Hi everybody...Max here. I am just resting with my buddy Dali the grey cat. We are exhausted from all the coming and goings in our home. Foster mom decided to sell her house and move somewhere new. Did she ask us? No she did not! We do not approve of all the commotion and strange things happening to turn our lives upside down.

For a couple of weeks, foster mom and I were leaving the house a lot for something she called "showings." When we returned there was the scent of strangers all over the rooms inside and outside in the yard. I did not even get a chance to bark at them or try to scare them away. Now the house is sold (whatever that means). I think it is putting things in boxes and a lot of things I can not control. I vomited on the kitchen floor this morning, because I am a nervous about how this will affect me. Foster mom says I am going with her to a new house that is all on one floor. That will be nice. I don't like the steps to come upstairs to the bedrooms here. People can be weird. I was really settling in at this home, now off to another. Majestic Max's travels never seem to end. They should have named me gitano or wanderer instead of Max.. I have lived in more than six homes in my 8 years. At least I get to stay with foster mom. She and I have really learned to understand each other. We cuddle and I like it when she sings to me.

Here is a photo of Majestic Max enjoying his new JenE bed. He loves to lie upon it and think about love and peace.

Canine Coach class is finished, but Max's training continues every day.

Here are upcoming adventures for Max and Foster Mom, as we renew our lives this spring:

• Max gets used to visiting the vet. He will become de-sensitized to the experience so less overreacting.
• Foster Mom and Max are moving. Max will not get all anxious and jumpy because he does not have to worry. He is coming along to the new house. Max is part of our family until his perfect forever family finds him.

Max faces adjustments and growth in the next few months. I think he can succeed as he continues to learn the Golden life is a good life.

 From your buddy, Preston!

Week 2 at the Canine Coach, Max continues to be a star pupil. We practiced so many different things. Most of the exercises focused on the person handling the dog being aware and communication from dog to human. Max learned the stop/block/sit/stay exercise that will prevent him from reacting when somebody or something surprises and scares him. He was able to stay calm as people walked about the training space stopping in front of him. Max was the first to bark when the instructor knocked on the door..overachiever. The other dogs took their cue from him and joined in. Overall Max was nervous, but his behavior was appropriate at all times. He is enjoying the socialization of class.

There is a middle school by the house. Max has a hard time remaining calm when the kids come tearing down the street running, throwing footballs and shouting. Homework is walking by the school daily and working very hard on Max learning to react less and just observe. Yesterday he was able to sit and stay while they came down the street. I believe Canine Coach classes are helping Max learn to be a better pet. Max is smart, so by the time he graduates he is going to be a well behaved canine companion.

From Max with love at Valentine's. Outside taking care of business with the stuffed raccoon.

I apologize for not sending a Max update in almost a month. Winter colds and just plain cold weather got me down. Today the sun is shining but it is still less than 10. That is +10 not -10. Max now can go outside and walk. His neck and pinched nerve are much much better. Our walks are not as long as we would like, but we are working our way slowly to the duration we had before Max was injured. If you follow Max's story, you know walks are one of the areas he excels. He does such a good job of heeling, staying by my side. Additionally he oozes happiness at being outside enjoying all the smells and any treasures left behind by those who have passed by previously. They say that when a dog smells things on a walk it is like a doggy e-mail. Max reads all the e-mails he can find and answers some of them immediately. Max also loves to be pet and brushed and cuddled. He thinks he is an 80 lb lap dog. Here is a goofy photo showing him having fun with foster dad.

Hi everybody, it is me Majestic Max. I feel so popular since I received another surprise. A kind person called Anonymous donated me a mitten. That is great. However, including me in the senior group? Baah humbug! I can outrun and bounce higher than your average dog. I love toys. Very few grey hairs in this beard, even though I am eight years old. Thank You though so very much.

Foster mom says I can act like a grumpy old man. I am glad all that Christmas party stuff is over. It is fun to get new stuffed reindeers and eat special food. I thought nine people in my house was a lot. They were all over and I wanted to be in the middle of everything. There was hardly any room for me. I do like my peace and quiet. I am still recuperating. No walks yet is making me want to chase the cats. January 6 is the day I will be able to hit the street again and I am really looking forward to me. I will be jumping for joy, just like in the photo here. Ears flying and having fun.

The first snow and Max was just so happy and excited. He wanted to stay outside and play all day. I have been fostering Max almost three months. This was one of his happiest days. Catching tennis balls, rolling in the snow and hiking brought this Golden grin to his beautiful face. Eventually, the snow did ice up between his paws and we were able to go inside. Now the snow has all melted, but I know Max was grateful for this preview of a Minnesota winter.

Max has a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. He is more secure and less anxious. He has developed several trusting relationships both with people and animals. He is starting to relax and be less zealous about guarding the door. When I come home he often can be caught napping. I walk right into the house and he no longer barks at my arrival. 

Max and my 12 year old grandson, Michael are interacting on a regular basis. They are now comfortable with each other. Part of the reason may be Michael sharing his people treats with Mr. Max. I see Max around the table more when Michael is in the house.

I took Max for a bath a couple of weeks ago. He walked right up the ramp and into the tub. His behavior during the entire process was absolutely perfect. There were both strange dogs and strange people in the area. He did not bark or growl at all. On the contrary, he let a stranger pet him while he was in the tub.

I can see Max is making progress adjusting to live the Golden life he deserves.

Super exciting news for Max. He has sponsors. Foster Mom and Max both send a huge thank you to Mary and Carl. We think you are wonderful, caring people. Max says that he went out this morning to the park and chased squirrels to honor Tazz. The photo below is in appreciation for Max's sponsors. Here a special peek at our boy. He took time out from looking up in the tree to give pose briefly.

Max is getting quite a fan club. He sends tail wags to all the people who are inquiring about him and showing an interest in meeting him. Max, like a lot of dogs rescued by Ragom had some experiences that have influenced how he sees the world. He respects baby gates, but can not tolerate being in a kennel. He can not be tied out on a lead. He is extremely reactive when the doorbell rings or somebody knocks on the door and tends to be overly zealous about keeping people out of his territory. He becomes anxious in small spaces and makes it very clear that he will not tolerate being cornered. He will not be happy being left alone all day all week while his people are at work. Some body who works from home or who is away from the home on a part time basis would be best or an active retiree. He certainly is fine being left alone sometimes and can be trusted with free roam. Max needs love, patience and an experienced owner who can help rehabilitate this beautiful, smart and playful animal. Max deserves a forever home where he can heal and relearn to trust.

Max plays well with his friend Emily. They are pooped after chasing balls all over the tennis court.

Max is a very smart dog. Like many seven year olds, this week he started school. This photo was taken day one at the Canine juggling school. Three tennis balls and a bone. I am so proud of the big guy!