Max the Therapy Dog: Exuberant and Comforting
Q: Tell us about yourself?
A: My name is Max. I am a big, confident boy with a very calming presence. I love helping; I can remain calm and sweet in busy situations. I help humans feel better and lower their stress. I can be meticulous about my collar and scarves though. I want to be presentable and comfortable. Oh, and did I tell you? My eyelashes are real. It makes the girls jealous.
Q: What’s your fave vacation spot?
A: The BEACH! My older brother and best friend, Hank the Bernedoodle and I zoomed all over, rolled, splashed and covered ourselves in sand and water. We may have run through some humans’ towels, but I was good and didn’t take anything that wasn’t mine. Still not sure why Mom hasn’t brought us back since.
Q: Where do you like to play?
A: Brookside in Stockton is our playground. Hank and I are both four years and we have so much energy. We are also golf cart enthusiasts. We ride in Mom’s golf cart at the Brookside Country Club. Everyone knows us here and comes up to say hello!
Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?
A: I love being petted oh so much, preferably without interruptions. Sometimes humans stop petting me for some reason, so I politely nudge them to remind them what they were doing.
Q: Describe your naughtiest deed?
A: Counter surfing! One evening, while Mom walked her guests out, an order of In-N-Out fries mysteriously vanished and the carton was found on the floor. Apparently, squinting my eyes when questioned gave me away.
Q: What’s your current obsession?
A: My teddy bear and mama, Adrienne Hotchkiss. I like to take teddy with me throughout the house. I am also a certified mama’s boy and I take my job very seriously. I’m not nosey, I just follow her everywhere because somebody has to make sure she’s okay. I keep her within eyesight at all times. I like being right beside her.
Q: Tell us your favorite, most wonderful treat?
A: When human food falls from the heavens directly into my path. Sadly, I have a very sensitive tummy, so Mom says that human food is forbidden. No pup cups for me. I just wait until I’m blessed from above again.
Q: Where do you go to get pampered?
A: My spa days are spent at Sycamore Lane Kennels in Lodi. I sit still and let them make me feel handsome. My absolute favorite treatment is being brushed. I love the way it feels; it calms and relaxes me.
Q: What’s would you like everyone to know:
A: I volunteer with my mom. I am a certified therapy dog. She has volunteered with Hospice of San Joaquin since 2013 and together we visit hospice patients to bring comfort and joy. I also help at Camp Caterpillar, a grief camp for children who have lost a loved one. One time, there was a boy who was terrified of dogs. I gave him space, patience and my gentlest self. Eventually, he began petting me and was glued to me for the rest of the day. When his dad arrived, he proudly shouted, “Hey Dad, this is Max!” I felt like the goodest boy in the whole world. We also volunteer with Animal Friends Connection, visit senior living communities, convalescent homes and schools. I always put my best paw forward because helping people is important. Well, I may exaggerate about my paw, Mom has spent countless hours trying to get to “shake” my paw; nope, don’t want to do it. But I do know how to pray.
Q: Where were you adopted from?
A: I was adopted in the parking lot of Animal Friends Connection, where I first met Mom and Hank. Hank and I ran around together in the pen, and I knew immediately that I wanted to be with them. I was one year old, and they became my fourth and forever home. ®
