First published: June 18, 2012


I was 16 and in a world of trouble. Fell in with the wrong crowd and was on a fast track to spending a lot of time behind bars. I was sentenced to do community service and was given the option of the SPCA or picking up garbage along the highways. I chose the SPCA. I went in there with a chip on my shoulder, I was a rebel and no one could tell me anything else. I was on the scene when the SPCA went in to seize about 20 dogs from a residence. I met Max. He was emaciated, sick and full of worms, fleas and other parasites. I spent many hours with Max, by his side; even after my hours were completed I would go into the shelter and lend a hand, anything to stay close to Max.

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My parents saw how close I was to going down a bad path, they made a deal with me. I would learn everything there was to learn about his breed (American Staffordshire Terrier), I would get a part time job and I would be Max's sole provider. Vet bills, food, toys and training were all on my shoulders. That night I did up about 50 resumes and the next day I handed out every last one of them. I got my first job at Subway three days after handing out the resume. My mom took me to the shelter that night and Max was officially mine. I can't tell you the amount of hours spent at the library and online reading up about his breed and other similar breeds. It was truly enjoyable learning about him.

I didn't stop going to the shelter, and it's been 14 years and I not only still do work for the SPCA but I specialized in bully breeds with a bully rescues group. I am in school taking the vet tech course and taking several online classes all to do with dogs and their behavior. I know if Max hadn't come into my life then, I would never be where I am now.