by Nancy Watkins
My dog Maxx came into my life quite by chance one day 17 years ago. My daughter and I decided to go to our local humane society at the spur of the moment after school one beautiful spring day. I was pretty well known there with the staff being referred to as "The Yorkie Lady" ever time I would walk in. I had already adopted two Yorkies there previously, one being between 9 and 10 years of age. I figured who would want to adopt this adorable little ball of fur who's former owners had decided after all those years with her, they sipmly traveled too much. Imagine that, it only took 9 to 10 years to come to that conclusion! Well, on this particular day as my daughter and I walked in the front door we were greeted with, "We were just getting your file, wait to you see what just came in an hour ago!" Out from the back came this terrified Yorkie puppy. Yorkies are known for being proud, tough, protective, fearless and most importantly silly clowns. I could not see any of these traits, but I knew they were in there somewhere. After about a week at his new home Maxx started to come around slowly, because he had been beat up pretty badly by the dog he had been living with. Nice way to start your life! My daughter and I had come home from the store and as I was walking up the basement stairs, there was my Maxx at the top of them. He appeared to be growling, but in silence. He was lifting his top lip and I said to my daughter, "Oh great, now this little guy is growling at us". Well as it turned out, Maxx was not growling, he was smiling! He was smiling because we had just come home and he was finally happy. Not a day after that and for the next 17 years, Maxx and I went through our life making each other smile. We were totally connected. He even thought it necessary to develop kidney stones in his left kidney at the very same time doctors were trying to save my life in the hospital. I was two hours away from death when they finally realized my left kidney had shut down and it had to be removed to save my life. I often wonder if my Maxx was just trying to tell everyone in his own sutle way what was wrong wit his mom. When I finally came home and Maxx was diagnosed it even amazed his vet about the circumstances. We spent our time together getting well. He would walk ever so slowly by my side as I regained my strength never stepping on paw ahead of me as if to say,"Hey mom,lean on me. I am here for you now just as you were here for me when I was left alone to fend for myself at the humane society. I will always be your protector and I will always smile when you come home". Maxx went to the bridge on 9-5-03 and these days there isn't much to smile about. I wonder if my Maxx knows just how much he made my heart smile every day of our life together. Now all I have are his memories and my heart is broken. I love you my little buddy. Wait for me as I know you will and we will smile again. God bless my Maxx!