Max (Corgi)

Every old dog has a special talent, or many. Meet Max, a 14-year-old Corgi who can fall asleep anywhere and lay diagonally across a hallway or doorway with mathematical precision. He doesn’t walk, he tootles and taking treats gently is his favorite thing.

Max’s previous owner loved him very much, but their declining health made it impossible to properly care for him. Max’s extended family was also unable to take him in, so he needed a new loving home where he could spend the rest of his golden years.

A temporary foster gave Max some TLC away from the stress of a shelter and kindly sent along notes and a care package of Max’s food, a favorite bed and blanket, meds, and grooming supplies to make the transition easier for him. (Thank you!)

Once the ODH team did their matchmaking magic, two ODH Transport Volunteers stepped forward to drive Max to his ODH forever foster home. After many hours on the road, Max finally met his new pack, which includes a friendly but independent Old Dog Haven foster, a Pomeranian named Frizzle, who will give Max both company on walks and space for leisurely naps.

Max saw his new vet team for a full intake appointment, which included labs, X-rays, and a full physical exam. He is mostly deaf and blind due to cataracts. Like many older Corgis, he has hind-end trouble that causes his back legs to give out from under him from time to time. He has arthritis and spondylosis in his spine that affect his mobility, which we’ll be keeping an eye on to make sure he is comfortable. Max also had some gastrointestinal issues as he got settled into his new home (poor fella!) but he’s feeling much better.

A mobile groomer came out to give Max a bath, a haircut, and a nail trim to make walking a bit easier for him. He is now one handsome Corgi!

Max’s new Vet remarked that someone had clearly loved him very much. Due to his vision and hearing loss, his main interface with the world will be through touch and smell, with lots of love, treats, and walks at his own pace, where he can sniff everything around him to stimulate the happy part of his brain. Thanks to all who support Old Dog Haven, he’ll never be without that love.

Update: After only a few short months, Max’s family had to say goodbye to him. He had a genetic degenerative condition and his decline was very rapid. He was very loved and happy but just couldn’t go on. Everyone is devasted by the loss of darling Max.