13/02/2026
๐ฟ Max: Bubba, The Hobo, Bobo, Bubsy, Bob, Robert 'Bubsy' Rayfiel, Baby Boy Dog, Me Little Mate. My best friend, the sweetest little soul.
Yesterday, Max had what the vet thinks was a stroke, and we had to say goodbye to him. For the past 12 years he's been my constant companion, always right there when I needed him, whether that was for a cuddle or a walk in the bush. Even when Henry came home, no matter the hour, Max would come and check on me when I was feeding to make sure I was ok.
He was a rescue dog and I don't know what he went through before I brought him home, but he was afraid of grass, the wind, doors slamming, receipts, brooms, and being left alone. But he was brave too - he'd run up to any dog no matter the size and immediately start strutting and scratching to show who was boss. And even with his fear of grass, he would follow me on any track through the bush, so long as we were together. And he was so, so funny, and soooo naughty. Just looking at his scruffy little face made me smile, and I was always laughing at the way he could coax anyone (even those who didn't like dogs) into having a snuggle session. He knew one command, 'sit,' and even then you had to be holding the stinkiest treat or a piece of cheese for him to drop his bottom for a split second. And he was cute! Boy was he cute.
I wanted to share this news because I know so many of you who shopped at APAH met and loved him, even just through a screen. He had human friends, dog friends, cat friends, chicken friends, and at one time, even a possum friend. He knew how to love.
I know grief is the price of love. I know I didn't want him to suffer. But I wasn't ready to say goodbye either. ๐