MAXIMUS is in Doggy Heaven.

MAXIMUS

Age 11, August 24, 1999 - March 02, 2011

08/24/99 ~ 03/02/11 Run Free My Beautiful Son & Continue on your Wonderful Journey~

Nickname: MACKIE, BIG BLUE, BIG BOY, MAXX, MOMMYS BOY

I'll never forget the day I picked him up & drove him home. 16 weeks old and already 30 lbs., he sat on my lap as I drove the entire way, he was calm, and stayed ever so close, we knew then and there, our bond had been made. I named him Maximillion and in time, he became Maximus and the name stuck. Maximus seemed like a typical Weimaraner puppy, wild & wirey, but so loyal and loving, he had something extra special about him, he was an old soul for such a young dog, he grew to become my best friend and confidante. He suffered with terrible separation anxiety, (as did I), whenever I had to leave him daily to go to work and when I returned home, I found that he had spent his day rummaging thru my hamper, dresser drawers and closets. Anything that held my scent would do. My home looked as if a burglar came thru it. I could never get mad at him though, I rather just laughed, talked to him and cleaned it up. There would be a repeat again tomorrow anyway. How could anyone be mad at a massive silver body of love with blue eyes, (that in time turned a Golden Green) with soft floppy ears running at you & kissing you endlessly as soon as you enter your house door? I was his and he knew it! Then came Maximus' "brother" Labby Max, a Yellow Lab, only 2 weeks younger then him. Together they would explore the local State parks and Beaches every weekend. They would swim in the lakes, Bay and Ocean, chasing sticks and stones and run freely with me thru the many paths of trees and sand. Although they were always ahead of me, both would always stop and look back making sure I was still on the path. This is when I learned we were developing a strong sense of trust and regard for each other's safety. Less than 2 years old now, Maximus displayed signs of leadership, loyalty, & a very high sense of intelligence and problem solving. He was no doubt the Alpha between him and Labby Max and that was immediately understood between them. Having myself suffered for many years with panick attacks and depression, Maximus particularly was giving me a new outlook and lease on life. It became clear to me that when I was with him, I was less depressed and when a panick attack ensued, he would recognize the symptons or feel the 'energy' within me change and began licking my face, pawing at my lap and nudging his body into mine. This in turn, drew the attention of the panic attack away from myself and rather put the focus entirely on Maximus. How he knew how to do this naturally, I to this day, I never can explain, but it helped. I became totally disabled in 2003, and knew now that God had sent Maximus to me for a purpose other than just to be my dog, he was a blessing and in time and self training and dedication, he passed his Canine Good Citizens Test Certification and he then became my constant companion from that point on. We have traveled extensively in every form of transportation imaginable with his favorite being the plane because that meant we were going to Grandma's house. Maximus even accompanied me for several days in hospital after I had a very diificult surgery and because of him, I was up and walking within 24 hrs.. It was not anticipated for me to walk well for at least 2 days! 2006 came around and Maximus was had just turned 6. After giving him a bath one day and then feeling him, I felt small six pea-sized lumps. I made a Vet appointment and immediately brought him in. A lump was biosied and it was found to be malignant, I thought the end of my life had just begun. I feared the worst, but prayed for the best. I researched and made as many phone calls as I could and found the very best Canine Oncologist I could for him and we had gone to see Dr. Gerald Post in Connecticut for an initial consutation and further biopsy. The results were poor as the tumors were Mast Cell Tumors of the 2nd & 3rd Stage. We then started a protocal of Chemotherapy which I must admit, he went thru with flying colors! After almost a year and a significant weight gain from the steriods, my boy seemed to be in remission, he BEAT THE CANCER!!! I was never more grateful and cherised each and every day of Maximus' and my life together. Never was one single day ever taken for granted. I know he knew and understood this too. Maximus was a gentle and kind soul that constantly smiled and never seemed to have a bad day. Everyone that ever encountered him fell in love with him. There are more pictures taken of him by strangers over the years during our travels than I can even count or begin to remember, needless to say, he loved the camera! Maximus had a light-colored strip that ran across the top of his head from ear to ear. None of the Vets ever knew what it was, so we just called it his, "Halo". He was a Heaven Sent Angel indeed. He would stare at me most of the time, it didn't matter what I was doing, his eyes seemed to always be carefully on me. I wondered what he was thinking. Did he think I was so special or that he needed to catch me when I began to fall? Was I so fragile or so strong to him? To this day I'll never really know, but I do know how much he loved me. My beloved Maximus crossed the Rainbow Bridge peacefully in our home in the early eve of March 2, 2011. I prayed to God for guidance, a sign for what to do, as it was the hardest decision I ever had to make or ever will in this lifetime. Letting go of my very best friend & son. I know I was not saying "Goodbye" forever, because Love never dies and I know I will see my Special boy again in Heaven, but until that day, not one goes by that a prayer is not said to him, not a, 'Good Morning & Good Night Maximus' is missed and never ever will he ever be away from my heart and my soul. I Love you Maximus...
Love Eternally, Mommy XO