Max is a small 3-year-old Golden mix. The owner had gotten Max from a friend of a friend for her autistic son, but the 14-year-old boy doesn’t like dogs and was not treating Max well. Max had already been neutered and was up to date on vaccinations except for leptospirosis, which our vet gave him. We also had him micro-chipped and tested for valley fever, which was negative. He was producing very soft feces, so he was started on metronidazole and he was fine until the medication was stopped. A probiotic and different antibiotic were added and the adopters were advised to add pumpkin, a source of high fiber, to his food.

Max had some undesirable behavior issues when he was first placed – urinated on the side of the couch (Nature’s Miracle® should be a standard cleaner in all dog-owners homes!), and barked a lot. During his first night in his new home, he let it be known that if he had to sleep in a crate, it had better be in the bedroom with everyone else and not isolated in the laundry room. The resident Golden, Lily, also an AGR rescue, was slow to warm up to Max. Lily would give him a growl and a snap when he got too “sniffy” with her, but no fights. Patience on everyone’s part was what was really needed. Once Max felt comfortable in his new home, the barking stopped and he and Lily began getting along. His stool issues seem to have cleared up, as well, but just in case they return within three months, we issued an adoption addendum for another fecal check and meds and prescription food if necessary. Have a wonderful new life, Max!