We lost another great friend by the name of Maxx in October 2020. Maxx was a very tall, stately Rhodesian Ridgeback who could have taken on lions but chose to do therapy. His spirit was so gentle and kind that he automatically attracted the elderly, kids of all ages, and veterans. When Maxx entered the room, he automatically commanded the attention of all who viewed him. His stateliness was awesome. His kind gentle giant reached out to the young and the young at heart. The club was fortunate to meet him in 2013 and he made almost three hundred visits in his seven years of service. To say he was “a love” is an understatement. Maxx enjoyed visiting the behavioral hospital on Christmas mornings and on Veteran’s Day. He regularly visited the Lake Forest Good Samaritan nursing home. He was always a hit at the Texas State Special Olympics in Arlington for many years. Maxx never met a child or adult who was in need without giving them pure love. His kind, loving eyes gave an instant message of comfort or joy and he knew which was needed instinctively. Every year, he went to a company picnic of his human mom’s employer. He depicted to that crowd of folks what a therapy dog can do. He entertained, enjoyed the multiple strokes on his beautiful coat by people passing by, and he engaged the children with communication only a child can understand. 

Maxx, when he wasn’t doing therapy, was entertaining the girls periodically making little Maxxs or Maxines. He had gone through confirmation shows and was a desired stud by many. We will miss Maxx but we know he gave the world some really kind, loving Rhodesians to follow in his footsteps. We may get to see one of his off-springs at some point but if we don’t, we know he continues to live in his off-springs.

Maxx, you served your mom so well for twelve years. It was so obvious you loved Nancy with all of your heart. You wanted to do whatever she needed or wanted you to do. For those of you in Therapy Pals who didn’t get to meet Maxx, you missed a very special guy and a guy you could not help but love. For those of us who had the pleasure of knowing Maxx, our hearts will have a spot of emptiness and a memory of gentle kindness he gave us all. Maxx, we loved you and you did great!! Thank you.