on meds to cover all bases.

While at the vet on Thursday we did xrays and bloodwork. The xrays showed no growths or blood inside, kidneys looked smooth etc. The bloodwork however showed low red blood cells. There is more to it all, but each time I think I have it all straight I mix something up. Let's just say with the protein count still high in his urine, low blood platlettes, his incision oozing a bit and the leg now swelling, it was decided Max would remain in the hospital. My bright eyed senior now had dull eyes and was getting dehydrated. We decided to see what the night and next a.m. would bring. Sadly things weren't getting any better. The blood count was still low enough that if he were to play or fall etc he could bleed out. His leg was now like a swollen sausage and red, and so it was decided another night, antibiotics and steriods to be administered and remain on the IV for hydration. Serious concerns and then before I left I saw this old boy show his food loving side. While I was laying on the floor with him (yes on the vet's floor) Kay the nurse walked by and she had some crackers in her hand for a snack, after all it was now after 7 pm (we had been there since about 5:15).  I saw Max's nose sniff the air, lift his head and heave himself up and try to go for Kay.....after all she had the crackers. Then Cindy got a couple treats out of the jar in one of the exam rooms and again, nose sniff, head up and up he stands. He cracked us all up and I needed that before I left him. I did leave Cindy with instructions should anything change or he wouldn't settle in to call me anytime all night and I would come stay with him.

This morning Dr Nancy called and said Max was looking and feeling better. She took him out to potty and after doing his business, he layed down and rolled in the snow and would not get up for her.  He loves his snow rolls!! Last night she had decided to go with the steriods to try and get things under control even though it would inhibit the healing process a bit. We are hoping the steroids will be short term. One of the blood counts was up and one had dropped a bit by this morning. But he was looking bright eyed and she felt he could come home.

Typically when riding in the doggie mobile Max lays on the floor between the front seat and the bench seat. Today he actually cooperated and rode home on the seat. Luckily he is such a sweet easy going boy and will potty on leash. He is not thrilled about being kenneled, and was out of his kennel most of the day at the vets office, so while I do updates or watch TV etc he will be out of his crate (which is Mastiff size) and can lay on the floor or couch with his e-collar off as long as he doesn't lick the incision. While I have been typing he has been asleep on the floor next to me with no cone on.

At this time Mr Max has some serious meds to be taken; Enalapril for the protein in his urine, and may have to be on it the rest of his life; Doxycycline for the Anaplasmosis, Prednisone and Baytril and Carafate to coat his stomach. Whew!! He is eating 4 times a day, and since he lost 6 lbs (he's down to 82 lbs from 88lb with 80lbs being ideal) we will watch his weight. Tuesday morning we go in for a recheck and new blood test to see what the numbers day and go from there. Should anything go south this week end we have a great doggie ER. While Max is on the prednisone I will work from home as he will be drinking a lot and having to be let out.  

Probably the most difficult thing is keeping the other fur butts at bay, and I have Bruno, my brother's German Shepard, who lucky for me is a well behaved boy. I just have to keep Max Man quiet.....no playing at all, and he and Dora and Sam 07-690 love to play 3 way tug, but it will have to wait. So keep Maxie Man in your thoughts and your paws crossed for a speedy recovery, so that IF Spring does show up, he will be ready to go out and enjoy  it.