Blame it on Max

     I had such great plans of being more consistent with writing my blog . . . and then Max came into my life.  I have fallen in love with him!  He has wavy white hair peppered with silver and brown.  He is charming and playful, affectionate and funny.  It was love at first sight - for both of us! 
     Max is a one year old Havanese that came to National Mill Dog Rescue the end of January.  He was labeled as a "yellow" dog, meaning that he was extremely shy and didn't like to be touched.  In fact, the groomer who bathed and brushed him the day after his rescue said that he bit her when she tried to pick him up. 

     However, I went into his kennel a couple of days later and was able to get a leash on him, pick him up and bring him into the area we call the recovery room where there are some padded chairs.  I just held him and talked to him.  A couple of people walked by and said, "Is that Harry Potter"? (That's the name he was given at intake, oddly enough!). "He let you pick him up?"  Most of the volunteers were amazed that I could pick him up so easily.  After that, I would go visit with him everytime I was there until I realized that I wanted him to come home with me.
     I changed his name to Max.  Even though, as you all know, I am a huge Harry Potter fan, it seemed like such a big name for such a little guy.  I tried out different names for him, but when I came to "Max" I realized it was a perfect fit! 
     The Havanese are a toy breed that was the lap dog of the Cuban aristocrats during the 18th century, most likely having been brought to the island by the Spaniards in the 16th and 17th centuries.  The breed is known for all the things I mentioned before - charming, funny, animated, sweet, affectionate, lovable, easy to train.  Bella is definitely in love also and tries to play and snuggle with Max.  CoCo, who doesn't like anyone or any other dogs, is tolerant.  Max is only a year old, so he's still very puppy-like.  He and Bella are the same age and are a good match for their energy!
     Our puppy mill rescues come with their own set of challenges having spent their lives in a crate.  So it's like having a puppy - teaching them about potty training, leash walking, going up and down stairs, sometimes doorways are scary for them although Max has never had any trouble with that.  And he's quite a bit underweight which is also a common trait of our puppy mill rescues.   I think he's finally house broken (after about 4 weeks), but he is such a charmer that I can never be upset with him. 

Max's first day at our house.  He loves the outdoors!

     He is fitting into our lives wonderfully!  He sleeps in his own little bed which is on top of mine, along with CoCo's little bed and Bella's side of the bed.  (There is a little room for me! ha!)  I am very happy with Max joining our little family.  Three is enough, for those of you wondering . . . 😃

A loveseat full of love!