Maxx

On Monday, May 7th, 2012, our dear friend Maxx crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  Maxx came to us in June of 2003.  At the time he was about 1 or so they thought.  Maxx was the best and most challenging dog at the  same time.  He was such a people person and welcomed everyone who came in the door.  He loved to sit on your lap, lean against your leg, be in the same room as you, be pet all day long and ultimately, he just wanted to be a person.  Maxx loved to go for car rides.  During those car rides his favorite activity was to jump and bark at big trucks.  One time he actually managed to get himself halfway out the window.  Maxx didn't love other dogs except Josie, she's the only one he could actually hang out with.  Maxx always kept us on our toes.  His love of underwear, towels, dog toys, and trash didn't work out so well for him.  We'd only had him a few years when he swallowed a chew toy and managed to stay a full 7 days in the Dove Lewis Emergency Hospital.  On the 7th day we said enough and of course, he started eating.  A few years later, he did it again and then again and after we said no more, he must have learned his lesson.

Once the kids came around, Maxx sort of got the short end of the stick.  He adapted and soon became our kids best friend.  We'd take him on walks, car rides, camping, and on trips.  Leah nicknamed him Maxxy.  He tolerated alot and loved those kids.  Some nights I would find him asleep on Nick's rug, but as soon as we went to bed, he'd come in with us.  He did love his people.

Maxxy will be missed.  He was our friend and companion. He was always there to greet us, happy to be loved and happy to love us back.  He had such unconditional love for us.  A friend shared with us this poem.  I hope it is true as I would love to be with Maxx again someday.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....