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Dear Readers and faithful friends,

After a number of years of wonderful blogging, this blog has effectively become dormant - except for occasional updates regarding my book, MAXDOG. I have left this blog as a legacy to my dog and a place of sanctuary where we can reflect upon his life. Take your time, peruse the pages spanning Max's 18 months in cyberspace. Feel refreshed and uplifted because his story is an amazing one of..."LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX!"
My activities have now moved on to my new blog entitled "LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX". Please join me there where you can read about my family and canine companions. I also invite you to visit MAXDOG's FANPAGE on FACEBOOK. You can follow the specific links by clicking below:

* 'LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX: click HERE
*MAXDOG'S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: click HERE
* MAXDOG, the book: click HERE

If you would like to follow me on a deeper, spiritual level, then I invite you to visit my more personal blog:

May God bless you and thank you for following me!
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

MAXDOG's CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE

Monday, February 8, 2010

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!!
The MAX GANG here...

Dearest Friends,

UPDATE: MONDAY 8TH FEB 2010: 10am

MAX had another comfortable and peaceful night.

We are so grateful that he seems pain free. He is sleeping quietly and deeply at my feet as I write this post. What a journey!

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, please don't delay in taking your

"MOM & PUP TOGETHER" photographs!

Time is so short and nothing is every guaranteed, so do it NOW! The photograph above is our own contribution to this little campaign.

...xXx...

Talking about nostalgia, I managed to find some old photographs - so have taken "photos of photos" - and would like to invite you down our own memory lane today...

THE DAY MAX ARRIVED ON OUR DOORSTEP...

(10 Years ago: April 2000)

A week or two later...


At 5mths I took MAX to a photographic studio. He was most obliging...


It was about this time that we introduced him to the joys of swimming in a dam...




He became a real cuddle-puppy...


...and of course...always willing to make friends with the camera...

We had begun MAX's training early in his life...
He was socialised, trained for the show ring and also trained in obedience...
We also felt it important to put him on the BEST DOG FOOD WE COULD FIND!!! This paid off in the long run...until November 2009, MAX had not had a single medical issue! He alo received all his necessary vaccinations etc.

He attended a number of shows and functions and found himself on the front page of our main Johannesburg daily newspaper with the "Miss South Africa" at the time.
(Valentine's Day)

He did very well in the show ring despite the fact that I hated shows. I eventually gave it up, finding it far too stressful and wanting my dog to simply be...
JUST A DOG!

One of the activities I referred to:
The Animal Carnival, Rand Easter Show 2004
The 702 WALK THE TALK has been an annual highlight in our lives. It is a well organised, annual walk, including thousands of participants (with their pooches) through the beautiful suburbs of
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA...
One of my fondest memories of MAX:
A 'RING JUMP' FOR ME on my 50th birthday last year...

Thank you again for the tremendous support coming our way from all the corners of our planet. We are following your advice...taking one day at a time. His pack (TAMMY, TOFFEE and TOMMY) are staying close by and keeping an eye on him. They too are aware that MAX is ailing, but they are good examples to us all: Taking every moment for what it holds.
Please don't worry about MAX...he will eventually tell me when it's time to say goodbye. We have no idea when that will be, but for the moment, he is comfortable and happy to simply be with us.


"THIS IS MY DOG,
NOTHING HE LACKS!...
MY FAITHFUL COMPANION,
THIS IS MY MAX!"


We love you all....embrace YOUR day!
C


65 comments:

Angus said...

Once again your tenderness, care and respect for Max coming shining through.

Cocorue said...

so happy to see you guys today and is the first pic one of many taken by your friend's daughter????? is Toffee missing????

do share more when you have the time, thanks

looooove, just loooove Maxi's baby pics and i'm so glad he's comfortable and that makes you less stressed C, i hope. i agree that you will have to trust Max to let you know when it's his time BUT for now, just enjoy being in his company.

TQ for all the lessons learnt Max & C.....and i am taking life a day at a time too and appreciating and noticing things that my eyes were 'blind' to before, TQ

chikisses
coco

Scottie the 'Cutie' said...

Those are too precious photos of Max and yourself...I'm deeply sorry to hear about Max's condition, but to know that he has spent his life with such a loving family, I would venture that he has a very fruitful and indeed golden life with you and your family =)

It is so true that we need to cherish our furkids every day...I will definitely remember to take more photos of Scottie and cherish my time with him.

Molly the Airedale said...

What awesome pictures! You are one handsome and loved boy, Max!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Princess Patches said...

What really great pictures! We are very glad Max had a comfortable night! Hopefully, he will have many more!

Aire-hugs,
Poppy, Penny & Patches

kks said...

there is nothing cuter than a golden puppy....and Max has grown into a very handsome mature dog...thanks for the walk down memory lane!
glad Max is doing well!!
can't wait to see the new pics of the two of you!!
xoxo

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

They are such lovely photos with what I know are tender memories!! Max is a beautiful boy with a beautiful spirit!! Thank-you for sharing him with us! We continue to send prayers and positive energy in your direction from Virginia.

Anya said...

Lovely photo's from Max when he was little so cute :-)
Nice to see it all today !!!!!!

((HUGS))
Love from Kareltje =^.^=

D.K. Wall said...

What a great trip down memory lane. And what a cute puppy, so we knew he would grow into our handsome Max.

houndstooth said...

We loved your trip down memory lane! Max was an adorable puppy!

Dexter said...

MAX! What a cute little round pup you were. Great photos showing off what an exciting life you have had.

You are one grand dude.

Slobbers,
Mango

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Glad that Max is happy, sleeping n pain free. Great lovely photos. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Heather and Kelly said...

Caryl, Thank you so much for sharing those puppy pictures of Max! What a cutie! He was quite the fuzzball :)
Glad to hear Max is doing ok.

Byron said...

Beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing them.

Unknown said...

Hey there! Your portrait came out just great! Everyone looks marvelous. And I do think you've set a campaign in motion - maybe we'll have "Mother's Day" posts where everyone is encouraged to post their "family portraits?"

Have you read Clive's blog today? If not, stop reading this immediately and head over to Ireland!

We are delighted that Max is "Carpe-ing" each wonderful "Diem!"

Lots of love,

Petey and Mom

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Such a loving, caring post again. Solovely to see pictures from your memory lane.. That Max is loved, cared for and happy is so very easy to see.. Just one day at a time.. A good adage.. With love from my corner of the globe.. GJ xx

How Sam Sees It said...

Beautiful photos. It is wonderful that you are having this special time with him. Please give him, and his beloved pack, a hug from all of us.

Sam

The 'splorin' Wolfies said...

my God what a noble life!

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Absolutely wonderful photos. All of them! He was the cutest puppy who grew up into the handsomest and noblest dog. And the love just bust out of each and every single shot!

Must do something about getting photos taken! MUST!

Clive said...

Max

We really loved all your photos today and your puppy photos are just the best. The NLSM is only in the door from school and he loved them!

We wanted to mark Clive's Best in Show in the Mango Minster by doing something 'special' as our NSLM said. He loves doing 'special' things so we had an idea to sponsor a guide dog puppy in your Mom's name. We were on to the Guide Dog Training Centre here this morning and a new litter only came in today. They are the 'S' litter - golden labs - we had wished they might be golden retrievers but no. Anyway, once their photos are up online next week - we will pick one for you and your Mom in your honour Max and we will send over all the details to your Mom. She can then follow this little pups adventures during the first 12 months of his life as he trains to become either a guide dog or an assistance dog!

We were very honoured to have receive Best in Show and receive so much support from friends so we wanted to honour you, Max today!

We're very happy to read that today is a good day with you.

lots of love
Murray, his Mom and Clive!

Smushie Ranch said...

One thing is for sure, Max knows how much he is loved. We're glad he's so comfortable and able to spend quality time with you.

All our love,
Shannon and the Gang

KB said...

C,

You must be one of the most amazing women that I've ever 'met'. You're attitude astounds me - so full of love and good will. I can see why Max 'chose' you.

I have a bond with my K like you have with Max. From that viewpoint, it was amazing to see the photos of you and Max as he grew up. Your body language shows the bridge of love that's forming between you. I can see a similar thing happen in K's 'growing up' photos.

I asked an artist to critique my photos of K. She said that the "most important thing is to love your subject, and it's obvious that you've achieved that". I can see that in your photos of Max as well.

I'll say it every day - you're in my thoughts, and I'm wishing that I could somehow help. Instead, I'm learning from you, watch you and Max gracefully and lovingly take this journey.

the magic sleigh said...

Woooos! What a beaWootiful trip it has been down that memory lane! Max Dog has a wonderful full and happy life with woo all by his side. Live each day to the fullest, our hearts and prayers are with woo always!
-Kira The BeaWootiful

Golden Samantha said...

Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos of SUCH a special Max dog with us. We love the new portrait of you and Max together - it's obvious that you have always been an amazing team. We think of you so often.
With Hugs and Love xoxoxoxox,
Sammie and family

Piappies World said...

Hi there Max and Mom C,

You were such a cute chubby puppy!!! Thank you so much for taking us through Max's younger years. This post made us see more clearly how so very special he is.

Mom C, we are here with you as you share each and everyday day with Max and his pack. You both have become an inspiration to us and our mommy and we thank you for that. We really appreciate and embrace your friendship.

Keep the smiles coming. =)

-Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Scrappy, Bullet & Mommy

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We just love how you are enjoying the memories of Max NOW - makes his days with you so much more special. You have so many great pics of him and you together. What a super-loveable pup he was - now wonder he is so loved now.

Woos, Phantom and Thunder

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

What a great and wonderful way to show our support of You, Max and your pack. We will be posting our picture today!

We so admire your strength Max (and Max Mama)!!

Smileys!
The Mama and Dory

Sam said...

It's becoming a theme.. I'm leaky eyed every time I come to your blog!

These pictures are so beautiful, and so precious - this morning when I was getting dressed I thought to myself of how I should take a picture of my dog and I together today. These photos you've just posted make it obvious how important those memories are.

brooke said...

Glad to hear Max is not in pain and his family and pack is all around him. He has a good life.
Love the puppy pictures of him! He was a little fluff ball! So cute!

Ms. ~K said...

C,
Thank you for sharing these beautiful memories. You are truly an inspiration to me.
Hugs,
Kit

Moose said...

Oh Max, I am so grateful you had another good day and that you spent it surrounded by your loving pack. What more could a dog want? The photo you took with you mom was heartwarming and I loved seeing all the photos from your past. You have been a handsome smoosh from the start I see.
Please keep on keepin on and know how much you are loved! Hugs to you and the rest!

The Army of Four said...

Oh, those puppy pix are just so CUTE!!!!!! What treasured memories!
Celebrate every day!
Tail wags,
Storms

Amy & the house of cats said...

Oh we got behind - I had really hoped to catch up to good news! But we know that you are doing your best for him and making him as happy and comfortable as possible. We are sad to hear the news, but we are glad that Max is at home now. We are sending you lots of purrs and prayers, so that hopefully he has more good times then bad - he looks pretty good in that picture with you and a comfortable night is just great!

We love to see all the pictures of Max through the years - and what a cute little puppy he was!

Sierra Rose said...

Love these photos!!! Oh sweet Max!
Cherish every moment, lots of photos, always.... Blessings.

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose

sprinkles said...

Thank you so much for sharing pictures of Max's life, I thoroughly enjoyed them all.

I know you say not to worry about Max. I just can't help it. I've cried for him many times and am crying as I type this. I know the pain of losing a beloved pet so I'm probably crying for myself a little bit too. No matter how long we have our pets, it's never long enough!

Hamish Westie said...

So Max old pal, I guess it was obvious, right from day one, what a fine, wonderful, beautiful, noble and loving companion you would turn out to be.
Special hugs from Scotland.
Cheers, H.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Just like Marge's mom, my mom is all leaky too -

The leaks khover all the kholours - just like your khountry -

Happy leaks seeing the wee Max shots -
Happier leaks seeing you with Max - and Max with you -

And of khourse, the leaks fur the what we know will eventual transpire -

BUT befur that okhkhurs, so many more hearts and lives will be touched by YOUR paws!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Mom shared Max's news with Auntie Di ovFUR the weekend - she was saddened just like all of us but she spent time 'here' Sunday and khould feel the love in Phoenix AZ!

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

W hile we are so very soory to hear that Ma's liver can not be fixed, we are so very glad that he is been part of such a wonderful, loving family.

It is a delight to see all the pictures you have of Max, from a sweet little round puppy to the gorgeous dog he is today.

We will be purring and praying for comfort and well spent time together for all of you.

Junior, Orion and Meowm Rhonda

Asta said...

I'm so happy to wead that Max is comfowtable and not in pain. I know that he is weceiving constant love fwom evewyone in youw family evewy moment of his life. Youw pictoowes made Mommi get all teawy. They awe soo bootiful and those moments that you wecall when seeing them will stay wif you fuwwevew.
Max has always been so gowgeous and loving..a vewy special boy who enwiches youw life.
We awe contonooing ouw pwayews and wishes, and keeping you in ouw heawts
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

You are one handsome dog Max!
Great photos,

Toby's Raiser

Unknown said...

Max and Caryl, your photos are too precious for words. What I love is that you've taken a sad situation and made the best out of it. You have started a movement of bloggers either posting, or just privately taking bunches of momma & me photos, and that's significant. Heck, I caught my mother yesterday telling about you to a friend of hers, urging her to take photos with her human children. Enjoy every and each moment.
Twinkie

Naqvee said...

In a decade .. what pleasure did Max gave you is immeasurable .. there's no substitute for any of the God's creature on earth!

love

Stella said...

Two of my furry favorite Boys are having some problems and its my job to worry about them. All of us dogs know we won't last as long as our people do, but oh, we hate to leave them. So if I want to worry about Max and Hamish, I'm just gonna do it. Its not that I think they are not getting good care, no, its not that. Its about me feeling lost and lonesome without them. So if I worry a little, pray a lot, it might get them to stay longer. Do you think?

Kisses,
Stella

RILEY AND STAR MY MALTESEKIDS said...

Beautiful pictures of both of you and they bring tears to mommy's eyes. Thanks so much for sharing them and we continue to pray that Max will regain his strength and get better soon.

Luv you guys,
Riley and Star.

Paco,Milo, Maya and mommy Simona said...

Another great great and sweet post dear M&C!!!!!!
All the photos are amazing...Puppy Max were soooooooooooo cute....
and growing he's became such a wonderful boy....
We love love love his pics with mommy...sure he's sooooooooooooo sweet!!!!!!
memories are so precious for all of us....we need of them.....memories filled our hearts with lots of important emotions and sensations....
memories make our life!!!!
Memories are us!!!!
Thanks for sharing yours with us!!!
You're such a wonderful family!!!!!
We're keeping you in our prayers and toughts!!!!!
WE LOVE YOUUUUUU!!!!!!
Take care and hope Maxi is doing well in these days!!!!!
Sweet kisses and licks and hugs!!!!

Draco and his Mom said...

Loved the baby pictures of Max...the pictures of you both together are priceless. Glad you are having more done. These are the times to make and preserve memories. Thank you for reminding us all that our time with our animals is precious and never guaranteed past the moment.

Anonymous said...

WOW what GREAT pics! I love each and every one. It is almost like we are there with you and Max.

Thank you so much for sharing your pictures of Max with us, especially the ones of Max as a pup and a teen! He is so cute. His ears were so dark when he was real little too.

Hugs, Tessa

Never Say Never Greyhounds said...

You are so right about photos. Especially with digital cameras.. you can never have too many photos. Hang in there.

Jen

Jans Funny Farm said...

Very nice post. Max has always been such a cutie. And he's had a good life with all of you. He couldn't ask for more.

Cloud the Wonder Dog said...

Thank you so much fur sharing these wonderful pictures wiff us! Max was the cutest puppy, and is still the cutest Golden ever! We love you so much, Max and Caryl!

Cloud and his mom

PS. Mom posted pictures on my blog of us together in honor of you and Max. :-)

Lacy said...

w00fs, just waanted to let u know, we are still praying for miracle..maama been sickie last few days, that y we not commented..

b safe,
~rocky~

Ben said...

Max - in rescue we say "even if loved only for a day." It makes us all leaky to see how you have been and continued to be loved EVERY day of your life.

Unknown said...

Oh what a wonderful, beautiful post! Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful moments in Max's life. I agree with others - you are amazing in how you can stay so positive at such a difficult time - but perhaps that is not so hard with such a wonderful companion as Max by your side.

That is a wonderful idea of getting photos together - I'm lucky to have quite a few with Honey but you've reminded us how precious every moment is and that when they are gone, the photos are never enough! Will be doing our next post in honour of Max with our photos like yours.

Thinking of you and your family -
Love,
Hsin-Yi (& HOney the Great Dane)

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Thank you for this beautiful post.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java

Sapphire said...

again, tho we've just met, through your posts Max touched our hearts, you've been a great GREAT mom.

Sapphire and her mom.

Sophie Brador said...

Your Max is the same age as my Sophie. I'm so sorry to hear about his health right now and am happy to hear he is sleeping comfortably and getting loads of love. He is a beautiful boy.

We're thinking about you.

xo
Sherry & SB

Pip said...

Thank you for sharing these wonderful memories. I know your heart is hurting, and that these moments together are precious.

Purrs and Prayers- TK and Squashies

Emma Rose said...

What a wonderful post! We will get busy this week and take pictures of our humans and us together!

Kisses,
Emma Rose

Two French Bulldogs said...

What wonderful pictures. What a good guy Max. We are rootin' for ya buddy
Benny & Lily

Lorenza said...

Thanks for sharing all those beautiful pictures!
Max went from an adorable puppy to a handsome and sweet big boy!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

The Animal Doctor said...

i have tears in my eyes...i know that goodbyes are inevitable, yet it still breaks my heart to think that something so good, so wonderful like this are susceptible to painful endings.

- secretary

Cheyenne -Millie said...

We are sad to hear things are not all well. We hope that Max continues to enjoy his time with you!

Brindusa (Brinda Dasha) said...

What a beautiful life story. It so nice, so positive to hear about such a strong feelings between man and dogs. Max is a wonderful companion, a real friend and an intelligent being, such as many of our furry friends. Hopefully he will be ok and happy for years more.

Anonymous said...

Max is indeed a beloved family member. Both Max and you are fortunate to have shared your time together. His photos draw a smile from each of us and he will always be remembered with a smile. He is a most handsome Golden. We hope that all of his remaining days will be good ones until it is his time to go. We know that you'll be with him to hold his head and comfort him when his time arrives. We'll cry for ourselves and for you but smile for Max.
- TBH&K

ocmist said...

Thanks so much for sharing so many adorable pictures of the puppy Max, and the young dog, Max from before we were privileged to have known him. I think that is one wonderful thing about blogging... you have so many pictures available to look at and memories to revisit and share with others.

We are so glad to hear that the pain meds are working well for him and keeping him comfortable! OC's work well for her too, and that is really a blessing! Linda