For two years MAX enjoyed improved health and great happiness... transformed back into his normal Border Collie self… strong enough to play with toys, boss around other dogs and happy enough to love cuddling with his Caretaker... Max was radiant. He epitomized what a good rescue offers BUT the damage of years of neglect prior to his arrival caught up with him.
At age 12, Max returned to spirit no longer trapped in a painful body where things were rapidly unraveling. His medical file was two inches thick as we tackled every option to help him until sending him off in love and peace.
For now, we’re left with memories of a strong willed, focused, opinionated guy who didn’t like all people or all dogs but sure did love this new life where everything was tailored to him! Yes, Max was the center of the universe! As it should be….
We’ll miss you Max…
you did a great job with your fellow rescue dogs PLAY ON, MAX!
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MAX'S HISTORY We are pleased to give MAX safe refuge in the Glen Highland Sanctuary. He continues delicate healing physically and emotionally, as well as behaviorally. He is a vulnerable soul with insecurities from many years of turmoil. Now, life is simpler. Max has other Border Collies for stimulation and a loving Caretaker who puts him front and center, meeting his needs. His eyes have softened, he joyfully shows excitement without worry and is really blossoming into a better Border Collie. And, we will continue tackling complex medical issues with hopes that Max can fully regain his health.
Max is learning about life in a new way - good food that comes regularly, a loving hand that does not harm him, being around other dogs who want to fairly play. Max is feeling better, gaining stamina and energy. He's changing step by step…it is a slow and DELICATE process to help him. He is making great strides, arriving into rescue at age 10, becoming the Border Collie he should have been all along. He is loving his toys and his new BC friends and all the attention. Max loves to 'talk' to you to express how he is feeling. He barks and runs and plays, looking just like a normal happy dog. He is shedding his history as the months pass.
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But, as we made progress on the medical front, we can clearly see the trauma he endured. Max completely gives up, becoming despondent if he hears a loud voice, even if not directed at him. The conflict of managing his own world and yet cowering and hiding from being hit is very obvious. He will tremble in fear if the verbal tone is too strong for him yet growl, lip curl or nip over a ball he wants to keep. Max is defensive about his toys to anyone near to them…not just to dogs but to people. We've been working with Max and he has been doing well, learning that letting go of the ball or toy yields good things! The sweet nature is still inside of Max but covered by years of trauma. We’ll never know exactly how things unraveled from Max being a beloved companion early in his relationship with his person. But, we’ve been told that alcohol and drugs were a part of life, living in a condemned house with no running water or electricity. A human’s downturn in life left Max in a vulnerable position. We are providing Max with a chance to renew himself. The health is the easiest part…the rest is up to Max to decide.
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Max was one funny Border Collie - just as quirky as they come with his antics and charm - it was easy to see how amazing he must have been in his younger years. 
Max is the reason the Glen Highland Sanctuary exists…the real world dealt him some blows but now, he can find himself again. It’s an honor to see him find joy. 
Max is a sweet guy with a good nature but needs more time to heal. He has been physically and emotionally abused, AS WELL AS NEGLECTED. Max came to us very weak, severely malnourished and with a serious skin infection from being loaded with fleas. The tick borne disease was the least of his physical problems.