| Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue Helping Labs Find Their Fur-Ever Homes |
| Max |
Hi! I'm Max, the 4-year-old formerly known as Bear. My story began when I was on the lam with my Golden Retriever buddy, and we both
ended up in the shelter. Nobody claimed me, and I was beginning to lose hope when -- happy day! -- I was rescued by the nice BLRR
lady. She placed me with a wonderful foster family, and I really enjoyed my time there. I met my prospective new Dad in early February,
and we hit it off right from the start. I remember licking his face at about 3AM that first night, and when he said "Hi Max" instead of
hollering at me, I knew he was a keeper.
Now I think I'm just big boned, but everyone thought me a bit overweight because I weighed 118.5 lbs when rescued. That's why my
foster Mum changed my name to Max. My new Vet said I should be about 95 lbs. I was also on thyroid medication, but my new Vet
suspected that I really did not suffer from hypothyroidism. He thought that my generous size was more likely the result of eating too
much in my youth, so he stopped the medication and put me on a diet with special light dog food, and no treats except baby carrots
(which luckily I love). After a month without medication, my blood sample was sent to Michigan State University for a comprehensive
endocrine profile that measured 8 thyroid-related things that my new Dad understands (but I don't) , and the bottom line is that the tests
showed that I was completely normal. No more thyroid medication for me!
Now my idea of a proper dog walk is to go on a car ride to a local park, and when we get there I like to check out every blade of grass
and every bush. But my new Dad insists that I exercise properly, and all that daily walking coupled with my special diet means that I am
now down to 103 lbs. Still some way to go, but I feel great and I have more energy. I even break into a trot sometimes! I also go to dog
school on Thursday evenings. I was very proud when the instructor said he could tell that I had had previous obedience training, so I like
to show off my skills in front of the other dogs.
I am really happy in my new home. There is a nice big yard to walk in, including some wooded areas that serve as my private bathroom.
I like chasing sticks but I don't bother with the retrieve bit - I prefer to keep them and crunch them up. I love when new Dad's grandkids
visit. The five-year-old likes to use me as a brown pillow, just as the toddler in my foster home did, and I don't mind that at all. I never get
separation anxiety - in fact I quite like the opportunity to take a peaceful nap. I try to be on my best behavior, and the only slightly naughty
thing I have ever done in my new home is to make amorous advances to an old dog bed.
There is a lot more I could say, but I want to leave space to thank all the wonderful Brookline volunteers and my foster family for giving
me a future. I hate to think what might have been if it weren't for them.
ended up in the shelter. Nobody claimed me, and I was beginning to lose hope when -- happy day! -- I was rescued by the nice BLRR
lady. She placed me with a wonderful foster family, and I really enjoyed my time there. I met my prospective new Dad in early February,
and we hit it off right from the start. I remember licking his face at about 3AM that first night, and when he said "Hi Max" instead of
hollering at me, I knew he was a keeper.
Now I think I'm just big boned, but everyone thought me a bit overweight because I weighed 118.5 lbs when rescued. That's why my
foster Mum changed my name to Max. My new Vet said I should be about 95 lbs. I was also on thyroid medication, but my new Vet
suspected that I really did not suffer from hypothyroidism. He thought that my generous size was more likely the result of eating too
much in my youth, so he stopped the medication and put me on a diet with special light dog food, and no treats except baby carrots
(which luckily I love). After a month without medication, my blood sample was sent to Michigan State University for a comprehensive
endocrine profile that measured 8 thyroid-related things that my new Dad understands (but I don't) , and the bottom line is that the tests
showed that I was completely normal. No more thyroid medication for me!
Now my idea of a proper dog walk is to go on a car ride to a local park, and when we get there I like to check out every blade of grass
and every bush. But my new Dad insists that I exercise properly, and all that daily walking coupled with my special diet means that I am
now down to 103 lbs. Still some way to go, but I feel great and I have more energy. I even break into a trot sometimes! I also go to dog
school on Thursday evenings. I was very proud when the instructor said he could tell that I had had previous obedience training, so I like
to show off my skills in front of the other dogs.
I am really happy in my new home. There is a nice big yard to walk in, including some wooded areas that serve as my private bathroom.
I like chasing sticks but I don't bother with the retrieve bit - I prefer to keep them and crunch them up. I love when new Dad's grandkids
visit. The five-year-old likes to use me as a brown pillow, just as the toddler in my foster home did, and I don't mind that at all. I never get
separation anxiety - in fact I quite like the opportunity to take a peaceful nap. I try to be on my best behavior, and the only slightly naughty
thing I have ever done in my new home is to make amorous advances to an old dog bed.
There is a lot more I could say, but I want to leave space to thank all the wonderful Brookline volunteers and my foster family for giving
me a future. I hate to think what might have been if it weren't for them.