This picture of Elmo, a 12 year old Blue Heeler, is our neighbour’s dog. He’s looking awfully dapper in his blue bandana!
Elmo and Buck were best buddies. He doesn’t see too well, and Buck was pretty much deaf.
Elmo and Max are trying to get along – it’s a work in progress. Last night they did really well. Nobody jumped the other!
Hey everyone,
Not really a Max post – just wanted to put up a few more pictures so you can see how scary it was! haha We had a terrific time!
Here’s one of Max – I’m sure he’s thinking – now he smells familiar, but wow, bad hair day or what?
Today we took Max to the off leash park called the Serpentine. It’s a smallish park, but there are tons of dogs there all out having a good time. All sorts of dog, all sorts of sizes, and he had no issues at all! He just pranced and ran and chased and was chased and had a great time.
Here is a movie of Max, taken by Pam October 28, of him playing at the park.
The “That’s Gross” comment from Pam was about a “little” slobber Max had over his nose! haha About 3 or 4 feet long! haha
Max seems to be settling into our routine. When he first came to us, he wasn’t thrilled with my early rising (around 530 or 6 am) and certainly didn’t want to eat when I normally fed Buck, around 6:50 or so. But the last couple of mornings he had his breakfast early, and was ready for the car ride to go pick up Pam from the train. He’s getting a handle on when we go for “a walk” and when we go to get his “business done.”
He still “speaks” to strangers, even when we are on walks. Not good at 7 am! I’m not sure how to go about getting him to NOT bark – might be a hopeless task – but I need some kind of command to stop it. It’s not like he’s yapping constantly, just barks once or twice to announce his presence. I’ve tried to make him sit (he does) then put my hand on his chest and give him a “quiet” or “no barking” command. Buck understood the “no barking” command, but it’s been years since he ever really spoke. I don’t think we was trained on a choke chain, because the normal tug on the leash doesn’t seem to faze him. (He’s not on a choke chain, but I might try using it for a couple weeks to see if I can do something about the barking.)
I think Pam is feeling a tad slighted because Max has really taken to me. He’s been a constant companion to me, and I’ve really needed it. When I’m emotional, he’s there for me. When I give him a hug, he returns it, snuggling into my arms, raising his paw to me, banging his head into my chest. It’s very heartwarming. He’s just a great guy.
I have had such a tough time dealing with Buck’s loss. I feel so guilty – and the guilt keeps changing. I hate myself for being the one that made the decision to end his life, even though his last few days were so obviously painful for him. What right do I have to be playing god with my best friend? And I’ve been doing so much reading lately, I realize that maybe Buck was in pain longer than I want to admit, and maybe I was being cruel by not doing something earlier. It’s easy to say I should just let it go, and believe me, I wish I could just “let it go” but I can’t – it torments me…
Anyway – Max is doing great! He’s a real playful guy and Pam and I had a game of catch with him today. He’s fun and energetic. Tomorrow we’re off to the big off leash park, to see how he does. He’s recovered from his surgery, so I think a nice walk in the park with some other dogs will be good for him. We’ll keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t over do it!
Talk to you soon,
Maurice
Hey everyone,
It was two weeks ago today that our dear little Buck went to play with the angels. We have had an obit published in this week’s Georgia Straight.
I still find myself breaking down at most inopportune times, but the good memories are allowing me to contain my grief a little better. I also find myself talking to Max like he was Buck, but he doesn’t seem to mind!
Max is a great dog, and I’m sure glad he’s come into our lives! He’s just a sweetheart – and very easy to love. He wants to do the right thing all the time. His eye contact is superb, looking for the next command.
Here is a link to the memorial on the Straight’s site: http://www.straight.com/classifieds/Announcements/In+Memoriam
Thanks again to you all for your support.
Maurice
This just in! Dogs like parks! Film at 11! Well, no film, but pictures.
Max is feeling a little down today. I think he is missing Alicia, the young lady from the SPCA who liked him so much. I took him through the park twice so far today, but I’m holding off on giving him free run until we get a little more comfortable with each other.
He seems quite amiable with other dogs, which is a good sign! He lived with another little guy, so he’s a sociable type. He didn’t want to play catch with the tennis ball tho. Wasn’t in the playing mood I guess.
Well Max seems to be a hockey fan – what else would you expect from a Canadian dog? He’s a little nervous around Mike yet, but then, Mike makes me nervous! hah
Here is a picture I took of him around 7:30 tonight – he never stays very long on the beds… maybe too soft after the SPCA kennel? He stays 5 minutes, then gets off and lays down on the carpet.
He’s quite a bit smaller than Buck. I’d say he weighs in the 50 pound range. Buck in his prime was 75ish. Max is a couple inches shorter, and not so thick through the chest, but he has as big a head lol.
