We lost a good one yesterday.
Max, one of our long-time dog handlers, is leaving us for college.
Here he is with his sister at graduation. (Yes, Max, I lifted a few of your personal photos off Facebook for the purpose of this blog.)
We are so happy for him. He’s going to Montana State University to major in mechanical engineering. Smart kid, good major – we know he is going to make everyone proud.
We’ve known Max through most of his high school career. He got a job at WOOF because of several e-mails he sent asking to work for us. He was tenacious – so much so that owner Jacque gave him a chance. And we are so glad that she did because Max was a keeper.
His true love of dogs, maturity, work ethic and just plain sweet-natured personality has made it a pleasure to work with him over the years.
We know he’s about to embark on an important journey – one where he is going to begin to grow into an adult (and decide what kind of adult he wants to be.)
But can I confess something?
His absence is going to be a huge loss to the WOOF family and we are more than a little sad.
The job of a dog handler is not easy. You’re on your feet for hours, cleaning up countless messes. And after all that cleaning, yep, there’s more cleaning – you clean the entire building after the dogs have gone home. (Read about all of our amazing staff here.)
It really requires someone who can tolerate all the dirty work because they just like being around the dogs. And it requires someone who the dogs like being around too.
Max is one of those people.
In honor of Max’s legacy, and to give him a proper send-off, let’s enjoy some Max moments.
There are the endless shots of him doing our famous Cuddle Times:
(Christmas cuddle!)
Here he is hanging out with his WOOF crew off hours:
Max and Andrew
Max, Alex and Lauren
Can you spot him in the Little Dog Lounge?
And one of my personal favorites, Max in the Little Dog Chair, giving a little thug life flavor:
So with that, let us just say goodbye and good luck Max.We look forward to seeing you on all of your school breaks, filling in for us where you can.
We’ll save your drink for you.
xoxo,
Vickie Jean @ WOOF