I remember the day I chose you as my family.   December 25, 2012.   I spotted Julie and the girls taking a walk and, like the gentleman giant that I am, I escorted them to their door. Later when I met Steve, I knew I had found my forever home. I would live happily ever after inside those walls and with my people on January 3, 2013.

Not that I could give up my neighborhood antics—it’s just who I am. I was known and loved by all, most of the time. Everyone on our street knew my name and I waved as they walked by or when I visited them in their homes. Never mind the tail-gating and open garage door visits. (What’s Asberger’s anyway?) And no matter how far I may have roamed, I always had a listening ear for “Buddy! Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!!!” That was my family calling and I came in a hurry.

Because I loved every minute with you. I waited for you to come home every night and missed you when you were gone, waiting in the garage until you would come. I couldn’t wait for the memories we’d make together. Every evening when we cuddled on the loveseat--a bro-mance for sure. Every night snoozing beside you (or sprawled on top of you!). Every walk around our street. Every fun romp with a new toy in the living room, or making you laugh watching me playing with a leaf in the drive way or sitting on the chairs on the deck. Every rat we would eat together (oh, wait . . . my bad.) Every splash in the sink, or drink from the fountain or sitting in the sprinklers. Every one of your kind gestures and affectionate words bound us closer together. Did I mention the snacks? Oh I loved those treats you gave me throughout the day and right before sleep at night. You won this gentle giant’s heart and from day 1, I knew I was yours. And you were mine.

I am so glad and grateful to always be your Buddy. You packed a lifetime of love in these past four years. Thank you for everything. I had a wonderful time.

I am and will always be,

your Max