Some dogs walk into a room and immediately want to be everyone’s best friend. Max is not one of those dogs. And that’s OK. Max is a 2-year-old Terrier mix weighing close to 35 pounds, and as of October 8, he will have officially been at the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley for 388 days. While we’ve introduced Max before, this quirky, sensitive pup is still waiting for the person who will take the time to earn his trust and discover just how much love he has to give.
Max has spent most of his time at HSTV in foster care, where he successfully completed heartworm treatment and has had the chance to show his foster family the dog underneath his initial shyness. Their verdict? Max is a little weird. In the very best way.
“Max is a quirky and sensitive weirdo,” his fosters say. “Often more like a 35-pound cat.” That assessment seems pretty accurate. Max loves lounging in sunbeams, would prefer to keep his feet dry and is very particular about his cheese. He can be aloof when he first meets someone and isn’t a fan of strangers. Instead, he needs a little time to decide that someone is safe and worthy of his trust. But once Max decides you’re his person, that’s it. You’re family.
And he has plenty of ways to show it. Max loves being tucked completely under a blanket with his people, learning new tricks and showing off how smart he is. He is very food motivated, responds well to clear boundaries and positive reinforcement, and is fully potty trained. He also has a particularly enthusiastic greeting for the people he loves. His fosters say he becomes a “silly, happy little wiggle butt” every time he sees them, even if they’ve only been gone for five minutes.
And Max has opinions. Lots of them.His forehead wrinkles when he’s concerned or curious, and he has an impressive collection of vocalizations to communicate his feelings, including snorts, grunts and awoos. He may not always use traditional words, but he certainly finds a way to make himself understood.
Max isn’t looking for a home where he has to be the life of the party. He’s looking for someone who understands that trust is earned, not demanded. Someone willing to give him patience, consistency and the safety to come out of his shell at his own pace. In return, that person will get a loyal companion who is silly, affectionate, incredibly smart and ready to become their best friend. “He has heaps of love and affection to give to the right person willing to provide him with patience and safety,” his fosters say.
After 388 days of waiting, we think Max deserves the chance to finally find his person. Could that person be you?
Pet Tip: Some pets need extra time to get comfy in a new home. Give shy or nervous pets patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcements and you’ll discover a best friend was just waiting to trust you.
Founded in 1885, Humane Society, Tennessee Valley is the longest-standing animal shelter in the State of Tennessee. A stand-alone 501 (c) (3) limited-admissions animal shelter, Humane Society, Tennessee Valley, receives no funding from national humane entities or government agencies; it relies solely on private donations and grant funding.
Visit humanesocietytennessee.org or stop by 6717 Kingston Pike to learn more. Your new best friend might be waiting just beyond our front door.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Closed Sunday-Monday.
Follow HSTV on Facebook and Instagram for information and to see some updates on our recent adoptees.
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