Max Goes to the Rainbow Bridge

I knew when I made the decision to adopt an older dog that this time would come sooner rather than later, but I didn't think it would be THIS soon.

It is with great sadness that I tell you that Max has gone to the rainbow bridge. Symptoms of a much more manageable issue turned out to be a devastating diagnosis. My vet performed exploratory surgery on Max this morning, only to discover that the cause of his digestive upset was horrific tumors in his liver, stomach and intestines. The ones in the stomach and intestines were embedded in the walls of the organs and were the size of eggs. The doctor called me while Max was under anesthesia and advised me to let him go. This is a man who I trust. The same man who sat on the floor with me while I cradled my Elliott for the last time. If only there were a chance, I'd have jumped on it in a second. This wasn't like he might be ok if the tumors were removed... There would only have been suffering leading to the inevitable. He crossed peacefully while still under anesthesia. It was just all so sudden. He was playful and happy right until the end, and that is how I want him to be remembered.

I only had the pleasure of loving Max for four short months, but I still believe he was meant to be my dog. I remember agonizing over adopting him because Mama Christine had said he was not a snuggler and he would probably never sleep in my bed. Well, I'm happy to say he DID snuggle every member of my family (I think my husband was his favorite), and he DID sleep in my bed. Even if it was only once, and probably only because I had the flu and he was convinced I was dying. But hey, he loved me enough to be concerned ??. He was a fantastic addition to my family, even for a very short time. He knew he was loved, and I know he loved us too.

We can't forget his Mama Christine, who loved him dearly as well. We corresponded (and always will) regularly, and I shared pics of Max and whatever he was up to at the time. Usually napping with his favorite human that day, or hanging with my other two dogs. We had a visit planned in April to go see Christine. Max was to stay with her a few days while I went a little further south to MD to visit friends. I am so sorry that this reunion will not be able to take place. When Max passed I only had one request. I told my vet that I needed two paw prints and his cremains must be split into two urns, one set for me and one for Mama Christine.

Cory Savard

Max Needs Our Prayers

Hi everyone,

i just got a very disturbing text from my former foster Max2's mom. You may remember him, he was the one who had the serious eye injury last July. but we were able to save his eye and he has found the most awesome forever home with the Savard family in upstate NY.

She said the following:

"I have some bad news. Max is having exploratory surgery tomorrow on his abdomen. About a week and a half ago, I had to switch his food because Petco is out of it and so is the warehouse it comes from and they don't know when it will be back, if ever. So I switched them all to Nature's Recipe Lamb and Rice (from venison and rice). The girls did fine but Max got diarrhea. I had tried to mix the 2 foods but I didn't have enough of the old to do it for long. So after a few days of that it seemed to get better for a day. But then Friday he threw up his dog food so I started him on boiled chicken and rice. He kept it down for a day but then threw up twice yesterday and again today. The doctor thinks it may be a tumor or tumors.

We took Max to the vet today and he had a lot of tests and xrays. Doc says his gall bladder and liver function are WAY off, and his stomach is very enlarged. Nno pancreatis though. He said he could treat him with antibiotics and anti vomit drugs.but that wouldn't tell him what the problem is.

We are so worried as is the doctor, so I am pleading with everyone to please say a prayer tonight and tomorrow as Max goes for his surgery. "

thank you.

Chris M

Max in His New Home

Post by Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue.

Max - One Week Adoption Update

Hello! I just wanted to give the fantastic folks at NEBTR an update on how Max is doing one week after being adopted into his forever home. 

Early last week I was contacted by Max's foster mom, Christine. I had expressed an interest in Max and we chatted it up for a few days. During that time I learned a lot about Max, including the history of his eye injury. This didn't bother me in the slightest because my first boston had a bad left eye that required the exact same medication, so I was confident I could care for him. I also learned that Max was not a snuggler, and probably would not lay on the couch with me or sleep in my bed. This devastated me... I cried as I pondered whether or not I could adopt a dog that would not snuggle with me. 

Last Friday I made the trek from Niagara Falls, NY to Shavertown, PA to meet Max and see if he was the dog for me. I gave it a lot of thought and decided that all that mattered was Max's happiness. And if he wasn't going to be sad then I couldn't be sad. If he was happy on the floor then I would be happy with that, and if the day ever came that he wanted to snuggle me then there would be a spot for him. 

Well...things have certainly taken a turn. Max was welcomed with open arms and paws as I introduced him to my family last Saturday afternoon. My two young sons love him, as well as his two furry sisters. He quickly learned the ropes and has made himself right at home. He has even become quite the snuggler after all! He loves to play with his ball, which my kids are happy to toss for him all day, but when it's time to relax he is all about it. He loves to lay next to my husband or myself on the couch, loves his scratchies on the head, and we even caught him laying on our bed yesterday! I am so glad that I gave this "non-snuggler" a chance. He has come out of his shell and is actually quite affectionate. He gave my littlest son a big lick in the face last night. 

Huge thanks to the people at NEBTR that made this possible, especially Maria, Strausie and Max's Mama Christine. We have been in contact with Mama Christine every day and send her lots of pics. She loves Max dearly, and I remind Max of that every day. Attached are some pics of Max enjoying his new home! Thanks NEBTR!! Keep doing what you do!!

Wow Max! You lucked out!!! Lucky dog, lucky family..... (uh - he looks pretty snuggly to us!)

 

Max is Adopted

Max got adopted and I am so numb!! I am so happy he has found a great family! I will miss him so much but know he will do great!! He will be living with the Savard family of Niagra Falls NY....Can't wait to hear how he does.

Christine Manzella

His new mom Cory writes, "Aww the ball in his mouth is my favorite! We just got to my moms. We are sleeping here tonight because I don't want to do doggie and kid intros at midnight lol. We got in the truck and he was snoring a half an hour later. Then he farted and I knew he was the dog for me lol. He is currently sleeping on the floor next to my bed. I have him his bed but he is laying next to it. He went in the backyard, peed, ran right up he porch steps, into the house, straight to the kitchen and drank out of the water bowl like he has lived here his entire life. It was classic. I will let you know how it goes when proper introductions are made, but for now I need sleep! It's been a long, fantastic day. Thank you!!"

Yay, another beautiful beginning! Congratulations, Christine, and thank you for everything that you have done for him!

Max in His New Home

Max and Lacey Say Thanks

i am going to try and post pics of the gifts the fosters got in the mail. but for some reason, I always seem to have trouble. 

I just want to say thanks for the generosity!! These gifts are awesome!!  

Thanks to Sharon Culp for the cute pink rain poncho, Rachel Ray dog food, and the organic coconut oil. She also got treats for Lacey!! (if I missed something, I am sorry there was just so much stuff!!)

Thanks to Susan Mason for the Rachel Ray dog food, small crackle ball toy, and the braidz bear dog toy. ( I assume these were for Lacey?? It didn't specify who it was for).  But they both thank you!! ;)

Also Thanks to a local FB friend, Shelly Reese, who saw Max's list and got him him a life preserver, pet bowl dish set, (she got a dish set for Lacey too!!) and some toys! OMG!! These doggies are spoiled!! (as well they should be right??)

OH!!! Shelly also donated to Max's you caring fundraiser!!

One more gift came today, but I don't know who sent it, no packing slip was inside, but Lacey got herself her very own, brand new crate!! She has already slept in it! so this week has been A M A Z I N G for gift for the babes. and I can't thank everyone who got something for Lacey and Max 2!! You are all angels in our eyes!!

WHEW!! I think that's everything, ifIi missed something or someone please let me know. i do want to thanks everyone. I try to save all the paperwork that comes in the boxes, but sometimes it does'nt come with anything. 

I tried to take a picture with Lacey and her gifts, but she was less than cooperative. she doesn't sit still!! Max was sleeping outside!!

Christine M

Max Thanks Jodi Groff

Max's cozee cone arrived today. Thanks so much to Jodi Groff for sending that for Max. So???? How does he look?????

Christine M.
Shavertown, PA

Max's Birthday party

Awe Max had a wonderful time at his Birthday Party and why was I not invited LOL

Wait - I want to live here!    Aww cute pics Christine!  I was able to download today!

Max 2 - Happy Birthday!!!

So excited!! Today is Max 2's Birthday!! He is sleeping right now but the fun happens later!! Pics to come!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE BUDDY!!

Christine, fosters Max 2 & Lacey/DaisyShavertown, PA

Happy Birthday Max!!!

Max Sleeps in the Bathroom

Max has been sleeping on the bathroom lately.....anyone else's bt do this?

Christine M.
Shavertown, PA

Max's Good Vet Visit

HE DID GREAT!! I was so giddy with the news the doctor told me I was squealing with excitement that my daughter said I was weird!! LOL He was very impressed with his progress this week. Better than he expected. I was in tears!! Happy tears though. He said we can back down his drops schedule from every 2 hours (6 x a day) to every 3 hours (4x a day). He said we don't have to come back for another 3 weeks!! YAY!! So he will be with us for at least another month to month and a 1/2 before he can go back up for adoption. Which I don't mind..haha....but here the B E S T news yet, he feels that "with continued diligent and regimented opthalamic care, its possible for Max's eye to regain sight and comfort"....how awesome is that???

He still has to wear the cone 24/7 until his next appointment on Aug 11th. but I am hoping that after that appointment we can GET RID OF THE CONE!! So the countdown is on!! 30 days!! I am so happy that we were able to save his eye and probably his sight. I can't even say in words how I am feeling. I know we couldn't have done it without the group we have and the donations we have received so far. I know this has been a financial burden to say the least on the groups' funds as a whole.  I am hoping we can recoup that and more for future rescues!! Thanks again everyone for their prayers and their words of encouragement. I ' know if i would have gotten through it without you.

christine & max
shavertown pa


Christine,
That is phenomenal news! I am so excited for you and for Max!  That is better than we expected:)
Thanks again for taking such diligent care of him and being so careful to stay on top of those eye drops. You and your daughter really are special. You are teaching her to be a wonderful pet parent.

Max Says Thanks to Diane Dilzell

 Max 2 did receive his package from Diane Dilzell the other day!! It came on the 15th.Here is the box with his gifts!! Thanks again so much and it was very sweet of Diane Dilzell to think of him!

Christine Manzella

Max Goes Back to Cornell

Just wanted to let everyone know that Max2 has another eye appt tomorrow morning at cornell. We are gonna see how his progress is going. I'ts a 2 1/2 hour drive there and back so its a long day. Prayers for our safe travels and good results from Max's drs.  Hopefully we will be able to continue his recovery with our regular vet after this. It has been a very long 3 weeks for max and i. I just hope and pray all the hard work we have done gives us a great outcome. Thanks everyone!

I have attached pics that i just took now. I think this is the clearest it has looked yet! Red but clearer. Dr said last appt that the blood flow to the eye is a GOOD sign of recovery.  Sorry if its hard for some to look at.

Christine M.
Shavertown, PA

Update on Chip In Dog Max Manzella Foster

Well, we are chugging along in Max's treatment. He goes back to Cornell on Monday for another (and hopefully his last) checkup. I was hoping for some transport help there because it is a LONG drive there and back. but anyway, he still has the cone on 24/7. I think he has gotten used to it...sort of. he so wants to play, but we have to keep his excitement to a minimum. We are still in a very critical stage, if his eye ruptures, game over the eye will have to be removed. as long as he keeps healing, we still have a chance to save his eye and his vision. He is on a strict course of drops and ointment every 2 hours. (six times a day). he still has to wear the cone for at least another 3 weeks.The drs think he is at about 75% cell regrowth of his cornea. but it is still too early to say how much vision if any he will have when we reach the finish line. No toys and no excitement. Have to keep him calm. poor boy. The adopters have decided not to adopt Max, for reasons other than his medical issues, so he will be available at the end of this journey. Still need prayers.

Chris Manzella

I am so sorry to hear that the adopters backed out. I am glad to hear that he is doing better. I do hope that he can get better and keep his eye.

He is so cute and good. The right family will come along for him.

Thank you for all that you are doing for him!!!! - Jenn H


Aww, it looks better.  The right adopters will come along when the time is right. - Denice S.

Update on Max's Eye

Max 2 had his followup yesterday at Cornell in NY yesterday. It went very well. Our newest NEBTR members and friend of both Max 2 and I came up to visit us and sit in on his appointment.

We have GOOD news and BAD news....ok so the good news first....he is progressing nicely! we are about at 80% cell regrowth of his cornea. Just 12 days ago he was at 0% 1st layer cornea. So he is making great strides in the right direction. He is to keep the cone on 24/7. I was doing his medicine regime every 4 hours. I would wake up 2 times in middle of the night to give him his drops. Which by the way, he still doesnt like but he is tolerating them better than he was in the beginning. I can now skip the overnights and do every 2 hours during waking hours (for 6x a day med cycle). Dr. feels we should be at the finish line in about 3 weeks. But we don't what the finish line will be yet.

Now the BAD news, Dr. says Max's condition is GUARDED. There is still a chance his eye could RUPTURE at any time. The chance is still there all this progress Max has made could be for naught if his eye ruptures, he would have to have the eye removed. I heard that and was in tears!! That is a very scary statement to hear. But the pus that he had is gone and it looks pretty good, considering what it looked like at the beginning of all this on July 3rd. He wants to see him again next Monday for one more follow up (oy!). (I am going to need help with that one team!!!)They gave me refills on some of the meds we ran out of. But all in all the appt was good. There are hopefull for a full recovery as long as he stays calm, no toys and no jumping. poor boy, he is missing those tennis balls!! He is going to get a GREAT BIG BOX OF THEM WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER!! lol

Well, thats about it, Matthew Hobart was so nice to stop by and visit with Max again and even stayed for his appt!! Thanks so much Matt!! It was great seeing you again and I know Max loved seeing you too!! I am sure we will see you again soon! Wink Also Matt, if I left anything out that you remember, please feel free to comment. thanks!

Christine, fosters Max  & Lacey/Daisy

Update on Max 2's Eye

A friend who lives near Cornell where Max 2 is being treated went up to visit Max today. He sent me these pics of him. I can't wait till hes home!! Still loves those tennis balls!!!

He is at about 35% cell regrowth on his cornea. They would like him to be at 50% before they release him. Hoping by Wednesday. Keep those prayers coming he is a tough little guy!!



Christine M.
Shavertown, PA

Aww Maxxy, you will be home soon  Hang in there little guy.

Max Needs Prayers to Save His Eye

Max is at the special vet at Cornell to get specialized 24 hour treatment to save his eye.  They admitted him because he need continuous care around the clock right now. The status of his eye is critical. They feel he got some kind of a chemical in his eye. I hated leaving him SO FAR!! Even though he my foster, I love him and want him to feel better. Actually seeing him like this breaks my heart in more ways than one. I have a terrible headache from all the tears I cried today for him. The doctors are hoping that they will be able to regrow the first layer of his cornea which is completely gone. His entire eye is ulcered. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN??? I wish I knew....So he REALLY needs your prayers that he responds well to the treatment and WILL NOT have to have his eye removed. Thanks for ALL the well wishes and PRAYERS! Thanks again to EVERYONE!! And God Bless!!

Christine Manzella

Foster Max Loves to Play