My name is Max!

Max – UMDR ID# 021-0301
Fostered by Tracey and Robert
Max’s Rescue Was Sponsored by Jessica Novak of K9 Grooming

Max was one of a number of pets that were taken into Ugly Mutts care after their owner had passed away. Like the others Max was a very scared little man when he came into our care. He had very limited experiences outside of his home. He had never even had a collar put on him previously. Slowly he is coming out of his shell and needs a special home with people who will love him unconditionally, as Max is very fearful and is still grieving. Max is approximately 7 – 8 years old and weighs approximately 14 lbs.

Here is what Max’s foster family had to say about him:

Max came to us very sad and timid, which was understandable given his circumstance. He is still very reticent, although is starting to take more of an interest in his surroundings. He’s quite an adorable little guy and I suspect has a very lovely personality. He seems to be in good health but does have a vet visit to come for his dental. His energy level is low, as he is still grieving – but he is starting to perk up a bit and move around a bit more. We’ve started taking him on longer walks and he trots along quite energetically, although he follows us and is fearful of most things i.e. cars. I was told he was 7 or 8, but he seems younger to me. He’s probably a low shedder.

Max is very timid and not sociable at all – although he has started following me around the house – but still won’t let me pet him. He would not be happy with young children as he is not very exuberant or playful. He doesn’t seem to prefer any age or gender – he likes me because I feed and walk him and prefers to be around me versus the other members of the household. He has growled at assorted family members who are too forward trying to pet him and has been known to snap – but has never actually bitten anyone and is quite docile with me when I pick him up to take him outside (which is the only way to get him outside). We have no other dogs, but he came from a home with dogs and I think he would do well in a home with other small docile dogs to make friends with. We did take him on a play date with another dog and they ignored each other. He has the outstanding cat award – our cat who normally hides in the basement when we foster dogs is out and about with Max and pays him no mind at all. This is a glowing recommendation from our cat, who clearly sees him as no threat at all and will even tolerate him sniffing his back end.

We’ve never heard Max bark and he’s never been left alone in the house as there’s always someone about. As his primary dinner giver – after the one day I was away for a few hours, he clearly missed me and since then follows me around the house. He’s still afraid of us and won’t really let us pet him. His favourite thing to do at the moment, is sleep on my bed and watch me work. He’s normally very quiet in the house – he seems content to sit and look around and when he hears some activity in another room – he sometimes goes to check it out. I think basically he just needs to be left alone to find his own way in his forever home – he shouldn’t be coaxed or bullied, but he should be given lots of opportunities to explore and learn at his own pace.

I suspect Max was very doted on and was perhaps fed at the table. He hasn’t tried to steal any food, but will hang around the dinner table. He’s a very picky eater and so far will only eat two kinds of treats (no dog cookies). I wish he would chew things he shouldn’t at this point – he really hasn’t played with anything and ignores all his toys. I’d gladly give up a shoe or slipper if it would give him some enjoyment. He’s fully house trained – had a few incidents in the house until we figured each other out – but now is very good at doing his business outdoors. When Max first came, he hid in a corner and for bedtime, I would put him in his crate with the door open and his food outside. I thought he would feel safer in there & he would go in quite nicely and sleep for the night. Now he’s a bit more comfortable, it’s the bed for him. He jumps up and sleeps at the end of the bed.

I don’t believe he had ever been on a leash before. We have him on a harness, so he’s getting used to that – but he goes his own way and will not be forced into any direction. He knows how to escape the harness and collar – so for walks – we go his way usually – he won’t leave the yard voluntarily. We’ve started carrying him to our local park and then he’ll follow us nicely for a stroll around and back home and then when we’re home, he knows where the back door is. He’s never tried to escape out the door & I suspect that I could likely take him outside without a leash & he wouldn’t try to leave the yard – his routine is a bit of a sniff, the business & then run back to the back door. He’s ok in the car – I have another person hold on to him and he’s been fine with the car ride.

It was clearly very traumatic for Max to be taken away from his original owner and his other pet friends. After two weeks with us, I am starting to see more of his personality – he is starting to show some curiosity in his surroundings and when the weather is good, likes to sit outside a bit instead of running back into his corner. He seems to be bonding with me a bit – but still will not let me pet him, but will let me pick him up to take him outside. He should go to an older household – no young children and no energetic hikers as he’s not at all ready to walk on a leash properly. It would be nice if he had some other doggy friends in the house. He needs a laid back type of owner who will go at Max’s slower pace and feed him chicken livers at the table. The new owner should have no expectations or demands for Max – he’s not a good walker and is not particularly forthcoming – so definitely at his own pace & certainly lots of love and affection.

If you think you would be a loving home for Max, please submit an application for consideration which can be found at uglymuttsdogrescue.com under the Adoption tab at the top of the page.