10 Years Ago I Visited the SPCA

How in the world is it possible that it has been ten years?

In November of 1999 I walked into the Dallas SPCA after having decided I needed my first dog to care for on my own. It had been since my childhood dog, Sandy, that I had a real family pet in my life and I felt I was ready at 29 to be responsible for another life.

I walked in that day not sure what to expect and as I soon discovered, was a little overwhelmed by all of the dogs that needed a family. Most of them whimpering or barking for attention inside both small and big cages called home. One of the first dogs that grabbed my attention was this little black terrier mix. He reminded me of Sandy; small, cute and quirky. He sadly whimpered to me from within his cage. I petted him and then moved on to another. After giving a few dogs a test walk, my attention was drawn back to the little guy in the gage. I learned he was a Jack Russell mix. His black coat made him unusual and his golden/white face made him really cute. The SPCA lady said, "Yea we found this little guy in the rain outside of Longview. Apparently, his owner couldn't take it anymore and just left him on the street. Very sad. He cries alot."

I'm still amazed at how people treat other living beings. Heartless.

"Ok, little guy," I told him. "I'll give you a shot too". He excitedly recognized his chance and soon was out bounding around the grounds outside, peeing on everything and wagging his little tail.

An hour later he was named Max and was sitting in the front seat of my car headed to his new home. He had suckered me in - hook, line and sinker.

I had found my little buddy and he had found a home.

Ten years have now gone by and my mind is full of both fun and aggrevating times with our little guy. Anyone that knows about Max has likely heard some stories. He can be a head case! Sometimes I wonder if he was bred with a cat. He sits on top of our couch, hides under the bed and will curl up next to you in a tight ball. In many ways he is also truly like a child. Max is an emotional, needy little pup with some serious separation anxiety issues. Yet, he is also very loving and happy.

Ten years have flown by and Lord knows he is as much part of our family as anyone. I can only hope that if he has ten more, that they go slower than the first.

In 1999, I was single and alone, yet Max provided some "man's best friend" company. Today, he has a brother in "Sam" (our boxer) and belongs to Julie, Quinn, Sidney and Chloe. He has his own cartoon portrait that is placed outside our home during the Holidays. He will be featured on the front of our Christmas card this year and he is certainly loved by all of our friends and family alike. Needless to say he has come a long way from the rainy streets of Longview 10 years ago.

His family status position has shifted from the top to the bottom over the last 5 years, but when he curls up next to us as he does most nights, he reminds both Julie and me that he will always be our little "Maxie."