MAXI'S NEW FAMILY
4 APRIL 2006

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

. . .

Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long --
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

-- Rudyard Kipling, The Power of the Dog

Harold & Shirley make Maxi feel right at home

Still smiling . . .

. . . and giving kisses.

Shirley writes: Maxi is doing just fine. He has checked out the whole house and the basement and has gone outside several times today. He acts like he will be happy here. We are certainly happy with him!!

On 12 April, Shirley writes:

Maxi and we are doing just fine. He is settling in and seems to be happy here. He goes out several times each day and does well on a leash. He does not do anything in the house. He rides very well in the car, as we took him with us to Madison. He was not in a crate and did very well. We did get a crate for him and he seems to like it and goes into it quite readily. Only for a little while if we have to go away and can't take him with.

He is eating good and he has really bonded with my husband. If Harold leaves the house, Maxi runs around trying to find him. He is a very good little guy and we are very happy with him.

On 19 April, Shirley writes:

This is just a short note to let you know that Maxi is doing great. He is such a good little guy. He is learning all about farm life. We were out walking the other day and he heard a rooster crow at our neighbors farm. He stopped and looked around as if to say, "Now what was that?"

He loves his walks. We walk every day for some distance. has picked his favorite potty spots and he is eating the lamb and rice very nicely. He crates well and has taken to a bed of his own. So he hops into that every night at bed time.

We took him to Madison with us to Petsmart and he loved the ride and behaved so well. I am sure you can tell that we are very happy with him. My husband has bonded with him so well that Maxi does not like for him to go outside without him. But he is trying to get used to that too. We love him dearly!!

We had Easter at our home and our kids and grandkids came home. Of course, Maxi got Easter presents and lots of playing and loving. We had a thunderstorm that day and found out he does not like thunder & lightening.

So you can chalk up another very pleased forever home. He will be with us always. Thank you for bringing him to us!!