Still Living to the Max

I recently told the story of a beloved eight-year-old boxer named Max, who has been slowed by a lung tumor.

The dog, on a heavy dose of pain meds, was pulled in a wagon to watch his five-year-old human brother’s football practice.

But something told Max’s mom, Margaret, that his medication might be making him more wonky than the tumor. So, she took him off of it.

The family prepared to say their goodbyes to Max on the following Saturday. His final appointment with the vet was scheduled, after watching one more football game.

I’d show you pictures of him in the wagon at the game, but there aren’t any! The increasingly bouncy Boxer kept climbing out of his ride to walk around.

⏩ fast forward: the game went long and Max missed his appointment. He’d just have to hang on a little longer.

But, as the weekend progressed, his old vim and vigor returned.

Jumping (unassisted) to sit with/on Granddad Sunday afternoon

He’s Baaaaack!!

Playing shake with Jaiden
Scarfing up treats from Jaiden and Jackson

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)

Max’s family recognizes it’s a bona fide 🦴 miracle that their oldest boy is not only still with them, but back to himself. They realize God did them a favor–when they really needed one. Of course, Max’s future is uncertain; and the same can be said for each of us.


When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NIV)

Kind Reader, we may not know all that the future holds, but we know who holds the future. Today, and every day, may we trust that our Heavenly Father knows best.

Asking to go along on an ice cream run.
Sure thing, Max! The front seat is all yours.

It ain’t over ’til it’s over

Yogi Berra

Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.


All photos and the video are courtesy of Max’s mom, Margaret.

Please read my first post about Max, here.


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56 responses to “Still Living to the Max”

  1. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I love your illustrations, Jeff! Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Jeffrey H. King Avatar

    Max being pulled around in his wagon reminded me of something I saw many years ago at a casino in Atlantic city. I was by the elevators when I saw two old guys get off and head to the slots. One was in a wheelchair. His friend was pushing him along…with an oxygen tank on his shoulder and a hose in his nose.

    That’s my definition of Christianity – broken people helping other broken people to “the slots.”

    For what it’s worth. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  3. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I also struggle with trusting God’s plans and path for me, Tina. Someone I love dearly is going through a really rough time right now and it hurts my heart. It’s taking all the faith I can find to simply put this person in God’s hands. Thank you for reading and commenting. God is faithful, and I know He will see us both through! Blessings.

    Like

  4. Tina Avatar

    I really enjoyed reading your post, David. I appreciated the word about trusting that God knows best. In my heart I know this, but sometimes I do struggle to trust and patiently go along with God’s plan. I guess He’s working on me–thankfully.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes sir, brother Matt! The family is taking it day by wonderful day and enjoying their time with Max. It is indeed a special bond! Thanks for reading and commenting.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. jesusluvsall Avatar

    Good news that the family can enjoy their beloved dog longer. Such a special bond between a family dog and children.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I’m glad you enjoyed the story, SimplyB! Sorry to hear about your grand dog boxer. Our dogs have always been like part of the family. Max is enjoying Halloween tonight with his boys. Thanks for stopping by! God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. SimplyB Avatar

    Love this story so much. We had a grand puppy Boxer that we absolutely adored. At age 10 she unexpectedly collapsed and died. Broke our hearts to pieces. What a blessing that God gave Max more time with you all.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes they are, Beth! I just saw a picture of Max in his Halloween costume. He’s a firefighter this year!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Beth Alisan Avatar

    How wonderful!! I am sure Max’s family is cherishing at a whole new level each new day they have with Max.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. davidsdailydose Avatar

    🐾🐾 And Max loves the Majik!❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  12. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, MsHazyBrain. I like your handle, BTW.😊

    Liked by 1 person

  13. MsHazyBrain Avatar

    Beautiful story thanks for sharing friend

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Majik Avatar

    Love ya, Max!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes! Thank you, Angie. I am grateful you stopped by today. God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Angie Avatar

    Such a heart warming story! Thank you for sharing this. God truly understands when we need a little more time

    Liked by 1 person

  17. seeingliketheeagle Avatar

    You’re right there David. The way she looks at me sometimes. Pure disdain 🤣

    Liked by 1 person

  18. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Nicola. When you said God created and cares for animals, it sent me to my Bible to look for a verse in the Psalms:

    “O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.” Psalm 36:6b

    No worries, I won’t tell your cat, Leia that Chino is your favorite. If she’s like most cats, she thinks she is your owner, anyway.😊

    Liked by 1 person

  19. seeingliketheeagle Avatar

    I love a pet story David. Go Max. I love animals and pray for my pets too. God created them and cares for them. They bring such joy and companionship into our lives and I’m grateful for mine..although as I’ve confessed in posts before my dog Chino is my favourite (but don’t let the cat Leia) hear that 🙀

    Like

  20. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you for sharing your story, Peggy! I believe the vet said something similar for Max. The family knows his time may be short; they simply want him to enjoy the rest of his days—as much as possible. Either way, things are much better for him, and his loved ones, than they were before. I appreciate your reading and sharing on my little blog. His best to you!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. peggywritesblog Avatar

    David, I love this post! Our black lab, Traveler, was diagnosed with Mass cell cancer when she was about 2 years old and given 6 months to a year. A dear friend of ours asked to pray over her. And she is still with us today, she’s 7!

    Liked by 1 person

  22. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Kenneth! Amen.

    Like

  23. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Me too, Crystal! It’s also a great word to use for a dog miracle, because you can throw in the 🦴with bona.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Kenneth Daniels Avatar

    a tender loving story. May God bless Max.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Crystal Byers Avatar

    I love happy bona fide miracles. 🙏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

  26. BerryBunch.family Avatar
    BerryBunch.family

    👍😁

    Liked by 1 person

  27. God Still Speaks Avatar

    And this is why I love you brother!

    Liked by 1 person

  28. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks for stopping by, Andy B.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Amen, sister! You are on the team.📣 5,403 bona fide 🦴points to you.

    Liked by 1 person

  30. God Still Speaks Avatar

    Our God is so good! Count me in on Team Max!

    Liked by 1 person

  31. BerryBunch.family Avatar
    BerryBunch.family

    Awesome!

    Andy B

    Liked by 1 person

  32. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Amen, brother! He’s got the whole world in His hands! Thanks for stopping by. God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  33. davidsdailydose Avatar

    “Everything starts with a story,” as fellow blogger Mitch Teemley says. I’d love to read the story about your Henry. Thanks for reading and commenting, Cindy! God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Alan Kearns Avatar

    What a lovely encouragement Max is to us David!
    Certainly we need not worry, our Father God has all things in His hands, Hallelujah!
    God bless you today brother 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Cindy Dawson Avatar

    I love stories about pets. I’ve been working on one about my Yorkie, Henry. He’s a ten pound guard dog! I don’t know if I’ll actually publish it, but posts like yours nudge me in that direction. Blessings, David!

    Liked by 1 person

  36. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    ❤️🐶🙏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

  37. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I’m happy for the family, too! I’ve never met Max in person, but want to. I’m guessing he’s 65-70 pounds of cutie!

    Like

  38. Petrina Avatar
    Petrina

    Thank you for sharing this. It is indeed a miracle and I’m so happy for him and everyone else. What a cutie he is! God is so good.

    Liked by 1 person

  39. davidsdailydose Avatar

    A serendipitous moment transformed into a miracle. That’s how Max’s family feels about it. It will last as long as it lasts, but, for now, he’s baaack!
    Thank you for being a regular reader and commenter. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  40. Don't Lose Hope Avatar

    Wow! Glad Margaret followed her intuition – or the nudging of the Spirit – and that Max is still a vital part of life in your community 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  41. Betty Avatar

    Thanks, David! Hope you have a good day, too.

    Liked by 1 person

  42. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I’m generally a very positive person, just like you, Betty! As bad as life can be sometimes, there’s still plenty of good in the world. And plenty of happy endings still happen. Thanks for reading and commenting. I hope you and Dan enjoy your day! God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  43. Betty Avatar

    I like your morning tradition, David. I am glad for the happy events for Max and his family. We never know how long we are going to have those we love with us.

    Liked by 1 person

  44. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes, indeed, Bridget! As I told another commenter, I fully expected to write a “In Memory of Max” post for my friend. The tumor is still there, but Max is back to himself–for now. The family feels it’s due to divine intervention. God is still good-whatever the result–but His miracles are always welcome. Thank you for sharing, sister. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  45. Bridget A. Thomas Avatar

    What a beautiful addition to Max’s story. Thank you for sharing this. And may we learn that there is always hope! 🙌

    Liked by 1 person

  46. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Amen, Vera. Most mornings when I wake up, the first thing I do is say, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” We can’t make the sun come up, but we can thank the God who does!
    Thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!

    Liked by 3 people

  47. Vera Day Avatar

    So wonderful! The Bible has a lot of wisdom; none of us, healthy or not, know how long we have left on this world.

    Liked by 1 person

  48. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes, they are thrilled! Life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect, and sometimes it’s a good thing. Either way, God is always with us. Thank you for reading and commenting, Manu. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  49. Manu Avatar

    I am sure that Max’s family is thrilled to have him be like his old self. What a good reminder that we never know what lies ahead but who holds it all.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Agreed! It was an amazing turn of events. What a difference a week makes. The family knows Max is still sick, but he’s doing so much better and acting like his old self again. Thanks for stopping by.

    Liked by 1 person

  51. FlowIntoWords Avatar

    This is amazing! What a blessing to have Max returned to his happier self and get to have more fun together. Beautiful and unexpected memories being made. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  52. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks, Pastor Pete. I was surprised when my friend told me Max was doing much better. I fully intended to write a “In Memory of a Great Dog” post this weekend. But the Lord had other plans. I truly believe He did the family a big favor. Blessings to you and yours.

    Liked by 1 person

  53. pastorpete51 Avatar

    This is such a touching story Dave. What a great lesson in God having Max’s and our days in his hands.

    Liked by 1 person

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