Max Got Lucky

by Syd Sullins

Imagine our surprise when we arrived at The Ranch four months ago only to find a beautiful, young, apparently purebred golden retriever in the play yard. Why would anyone abandon such an easily adoptable dog? We went into the run thinking maybe there was something off with his behavior or a physical issue but none could be found. He was extremely fond of us humans and did the traditional “golden lean” whenever we gave him attention, pushing against our leg as if asking for more! We tried him with other dogs in the play yard and he was fun and playful.

After a few days, our Ranch Manager, Dulce, asked if she could take him home with her. Of course we all agreed as we know what kind of love she gives her pets. But after about a week she needed to bring him back as he was getting a bit too aggressive with one of her small dogs. We attributed this behavior to the fact that he didn’t do well with little dogs.

Then a wonderful couple came to The Ranch to meet our Max. They had a senior Golden and were hoping to get a younger companion for him. We thought they’d be perfect but after a week or so we were hearing he was aggressive with their other dog. Once again, our sweet Max came back to The Ranch and we were all a bit confounded as he continued to be excellent with his run mates and when in the play yard. Eventually it dawned on us. He was jealous! In a home environment, he just didn’t want to share his humans!

Once we realized that important fact we started looking for a home where he could be an only dog. Very soon we started communicating with a wonderful family near Seattle who were hoping to add a dog to their family. They had two young boys but no other pets. Maximiliano would be their one and only! Luckily we were able to get Max on a flight to Seattle and Brenda and family met him at the airport. What did Max do first? He showed them his “Golden lean” as he gently pushed against the legs of his two new boys wanting more and more of their love.

All reports are that our Max is doing incredibly well. He loves trips to the beach, has bonded to everyone in the family (no playing favorites) and has a stuffed duck he loves. Family outings are a treat for him, but really just any time he’s playing with the boys puts him in his happy place.

We love stories like this! Sometimes a great dog just needs a little help and patience to find his perfect home! So happy that we could help Max find his.