Max Shepherd Mix Austin, TX

Sweet Max, his story is long- but well worth to hear about his journey!

This guy has been on our radar for a while, but with us being over capacity we weren’t able to get him into our program sooner! Once we learned about his story-we knew we were his best chance.

Max was owned along with a Beagle, sadly they lived their lives in a pen outside together. Max was bought to grow up with their kids, but then the kids were tired of him- which was only the start of Max’s abandonment. Max’s Beagle best friend was the only one allowed in the house at times- leaving Max by himself in the heat. The family barely gave him food or water so a few people the community rallied to keep checking in on him (his rescuer said she has known about him since 2019 when they first got him). Max was ignored and neglected, leaving him to find ways to escape his yard. Animal Control was called (many times) so they built him an outdoor dog house and chained him to that instead. The family got rid of the Beagle at some point near the end of 2022, and were trying to let Max out of their yard, but he would find his way back to their yard again. Recently, he escaped again and his rescuer found out the family left on vacation- leaving Max there without proper care. They notified the family they had him and the family said they would take him back- but never reached out once they did return. The rescuer asked the family if they wanted him back and they said no they want someone else to keep him. At this point we put a hard stop to any new intakes until Max was safely in our care.

Max’s rescuer kept him safe and transported him to our vet where we weren’t shocked to hear he is heartworm positive. He was neutered and received all his vaccines plus microchip.

Max is now an INSIDE dog and has never looked back! While staying at our vet, the staff said nearly every time they passed by Max’s run he was always on his back with his feet in the air snoozing. Clearly he loves the a/c and the constant fresh water and love he is receiving. Max has since left the vet and is at a Pet Resort where he is thriving as well. They said he is extremely lazy and very clean in his run. They have given him a dog bed and toys that he cuddles up with. Max is great around other dogs and good on a leash. He is pretty strong when he does catch a scent he pulls towards, but has learned quickly with guidance. He is very smart and does know sit and down.

Max is about 4.5 years old weighs 82 lbs and has completed his heartworm treatment!