Good bye to one of my best friends...

It was 9 years ago in January that Lauren, Ashley, and I ventured up to the great state of Ohio. The goal... to pick up my dog. He was a new born chocolate lab pup. I was so excited as this was my first real pet since leaving home. I had his name picked out...Maximus. If you looked at his AKC papers you would see his fully registered name was Maximus Decimus Meridius....yep...after the movie Gladiator. During his life I taught Max sign language and he could respond to commands with a simple gesture. He especially loved the children. If Max noticed they were getting to far from the house he would run around the child until they moved closer to the house. He was in all aspects a wonderful dog. When it came to me he wasnt just a dog but my closest friend. He followed me everywhere I went. I could count on Max to hang out when times were down or play catch outside. To describe Max would quite honestly not do him justice. He was in all respects a family member whom I will miss. He was one of my closest friends. Today we noticed Max could not move. His breathing was heavy and he wouldn't move. We took him to the Vet to find out he had a Liver disease and any options were slim. We sat by his side and the kids gave him their last hugs. In the end he demonstrated the greatest love he had for the children....Having no strength he got up...legs wobbling....and walked toward the children collapsing in front of them. I will miss my friend.

Bill Avila