"MAXDOG" is now available on Amazon.com!!
Click HERE for the 'Print-on-Demand' version
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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

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

MAXDAD's MESSAGE TO HIS PUPS...

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!!
MAXDOG here...

  Hello there to all my blogging friends around the world!
On this my
74th Day of Grace!!!
 
I am really happy today because I got a big surprise in my 'inbox'. 
Yes, you won't believe it...
...I got a note from one of my very own puppies!
I sired a litter with "Polly" many years ago and now I know that at least one of them is still alive and well!!!  This is the note I received:
 
"Hi dear Max. Guess what? This is your daughter, Jody, from Brakpan. You and my Mom, Polly, are my heroes. I have to tell you that my human Mom, Daphne, has told me all about you. She thinks you are the very best Golden Retriever ever! Be strong, Dad, and hang in there as long as possible. You are so special, and by being so brave you are giving hope and lots of tailwags to all the other dogs out there who are also ill, with this horrible disease called cancer.
With lots of licks from your 'little' girl, Jody (and my two children who live with me, Shilo and Loftus)"

Well, MAXMOM got all leaky with this note, so I decided to do a special post for us all today.
It is a LONG POST, but I think an important one... I hope you don't mind?!
You see, I really think that we should all...
TEACH OUR CHILDREN WELL!

So this is for my pups, grandpups and all my fur-friends...

---xXx---

MAXDOG's ADVICE:
(To JODY, my grandpups and ALL other pups!)

Dear JODY..
Thank you for making contact with me!
It is important to keep contact with your family and you have inspired me today. I want to give you a gift...some small tips to give your own pups so that they can make their way through this difficult world of ours...
So here goes...

Firstly...It's good to meditate and discover the things that are important to you...

Like looking to the heavens for your inspiration...

It's important too, to look after your home and all those who live in it...
...but also find other places to really romp...
Please remember to reach out to those who struggle,
 no matter how bad your own troubles are!
(Remember you ALWAYS have some space to give to others...!)
Always see the good in your human friends and lick away their tears when they need it...
Remember...
there is ALWAYS something new and interesting around the next corner. 
Don't get stuck in a rut!
Play hard! Meet lots of friends and find out where you belong...
("Tigger")
Tolerate the quirks of your owners.   Pose for the photos, pose for the judges, pose for your friends...anything to make their day...
Seek out new and interesting things and share them with your pack! Afterall, what use is there discovering something and simply keeping it to yourself?
Remember pups, a smile is universal, acceptable and inexpensive!
Your tail will be your substitute for a smile in this life...keep it wagging!
Be on guard so that bad things can't enter your domain...only allow the good in!...
Be honest: Look people in the eye and tell the truth!
(Okay, some cultures don't look people in the eye - it is bad manners.  Some dogs also feel the same...  Nevertheless, tell the truth!)

Remember, it's not nice to beg...you look pathetic!...
Be of service to others - wait for their request...
...and don't worry if they don't need your help!
You CAN'T help or please everyone!!!

Sticking your tongue out is NOT always becoming!

Don't sulk if your walk request is refused!

Barking might be cute, but its not always becoming!...choose your words carefully!...
Its good to realise when your conversation is boring!
Understand that there is always someone in the wings who wants what you have got....so appreciate what you have.
If you become the leader, take up your role with honour, dignity and humility!
...and know when it's time to lead from behind!...
Enjoy your treats...with relish...
Let others take the limelight too!...
("Tigger" at Family Pets, Randridge Mall)
Remember your manners...especially to say "Good morning!"...
Don't be envious of others enjoying their own pleasures...
Live life to the full!
Enjoy every moment!
 Sniff the air daily, soak up the weather and dig lots of holes...exhuberantly...
Choose your partners well...

Explore your world and everything in it...
Finally: Live in the moment and enjoy everything that life has to offer you!
Know that others might emulate you, so present a good example!...
I also wrote a poem sometime ago for my pups.
It is called...

"YOU’LL BE A DOG, MY PUP!"

If you can find a household that is a happy home
And adopt its styles and ways,
And honour all its human hands
So that you will be there for many days,

If you can find the Master of that home
And sniff out exactly what He needs,
And learn His cues and all His tasks
To purposefully carry out His deeds,

If you can “Fetch!” on His command,
And “Down!”...and “Stay!”...and “Wait!”
Or jump through hoops on His demand
Or bark at strangers at the gate,

If you can tune your ears to sounds
Which maybe have no place,
And puckle your nose to stay alert,
Or wag your tail to start the race,

If you can sniff the air for a change of scene
Or read the news on a trunk of a tree,
And guard your bones, but share your treats
And celebrate when you are free,

If you can growl or huff and call His bluff
And ask to soon be fed,
Or lie at His feet when the day is done
And know that it’s time for bed,

If you can bare a bath – to clean your fur –
To make you spruce and bright,
To accompany Him with a heart assured
To show off His delight,

If you can do all this without a slouch
And know your Master’s thumb is up,
Yours is the Earth and everything in it
And – what’s more – YOU’LL BE A DOG, MY PUP!
(Caryl Moll - July 2009)

With lots and lots of licks to Jody and all the grandpups
(Lotsalicks to all my friends too!)
From your Dad...
MAXDOGDAD  IN SOUTH AFRICA

54 comments:

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! MAX very nice. You just inspired me that this is the year that I will for sure to get in touch n visit my mom. We are going on a long vacation but will definitely check in your blog n see how you are doing. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

bea's blog said...

Dear Maxdog!
You and your mum write the most beautiful posts ever!!!!
Tell your mum I will answer her lovely mail asap, but I am still a bit out of order right now and have to be back to bed...not good to be out anyway as weather is soooo cold, stormy and we have hail and snow back uphere, too!
Lotsa tailwags from Gizmo!
You look great and I hope you will stay like this for many more days of grace to come....
thinking of you and yours
•~♥~• •~♥~• •~♥~•
Beatrice from Germany

MurphyDog said...

Maxdog, you sure are a wise boy. Mom loves your posts and is so happy that you are still with us to share your wisdom! Keep fighting Max, you are doing a great job!

wags, wiggles & slobbers
Murphydog

Scout and Freyja said...

Max, you had our momma all sobbing and wet. She knows that you are entering the winter of your life and that makes her furry sads. At the same time, she sees that you have learned more in your ten years here on earth than some folks do in a life-time. We are so happy to have found you in this great place called the Universe. Know that our ♥s are touching yours every minute of every day.

Sheila and Bob said...

Max;
How wonderful to hear from your daughter.
Your words in your post today are very wise and it would be so much better of a world if everyone followed them.
God Bless you on your 74th Day of Grace.

Hamish & Sophie

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

What a fantastic, inspiring, beautiful post.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Ruairi

Mack and Mia said...

Wow. Max mom, you write so very very beautifully. Each post I read is better than the last. Simply AMAZING. It really makes everyone stop and think and reflect on the things that you(Max) say and the advice you give is spot on!

We feel so close to you even though we are oceans apart.

We are always thinking of you dear boy and your family too...

Rest easy dear friend. Take it one day at a time...

Wags and woofs,
Mack and Mia

Unknown said...

That's a beautiful poem and really inspiring post for all doggies out there.
How sweet of Jody to write to Max and send all her love to him. I'm sure he passed down his beauty, wit and intelligence to all his children!

My Mind's Eye said...

Max God Bless you and your family.
Max Dad thank you for this post.
You are all an inspiration.
How very nice to know about all the little Maxs and Pollys running around.
Happy Day sweet handsome friend
Madi and Mom

Andrea said...

Max,
You made my mom cry, too. She said this is the sweetest post. Keep hanging in there and looking toward the heavens for inspiration.
Woofs and Wags,
sitka

ScrapsofMe said...

Ah, Max doggie...yer the bestest!

sniffies,

Bonnie

Golden Samantha said...

Oh Dear Max,
Again, you have shown us all such wisdom. How wonderful that you have a daughter who found you and let you know you had grandpups! Congrats - your counsel to them and to us is vintage Max - I don't know how you know all the wonderful and "right" things to woof, but you go straight to the heart - I think that's what gets me leaky sometimes... when I read the doggone truth. You do that so very well. Congrats on your 74th day of Grace - we love you so much, Max. And to Maxmom: your poem is extraordinary - thanks for this wonderful post!
Hugs xo
Sammie and Mom

Piappies World said...

Hi Max!

That's really wonderful of Jody to get in touch and send you good thoughts. You indeed have continued to inspire and touch people and furry friends' lives. Your post today is very insightful, thank you so much for sharing them with us.

Keep up the fight dear Max. We are so happy to celebrate your 74th day of grace.

Lovelots,

Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai, Wai-Max & the Piappies

Angus said...

And if there was one piece of advice above all others that you had to remember let it be the one with the fat free strawberry yoghurt. What a faithful soldier you are Max.

Pip said...

Awww Max you are a granddad!
It must feel nice to know your line will carry on and that your words and example of wisdom will carry on with it.
We hope that Jody knows how many her letter has reached and touched, and how many adopted brothers and sisters she has. You've taught a lot of us in your life and your struggles.

Thanks for the beautiful post

brooke said...

Caryl, Great poem!
Max, what a nice surprise to hear from one of your babies! I love that picture of you with your face in the yogurt container! Enjoy life to the fullest!

Hamish Westie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hamish Westie said...

Hi there Maxmom and Uncle Max

Gail tells me that I should always read your blog for a daily dose of beauty, inspiration, and heartwarming advice. A fine use of 'the unforgiving minute', she says.

But sorry pal, can't stay long, got lot's more stuff here to explore!

Toodle pip!
Bertie.

Stella said...

Good day, Maxdog!

Happy 74th day of Grace to you. Your post was very lovely and I appreciated your comment for my Mom this morning (as did she!)

Kisses,
Stella

BRUTUS said...

What great advice. MAX, I think you are the Confucius of the canine world, we will all look for you for your wisdom & advice! And apparently you passed on your brains to your offspring, sounds like they are smart cookies too!

Snorts-
Brutus the Frenchie

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

Max, we re so happy that your daughter contacted you! Your life lessons are wonderful and we should all remember them whether we are woofies, kitties or even humans!

Woofs, Purrs and Hugs,
Tommy, The Chans and #1

Cloud the Wonder Dog said...

Max, how wonderful to hear from your daughter! You wrote a very wise and wonderful post to your children and to your friends today. Sending you and your mom lots of love...

Luv,
Cloud and his mom

Molly the Airedale said...

What a fabulous post!
We love you, Max!

Maggie and Mitch

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I'm sitting here at work during my lunch hour catching up on blogs, and yours is one of the last ones I've got time to read...I've shown it to a co-worker, who like me agrees that it is a wonderful and beautiful post!! Thanks for giving us a lift for our afternoon!! We continue to send prayers for strength and health for your and your family Maxdog!!

Josie said...

MaxDog and MaxMom,

So glad you heard from your daughter. My mommy is all sniffy. Loved your poem. Love you and MaxMom.
Happy 74th Day!! May they all be this special.

Much Love,
Woof!
Josie and Mr. Blues, Jr.

Chester said...

This is such a wise and beautifully written post! The pictures match perfectly to the message. It should be passed on and on and on.

How cool to have one of Max's pups contact you, and comforting to know that a part of him will live on long after he does.

Posts like this are why you have endeared Max to all of us worldwide.

Thank-you for sharing your wisdom and your Golden Boy, Max.

Chester's Mom ;0-)

Anna the GSD said...

That was so inspiring and true Max!! I'm so glad you got to speak with our of your kids (or what we call) young-ins! Giant hugs!

kissa-bull said...

oh max love of the pibble pack
your post made our mommish's eyes leak lots of the salty wet stuff and we had to wipe it away.
she says that you are just so bewootiful inside and out and she wishes she could hug you all the time. we love reading your sweet posts max and you are absolutely amazing and we have grown to love you very dearly

pibble wiggles
the pittie pack

Ms. ~K said...

Well Max, our mom is sniffing and wiping her eyes over this beautiful post!
We are so lucky to know you and your wonderful mom!
Licks and sniffs,
Zack, Sassy and Buddy

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

Just when we think they khan't get any better...

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

sprinkles said...

Oh Max, what a beautiful post!

And can I just say that Tigger is friggin' adorable???

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Beautiful post!
So glad that your dog-ther contacted you!

<3
Sam & June

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Oh Maxdog......you are amazing!

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Beautiful post.. I am so glad that your pup got in touch. That is so lovely.. I love the poem.. Hugs GJ xx

The Life of Riley said...

What wonderful words of advice to your daughter, grand-pups and all of us! You are very wise dog Max and have such a great outlook on life that mum and I always enjoy reading your blog.

Lots of love and woofs,
Riley

SquirrelQueen said...

Maxdog, your views on life are truly inspiring. You are very wise.

Doogie The Wonder Pup said...

Max You have made my mom's eyes leak, You are an inspiration not only to other doglets but also to people my mom isn't well either and her fur has fallen out and she says that you cope with being poorly with such dignity and grace. I have to admit you are my hero and I hope to be as wise as you when I am all growed up. The world is a better place for having you in it

Love 'n' Licks

Doogs
x x x x

Clive said...

Max

We so enjoyed that - many thanks

Murray's Mom

houndstooth said...

That's wonderful advice! I like all of it. Those are woofs to live by!

Bunny

Mrs. JP said...

MAX,,you made me cry proud tears again. Is that first picture recent? You are looking clear and bright eyed. I think the eyes tell all.
We love you our friends across the world. Much love from the holler.
How nice to hear from kids and grandkids.

doyle and mollie said...

oh man this post is sooooo furrrry special way to go max!!! it made my mommas eyes all leaky too

Cheyenne -Millie said...

That is a really great post! A lots of great thoughts here! We especially think it wise to choose your words carefully!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Dear MaxDog, we tried to read this post several times today and we just had to keep stopping. It is such a beautiful post, so very beautiful. But it also made us all very sad. You are just such a special pup, Max - all our love to you.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Anonymous said...

Hey Maxdog and Maxmom, glad to see you are doing so well. The Lord is answering our prayers for you. We pray you stay pain free and continue to fight everyday.
Your a great dog Max. There are alot of people out here who love you. Im going away for the weekend to the beach. Will see you guys on Monday.

Paws & Whiskers,
Jude,Poo,Babybella,Piper & Marley & Melody

KB said...

What a wonderful, sweet, and inspiring post. Max, your mom is a very talented woman, full of wisdom and beautiful poetry. And, you, you're a handsome and wise dog!

Deborah said...

I loved that! Have you thought of making that a childrens book? That is nice for everyone to follow! I loved it!!! The poem was awesome too!
Max, you look great!
xxoo
Deborah

Anonymous said...

Hey Max Dog and Max Mom and gang,
This is yet another pearl of wisdom that we will take to heart. You are both an inspiration to so many dogs and peeps throughout the world. How nice of Jody and her mom to contact y'all. The legacy continues. Your situation is a reminder of how precious is each day with those we love.

A DOG'S PURPOSE (from our blog page)
"Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.' Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
-When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
-Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride
-Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
-Take naps.
-Stretch before rising.
-Run, romp, and play daily.
-Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
-Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
-On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
-On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
-When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
-Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
-Be loyal.
-Never pretend to be something you're not.
-If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
-When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
-ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY"

We love you Max Dog and hold you dearly in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being.
- TBH&K

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Dear Max
Thank you for sharing the beautiful poem. It was so very warm and touchng.
I am also so happy that your daughter contacted you.
The words that you share with us are all so important for us to carry on with your legacy.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with all of us who look up to you.
Love
tweedles

Asta said...

Max
you aways manage to make my eyes leak alittle and be so pwoud to be youw fwiend. What wondewful advice to youw pups and gwandpups and all of us fow that mattew. How wondewful that you heawd fwom youw little giwl Jody and hew childwen.
You leave a legacy of love evewywhewe you go
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Yas said...

Hi Max!
Wow!! You're a daddy?!Pawesome!
Mommy luvs the look on you meditating and looking up for inspiration!
Have a great day!!

Cheers,
Maxx

Maxmom said...

Hey everybody!

I thought I'd respond to your comments via this medium:

SGR:Enjoy your vacation!

BEA: Thinking of you and your hubby - hope you are baring up - and enjoy your trip to the beach!

MURPHY: Thank You! I love writing them!

SCOUT AND FREYJA: We are so happy to have met you too! Your friendship is precious! Don't be tearful...I am living every moment!

SHEILA & BOB: Thank you for your comments! Love to ALL your Goldens too!

ROCKY STREET SCOTTIES: Thank you so much!

MACK AND MIA: We think of you too! Thank you for your comment! Love you lots too!

PRISCILLA: Thanks for the compliment!

MADI AND MOM: Thank You!

ANDREA: Thinking and praying for Sitka too! Hang in there!

SCRAPS OF ME: There is always someone better and worse off than me!

SAMANTHA: Thank you! The best way to uplift is to speak gently from the heart!

PIAPPIES WORLD: Life is about 'SHARING, CARING AND UPLIFTING!'

ANGUS:...And did I relish it!!!

TK: I'd love to meet Jody someday!

BROOKE: Thank you!

BOUNCING BERTIE: Keep being a happy pup!

STELLA: Thank you! Will be thinking of you all this week...especially on Monday!

BRUTUS: Confucious! BOL!

TOM AND THE -CHAN'S: Thank you!

CLOUD!: Thx! The framed painting should be here anyday now! Can't wait!

M and M: Thank You!

KIM: Thank you!...to you and your colleague! Love and licks to Hamlet!

JOSIE: Thank you! I need a supply of tissues too!

CHESTER: Thank you so very much! I am so touched that my posts are enjoyed! I love my readers!

ANNA: Thank you and hugs to you too!

KISSA-BULL: Most people (and dogs) are beautiful inside and out!...we just need to see it!

Ms-K: Don't get too leaky! You need to conserve your strength...and get well!

KHYRA: Thank you! You are great too!

SPRINKLES: You should have seen 'Tigger' in real life: What a sweet dogonality!

YD: Thank you!

JUNION AND ORION: Thank you so much!

GINGER JASPER: Thank you so much - and thank you again for your generosity!

RILEY: Thanks!

SQUIRREL QUEEN: Thank you too!

DOOGIE THE WONDERPUP: I'm sending warm hugs and licks to your Mom. This journey isn't easy...and you are my hero too! In fact...ALL CANCER SUFFERS ARE HEROS! Thinking of you! Be strong!

CLIVE: Thanks!

HOUNDSTOOTH: Thanks!

MRS JP: Yes! The first picture was taken yesterday! I love your outlook on life too!

DOYLE AND MOLLIE: Thank you, friends!

CHEYENE-MILLIE: Gentleness prevails!

OP PACK: Please don't be tearful! We have so much to live for! Sending love to you!

MELODY: It's through the prayers of my friends that I am a walking, breathing, living miracle!

KB: Just like you!!!

DEBORAH: I wouldn't be sure where to start! Thank you though!

BUMPASS HOUNDS: Thank you for the beautiful story! Out of the mouths of babes.... wonderful! Yes...we can learn so much from out canine companions!

TWEEDLES: I look up to you too!

ASTA: I am so privileged to have you as my friend too!

MAXX: Thank you, buddy!

Thank you for all your wonderful comments!
Lotsalicks
MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA

MySpecialDoggies said...

Hi Max - this is Neeli, the golden in Philadelphia. I, too, correspond with my dog Mommy & Daddy - and their human Mom! Glad to hear that one of your kids wrote to you:)
Love, Neeli

Amy & the house of cats said...

Hi Max, we are a day behind (this post got mom a bit weepy so she had to wait to comment a little bit) but we loved the post. Yeah, it made mom weepy but that is not always a bad thing!

Sending you lots of purrs and prayers!!

ocmist said...

We will have to write this stuff down, Mr. Max! There is a lot of good stuff there for us Pups to learn about, but are you sure about the no begging? Why else were we given such cute faces and big eyes? The Country Corgi Pups