My Max

May 26, 2021 at around 5:30 was the worst time my life has ever experienced. That whole day was my worst day. I hate that day. 

My beloved, cherished, absolutely amazing sweet Max died at 11 years and 11 months old. 

We had so many memories and was my constant companion and best friend in the world for almost 12 years. He was born July 1, 2009. He was going to be 12 this year. 

He loved us, pears, blue toys, popsicles, people, and he loved his life. The past year is one I will cherish forever. I knew he was getting old and I like to live in ways where I do not regret anything and those "I should have done this" moments. I was home for school because of COVID, because of that he got to be by my side all day long as I worked on homework and showed him off to my class on zoom calls. I got to care for his every need and some would say I spoiled him... a lot. I love how he would nudge my arm as I sat at my desk to make me pet him. 

The last few days have been awful since we knew his time was coming and I won't get into detail about it. I like to say dogs are just on loan to us from God (Psalm 50:10-11). It is our duty to look after animals. Mom said that we have a choice as people to follow Jesus or not; animals do not have that choice because they know who their creator is (God). Max knew a lot about God since I talked to him about everything, he was the best at listening,  and before he left us I told him what a wonderful time he will have and I will be there before he knows it (there is no time in heaven). 

My cousin sent me this website in my despair to reassure me of all of that. So I went out to his grave after work, I cried it was sad, but I know he isn't there. He returned to the dirt he came from- we all came from, and his spirit went back to God who gave it to him (Ecclesiastes 12:7). He is in heaven waiting for us to get there and having a blast in the mean time.

I got to leave work yesterday to spend his final day with him. I am so happy I chose to do that. I missed out on a fun biology day but the feeling of those last cherished moments with my best friend is something I needed to do. I know he was happy, too since he had so many treats, pets, and brushings. He is so deeply loved by all who met him, he deserved all his favorite things.

I'll end with this: " “All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.” 1 Corinthians 15:39 “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Luke 3:6. I know where my dog is, I know that through Jesus we will be reunited again. Our God is a good and merciful God. He cried when Lazarus died, that is weird because he raised him from the dead but he cried because of his sister's pain because their hearts were broken for the loss of their loved one. God knows my pain and I know that Max is where he belongs with who made him and loves him. He is having fun running and being a healthy dog again. I know that everything will be alright. 

 I love you forever, Max.

💜Nichole