Monday, May 24, 2010

Living life to the MAX....

My South African pal and tour guide extraordinaire Max left us today for a bigger and even better adventure. We'll miss him like crazy and know his family is heart-broken, but we're just grateful for all the unexpected days we had with him, long after his "expiration date" had come and gone. He truly showed us all how to live with grace.

He taught us that even when you're feeling poorly, a bit of play and a nice walk in a beautiful place can revive your spirits.

...And you should stop and savor the delicious moments in life, be it pausing to take in a magnificent sunset, sharing time with a good friend, or just tasting all the sweetness that life has to offer (calories be damned!)...

... Yet like pawprints on the beach, we knew you couldn't stay with us forever. The tide was rising to carry you gently away to distant, yet familiar shores.

And until we join you there, we'll see your smiling face in every African sunset, in your Mom's smile (it will return again, don't worry), and in our bruised, but grateful hearts.

For Max, with love.

16 comments:

kissa-bull said...

aww that made our eyes leak furry much so. your tribute to max was furry bewootiful just like him. he will be greatly missed but we shall look to the skies tonight all united to see our maxdog shining brightly like he always has.

pibble sniffles
the pittie pack

Asta said...

Petey
That was bootiful and pawfect post..You pawed it so well
sad smoochie kisses
ASTA

houndstooth said...

That was a beautiful tribute! Max was larger than life!

Bunny

Clive said...

Petey

That was so lovely. We are having a difficult evening here tonight - Murray is so upset. Although we prepared him well he is still finding it hard.

We will all miss Max so much.

take care
Murray's Mom

Golden Samantha said...

Oh Petey, that was a most beautiful tribute to Max. As optimistic as Max and Maxmom too, so is your post - but I still (selfishly) leak. He touched us all deeply - thank you for the lovely thoughts.
Big Hugs xo
Sammie

Jake of Florida said...

A pawfect tribute to our amazing pal, Maxdog.

Wirey love,

Jake and Just Harry

Two French Bulldogs said...

What a nice tribute to Max
Benny & Lily

How Sam Sees It said...

What a very nice tribute!

Sam

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Ahh, man...

Scruffy and Stan reach for the kleenex and Lacie has already used up the box...

Thank you for a bootiful post, Petey...that starfish on the end of Max's name did us in...

We know Max is young again in body and spirit...

Thanks for the words...we needed them...

Love ya,

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanny

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

Woo did it again Petey!

MaxDog taught us so much

AND

With your help,taught us so much about US!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie

Bocci said...

Thanks so much for that beautiful tribute, Petey.
My condolences to Max's family.
Your buddy,
Bocci

Maxmom said...

Dear Petey
Thank you for this beautiful tribute and for being such wonderful and faithful friends over the past difficult months. You have given me great strength. I have always loved that special star-fish picture you sent us some time ago...it is so hopeful in its essence. To see it again - from whence it came - has been really touching.
Thank you for being my friend.
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

Scout and Freyja said...

Max has left a paw♥print on so many hearts. I have sobbed buckets today and can only imagine the immense sorrow of Maxmom. Good-bye my darling Max - until we meet again...

Duke said...

What a beautiful tribute, Petey! Mom says the gardenia is one of the sweetest most perfect flowers ever and once again her tears fall.

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Eric said...

Petey, that was the most wonderful heartfelt and beautiful tribute. Paw hugs to you. Eric xxxx

Kelly said...

You do have a way with words, Petey. Thanks for saying what we are all feeling.

xoxo