It’s time for you to meet a dog whose gentle heart has been quietly breaking for 165 days. Max isn’t just another adoptable pup; he’s a soul who has held onto hope through fear, uncertainty, and an incredibly long wait for someone to finally see the sweetness beneath his timid exterior. From the moment he arrived at the shelter, you could easily tell how scared he was…and yet, even then, his soft eyes still searched every face for kindness.

Max entered the shelter on September 15, 2025. His little body trembled, his eyes darted nervously, and despite his best effort to look “tough,” it was clear he was overwhelmed and unsure of what would happen next. For a sensitive boy like Max, the loud, unpredictable shelter environment was more than frightening; it was heartbreaking.

Thankfully, Max is now safe in a foster home, where he’s finally learning that the world doesn’t always have to be so overwhelming. With patience, routine, and kindness, he’s begun to bloom into the dog he was always meant to be: goofy, snuggly, affectionate, and full of love he’s been saving for the right person. Once he trusts you, he melts into your lap as if he’s been waiting his whole life to feel that kind of safety.

At 2 years old and 35 pounds, this terrier mix thrives in calm spaces and would do best in a quiet home without younger children, a peaceful place where his courage can continue to grow. Max has already come so far, but he shouldn’t have to wait another day for a family of his own.

If you’d like to meet him, reach out to the Humane Society of Tennessee foster team.
Email foster@humanesocietytennessee.org or call 865-573-9675 to schedule a meet-and-greet.

Max is ready for love; he’s just waiting for someone to choose him.

Pet Tip: Nervous dogs often open up through consistency and small, positive interactions. Sitting quietly nearby, offering treats from your hand, and letting them approach you first can help build trust faster than anything else.

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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