Today Max died.

 

Our beautiful long coat red sable, Max, my Search and Rescue Dog, International Champion, he is gone.

 

 

No more will there be that flash of red as Max turns as he catches scent in his Search and Rescue exercises. 

 

 

I will miss his return bark, Lassie style, telling me he has found someone. 

 

We’ll miss how he would refuse a dog biscuit and beg for a hug instead.

 

The community will miss his reliable service.  He once located a missing person from half a mile away on the other side of a busy highway.  He could startle deer while on a search, but never be distracted.  He was a remarkable dog, always kind, always loving, diligent in his work ethic.

 

Dear Max.  I had fed him this morning, watched him as he went out, smiled as he sniffed around the yard before coming to his kennel.  He was the picture of health and beauty.  But an hour later, there he was lying still on the ground. 

 

We still have his mother, Tag,  his half brother, Jake, and three of his daughters, Chinook, Piper, and Vashti.  His father, Dagger, the Medical Alert Service Dog, has also outlived him.  Max will live on in his brothers and sisters and treasured offspring.  In our house, his daughter, Piper, has a new litter of nine week old puppies.

 

 

His legacy continues on.

 

You were a good dog, Max.  We will miss you,

 

Elizabeth

 

Candlehillshepherds.com

208-818-3099

 

Comments:

Oh my goodness what sad news and a beautiful email. I am in tears for you. We will give leia extra love as well her 14 yo lab brother.  

All our thoughts are with you.  

Justine

May he rest in peace.

Robert and Maria and Kato

regards

Dear Elizabeth, 

Our hearts go out to you.  Please accept our sincere sympathy and thoughts and prayers.  Our dog, Kobe Bryant is so dear to us in the year and a half we have had him, I can't imagine our lives without him. 

Sincerest sympathy, 

Sandi and RJ

I am so sorry to hear about Max. I know he will be missed greatly. I know all to well what is like to lose one, it's like losing your child. Again I am so sorry for your loss.

Janice

 

Elizabeth,

Monica and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. We lost our oldest one this year after a long battle with illness, and even then we weren't prepared.

All the best to you and yours.

We're ecstatic to have a little bit of him in our future puppy.  

David

 

Oh Elizabeth I am so sorry Max is gone. What a terrible shock that must have been. He will always be in your hearts and minds. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. At least you have Piper to hug when you think about Max.

Susan

 

 

So sorry to hear about it…   May he rest in peace.. 

Now you know you have Yet another ANGEL watching over you from doggie heaven..!! 

Juan


Elizabeth, 

I am so sorry to hear about Max.  My heart goes out to you.  He was a very beautiful and special dog and I am very happy I got the chance to meet him last summer.  I know you will miss him deeply.  Thank goodness you have some of his very exceptional offspring.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Karen


Elizabeth, 

Dear Elizabeth, 

I’m in tears.  How can such a wonderful dog die so young, only 7 years old.  I’m so sorry about your loss of Anka’s brother.  They are a special breed of dog I’ve always felt and I know he will be missed by all who knew him.  You are fortunate that you have some of him in his puppies and generations to come.  I’ve had so many friends loose their dogs in the past year that it’s made me feel they just don’t live long enough.  It’s especially hard when it’s so sudden in a seemingly healthy not so old dog.  I will be thinking of you and just wish we were closer so I could give you a hug and we could shed some tears together. 

Fondly, 

Carol and Anka

Elizabeth,
I am so sorry. We'll hold you in our hearts as we love Tenaya. Thank you for all that you have given to each of us who has one of your dogs.
With love for all of you,
Tracy, Brett, Grace, Tenaya

 

Hi Elizabeth 

So sorry to hear that. From my experience there are no adequate magical words of condolence that work... it just kinda sucks for a while.  He was such a striking dog - even though I only saw him in pictures. He was the first dog that I noticed on your site and I admired him from afar. I'm sorry I never got the chance to meet him.  

All the best, 

Sean

I am sorry for such a tragedy. Such a beautiful dog!

Ehren

Elizabeth,

 There are tears in my eyes as I type my condolences to you and yours.  They are such a part of us that sometimes we don’t know where we end and they begin.  I can tell he was a very special boy and my dear, he is only gone from your sight but very present in spirit.  He will always be with you, even though it is not the way in which you wish.  I’m so sorry for your loss and am sending hugs and more hugs.

Terri

Oh, Elizabeth....my heart aches for you and your family!  I am saddened by this news.  Breaks my heart!  Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Sheila

 

Dear Elizabeth,

 I am so sorry.  Max sounded like a beautiful boy in looks and spirit.  I hope that all the wonderful memories you have of him help you through this difficult time.

 May he walk beside you always.

 Ann

“Until one has loved an animal part of ones soul remains unawakened”

Anatole France.

 

Dear Elizabeth, 

I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Max. I know how special he was to you and how special his puppies have been. My deepest condolences for your loss.

 Regards

Marlette

 

Oh no!  I'm so, so sorry to hear that truly devastating news.  I feel like I know him from all your updates.  I'm so sorry.  You must miss him terribly.  He was a treasured family member to you, as is my beloved Devon, and I feel your grief.  Thank God you have some of his offspring and siblings.  My condolences.

 elizabeth s.

 

 

Hi Elizabeth,

 

My condolences to you and your family. What a sad day this must be for you. Your e-mail brought me tears and then, at the end a little smile to see those pups that belong to Max's daughter. What a great legacy indeed!

 

My heart goes out to you today.

 

Vanessa

 

 

Elizabeth,

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Max!  This is awful news for the Candlehill Shepherd family.  I will include you and yours in my prayers.  Losing a beloved dog is losing a piece of your heart.  May you find comfort in the arms of family and in the atonement of our dear Lord and Savior.

Katie



I am so sorry to hear of Max's passing, he looks exactly like a puppy I have, the red, black and the long hair, I feel for you, the loss of a companion is so hard.  Love Karl

Dear Liz,I am very sorry to hear about Max.He looks like a good boy.My condolences to you and your family during this sorrowful time.Rich from Long Island

 

Elizabeth,

I'm so sorry for your sudden lose of Max.


You take such great pride and care of all your
dogs that it just doesn't seem right that he
he left you that soon.

I know he will be missed tomorrow and
beyond but cherish to time he was here.

Niko/Greg

We are so sorry for your loss! We love our Max daughter(out of Wessa) and couldn't imagine life without her.We'll keep you and your family in out thoughts...Catherine

 

 

Oh Elizabeth my condolences

Vickie and crew

 

 

What a very nice tribute  to a gorgeous and amazing dog.   I was sad to hear this morning when arriving at the barn why you would not be attending today.  WHAT a horrible reason and so very sad.    I can see much of him in Stephanie's dog...for sure.     He was the one that I really liked on your website also.   BUT he did not suffer although it was too soon for him to pass.   

Sharon

 

 

Hi Elizabeth,
I was so sad to hear about Max. I look at him and all of the offsprings of Tag and Dagger and see so much of my Tulip . That line of dogs is amazing. Tulip is such an amazing dog so I could only imagine that Max was just as special. It made me really sad to think he was gone as I always loved seeing his picture and reading about what he was up to. I will miss him too!
Suzie

 

Elizabeth,

I am so sorry to hear your sad news.  Our dogs are a gift and a blessing from God but they do not live long enough and leave too suddenly sometimes.  Dear Max will be missed but yes you will see traces of him in his offspring. 

Hugs to you dear friend,

WenDy

ahhhhh... i am soooooo sorry to hear that.  knowing myself what it is like to lose a beloved pet is like losing a family member.  my thoughts/prayers are with you.

 lynn

Oh, Elizabeth, I'm so sorry to hear this.  I can't imagine how sad your heart is tonight.  I want you to know that we feel blessed to have one of his daughters with Wessa, Noble Kyra.  She is a wonderful dog and truly completes our family.  I have included some pictures from this past winter.  (My computer and current picture files are not on speaking terms....)  I just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and am very sorry for your loss. 

Sincerely--

Kelli



Our hearts go out to you!  Mom

I am so sorry to hear about Max, my heart goes out to you and your family during this most difficult time.  I am happy to hear that you have some of his family with you. I know he will be truly missed.

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Kathy

 

DEAR ELIZABETH,

 LILLY AND I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MAX!!  THANK YOU FOR SHARING THE PICTURES.. IN LIFE, THE BEST WALKS ARE ALWAY TOO BRIEF..MY HEART ACHES FOR  YOU!!  THE LOSS OF MAX, A TRULY LOYAL, TRUSTING AND FAITHFUL COMPANION WHOSE LOVE FOR YOU WAS UNCONDITIONAL..REMEMBER THAT GOD MADE DOGS LIKE THIS FOR A REASON..TO SHOW HIS LOVE FOR US.. 

 ...LOVE AND HUGS..BUNCHES AND GOBS...PEGGY AND LILLY!!!

 

 

Shannon shared w/ me what happened with Max. 

I am so sorry for your loss … I know he was with you for many a good year and that he was a special companion for you guys. 

My heart breaks for your loss, and I am holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. 

I know that there is not much I can do to ease the pain, but if there is anything I can do, or you just need someone to chat w/ please reach out. 

Let me leave you w/ one of my favorite quotes on the matter: 

“If there is a heaven, it's certain our animals are to be there. Their lives become so interwoven with our own, it would take more than an archangel to detangle them”

 Glenn

Oh Elizabeth,

I am so very sorry to learn about Max.  We loved him from afar! 

xoxoxoxo

Elizabeth,  

We are so sorry to hear about Max, but his legacy lives on in the bloodlines of many Candle Hill puppies including our Keesha!

 Our most sincere condolences, 

Dave & Sheila Duffy

Dear Elizabeth,

I am writing this with tears in my eyes. How sad that beautiful Max died I never met him, but I felt as if I knew him because of your web site. We named Maxie after him because I liked him so much. I will say prayers for your family.

Sara

 

Dear Elizabeth & Family - both human and canine

   Our family has very moist eyes after reading your sad note. We can not pretend to feel the same level of grief that you are experiencing from losing dear Max. However, the love we have felt from Mercy can only have come from an exceptional environment and we believe a large part of that environment must have resulted from Max. As such, Max will also live on in our lives through Mercy. We thank you and Max for this. 

Bob, Sylvie, Lola, & Mercy

Dear Elizabeth, 

I am so sorry to hear of Max's death. Such a treasure - I'm sorry that he is no longer with you. I have never had a pet like Max. I've never had a pet with such wonderful temperament. That is why I so look forward to the puppy that will be coming home to live with us. I know that our puppy will have the same loving, gentle, obedient temperament that you breed into all of your dogs. 

Thank you again for all of the amazing work that you do-- the work that allows people like me to finally have a pet like Max. 

My thoughts are with you as you are grieving.  

Thinking of you,

Amanda



Dear Elizabeth,
        What a shock - how devastating for you.  Please accept our heartfelt condolences.  As Tag was his mom, I assume that Sangha is his half/sister.  We love that dog way too much - she is absolutely the sweetest dog  we've ever known.  It sounds like Max was an amazing dog.  I'm sure he will be remembered lovingly through stories of his remarkable life for many, many years to come.  charlie

Sad news. We hate to lose our wonderful companions.

Our hearts go out to you. 

I firmly believe all dogs actually do go to heaven. 

So now Max & Gunny are waiting for us.

Bill

Elizabeth, I am so very sorry.  My heart aches for you….. 

Cindy

Oh my gosh Elizabeth, my heart can't stand any more of this.  I can't believe this has happened to you and Max.  I just can't believe it....... and having just talked about using him with Shodo......  

This will make this litter all the more precious to you I'm sure.   Do you have any of the Max/Wessa pups left?  

I am so, so sorry.   He was "just" a dog, but that rates pretty darn high in my book, and I'm sure in your's too.   

So so sorry...... 

Kim

Dear Elizabeth,

 

We are so sad for your loss, indeed, the world's loss, of your beloved Max.  He was a really good dog, a wonder, and an inspiration.

 

Sharing your tears,

 

Cindy and Chris

Dear Elizabeth

I am so sorry to hear about Max! The shock of his passing must have been a major jolt and my heart goes out to you that you have to bear this sadness. I know he was not only your special guy he was also your SAR partner. The bond you had was beyond what most people experience; so much trust is built between you working together for such an important job. I pray the pups will give you some measure of comfort and you will see a glimse of him when you look in their eyes. My thoughts are with you and I pray that God will give you a measure of comfort and ease your sadness.

Your Friend,

Cathie

I'm so sorry. At least he went quick. But I feel your pain. He was a very special dog. 

Beth





Elizabeth,
There is nothing I can say except that I hold you and your family in my heart and prayers.  I am so sorry for your loss.
David


Just got your E-mail ,WE are so sad to hear about MAX!!!  
Michael


Dear Elizabeth,

There are no adequate words of consolation and certainly none I can think of.  They become members of our family and their loss is equal to that of a family member.  The suddenness of Max's death is difficult to comprehend and deal with but in many ways maybe better than watching the ravages of old age or cancer.  Our daughter recently lost our GSD Hagrid just before his 10th birthday to hemangiosarcoma and now we are watching closely as our Zest, 9.5 years old and also a GSD,  begins to decline due to osteosarcoma.

I was fortunate to have met Max when I picked up Spirit.  You know how much I loved his color and coat and I was so pleased when you selected Valor for me who looks very much like her dad.  His legacy really does live on in his many offspring.  And I see that same head turn when Valor finds the scent in her nosework.  She is definitely her father's daughter.

On a more positive note, Sheila  called me today to tell me of your sad news before I had read your email.  She reported that Justice is still in formal training and doing well.  We have our fingers crossed for a possible graduation in November. 
Ann



Oh My heart is out to you, Elizabeth.  Long live Max!
Maryanne

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's a tragedy. I remember when my 13 year old dog Lassker passed away and I really, really cried.

I was a grown man and crying my heart out.  He was with me, at that time, from age 21 until age 32 and played a big role in helping me recover from the leg surgery I had after a car accident, physically and emotionally.  He saved me from 3 guys that attacked me, one of which had a knife.  If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here alive to write you this email.  When died of heart failure, I was deeply, deeply hurt. He was like my son and my best buddy all rolled into one, with the kindest heart I knew, but a tough and take no prisoners approach that if somebody wanted to do me harm. 

I'm so, so sad to hear that.  Really sad.

Take care Elizabeth and I wish you warm thoughts, as I'm sure he's in Heaven and I'm sure God made a Heaven for animals too, not just humans.

Alexander


Dear Elizabeth,  

This is indeed very sad news. I am so sorry to hear about your Max, your Argus Maximus who my Argus is named after. I am so glad that I had a chance to see him in May and have a piece of his legacy.  

Thinking of you,

Marcy (& John & Argus)

Katie and I were so very sorry to hear about  Max passing.  We hope your strength and love of your other dogs makes this transition a little easier to bare.  Lieca and Briar are doing excellent.  I use Briar for the training class exhibition dog and he just loves his job.  His bite work for Protection is amazing to watch, and we are so lucky to have him.  Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy goes out to you.   

Dave and Katie



I am sorry for your lost, I know how it feel to lost a loyal companion and friend, but
on the positive notes that Max will live on in our hearts and memories.
 
Semper Fi

Patrick

Dear Elizabeth....I just picked up your email tonight and saw you lost Max. What a shock.   We ache for you and your family and know the depth of grief that comes with that loss...  Your relationship and closeness to that dear fellow was inevitable...he was indeed amazing.  His name was an excellent reflection of his heart.  The truly amazing accomplishments in search and rescue only tell a piece of the story of the great heart he displayed in all that he did.   I loved the story you once told me about Max coming back for you on a search and taking you back to the find by the easier path...how amazing is that.  Nothing that can be taught...just the reflection of his grand heart and his sweet caring for you...those are the things that you never forget. 

I think of you often and although I haven't been involved in anything formal with Mike for some time, he is a well behaved and deeply valued member in our family...I look at him nearly every day and think what a ray of sunshine he is in our lives...how much fun, enthusiasm, and comfort he brings to every aspect of our lives...and how deeply I'd miss him if he were gone. He probably has many traits that would remind you of your Max...perhaps the one I notice most about Mike is that he is indeed...all heart... 

 I remember feeling a bit guilty for the depth of grief that I experienced when we lost our first shepherd...that somehow it wasn't right to care about him that much....a creature who'd traveled the world with us, watched us go through all sorts of challenges, and was always there as a constant friend and part of our family...at last I concluded how silly I was to feel guilty about grieving deeply for his loss...after all God is the one who gave us these faithful creatures in the first place...He's not going to be surprised at how much they get into our hearts and lives...they add richness and fullness and joy to all of our lives...they become part of our families, and they are one of the many blessings we get to have in our lives here and now. It is no surprise that we miss them forever.   

Anyway...we are thinking of you....take care dear friend... 

Sally & Dan  

P.S.Am sending a couple of photos that are older pictures of Mike in a separate email..not sure if they'll come through on dial up tonight or not...I like the picture where Dan is working on the outside wall because it reflects how Mike is in our lives...he's always there...part of whatever we're up to...here he's waiting for the right moment in case the need arises for Dan to play ball with him!  He's usually very patient, but eventually he creeps closer so one doesn't miss the fact that he is waiting there with the ball whenever you'd happen to be ready for him...

 


Dear Elizabeth,
words cannot express the heartache I feel for you! my deepest sympathy for your loss.
God Bless,
Lisa

 

I’m really sorry to hear about Max, he was the first one to greet me at your place and I will never forget him sticking his head around to see who was there. 

My heart goes out to you for your loss.  Take care. Debra

Elizabeth, 

            I am so sorry to hear about Max.  He was such a beautiful and smart dog.  And I know he was family too.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. 

Greg

Elizabeth, 

I have no words.  I was shocked to read your e-mail just now.  My heart hurts for you today.  I am praying for you and crying for you.  Beautiful, wonderful, majestic, sweet, noble, loyal, faithful, helpful, brilliant Max.  I can't imagine how you must have felt yesterday and how you still feel.  That must have been incredibly awful to go through, especially how sudden and unexpected his death was....I can't imagine your shock and anguish. 

The beauty of your one-of-a-kind, once in a lifetime dog is that his legacy lives on and on and on, as does your love and your memories of him. You and Max have brought, and will bring, joy and love and kindness and devotion and healing to more people than can be counted. Max and his "huggability" and incredible devotion to you (that for a dog being as close as they can get TO hugging people, our Maker creating them this way) will go on and on.  His 'service' to you, his cherished 'owner', and to your community, as the incredible companion, champion and search and rescue dog, is beyond comprehension.  I wish there was something I could do to ease your heartache from his loss.  I know your other dogs, all fantastic in their own right, will help, but I hope you get some special hugs from Piper's pups.  I imagine if a dog could 'orchestrate' a time for him to leave a person, he'd do it as Max did, leaving a behind a brand new litter of his legacy. God works in some incredible ways like that....looking after our human hearts.   

I hope today and the next few (and every day, actually) are filled with hugs, both human and canine. 

Prayers and thoughts and tears for you and of you and with you, 

Huge hugs to you,

Christina (and from Jerry, too, THE most huggable dog imaginable....my 100 pound lap dog and giver of daily smiles)

 
 
Beautiful boy. We are so sorry, he sounded like a wonderful companion. 
 
Lori & Todd

Elizabeth,

I was so sad to hear the news, and tears came in my eyes. I will miss him dearly as well, you painted a great picture of him every time we talked. I am sorry for your loss, and as you said, his legacy continues with all his pups and his pups's pups.

Keep strong,
-Alexandra

 

Oh Elizabeth!  I am so sorry to hear of Max’s passing.  Ruedi, Koda and I took a long, peaceful walk last night after I read your email, and my thoughts were with you all evening.  When I look at Ruedi, I see much of what I saw in max in our brief meeting.  I hope that he can grow to be as attentive a dog as max was. 

Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.  It is truly heart wrenching. 

Holly and Carly

Oh Elizabeth I am so very sorry to hear about Max.  This brought tears to my eyes.  There is nothing worse than when they go suddenly like that.  You and your family will be in my thoughts today.   

I still wish I had been able to snag one of his pups this year, but perhaps in the years to come I will be able to have one of his precious grandsons or granddaughters.   

He was a beautiful dog and how lucky you were to have been able to enjoy him during the time you had. 

Sonya

Oh Elizabeth, I’m so very sad at his passing. I know this must have been a huge blow for you. We all know that awful hurt when our beloved dog has passed. He is a testament to all German Shepherds, the epitome of excellence in breeding, training and service – he made us all proud.

Hugs, Pat

Elizabeth,

 I cried when I read your email. It's devastating to lose those special 'heart dogs'. It was Max's beauty and regal bearing that attracted me to the Candle Hill shepherds originally. I wish you everything that will bring you peace.

Jan

 

E,

I have read your email over and over just trying to imagine. I am so sorry. I can't even fathom finding one of mine that way. So sudden...such a beautiful talented dog. How awful. I'm sure you are just heartbroken. I will keep you (and the family) in my thoughts and prayers. I look at Hank, his full brother, and can't even think about that. I'm so glad I got to have a part of him not only once, but twice. He sure was magnificent.  Looking at his head shot in the newsletter you sent, that's the first word that comes to mind. Hope you guys are holding together.

Hugs! From me and the bunch...

 

 

I am so sorry Elizabeth.  Your love for Max and story of his passing made me cry.  Please take care. 

Pat

Dear Elizabeth,

We were so sorry to learn  of  Max's death.  The suddenness makes it so hard.

I'm just thankful that we have one of his puppies.

Maellen, Roger, and Phoebe.

 

 

Elizabeth, 

I am so sorry.  He sounded like a wonderful dog. 

Sherry



Oh Elizabeth. I am so sorry. You and Max were such a wonderful team. How incredibly sudden and sad.
 
I am thinking of you!

Cheryl :)

Dear Elizabeth I am so sad to hear of Candle hills loss and your loss.  Max is the third dog in as many weeks that I heard of their passing.  However, good dogs always remain in our memories.  Thank you for the good work you do and I continue to plan on a puppy one day from Candle Hill.  mb

Elizabeth, I can't say I'm sorry enough. I can only imagine the pain you must be in for the SUDDEN loss of Max. He was; like his Daddy Dagger, PERFECT in more ways than one, and sadder yet, irreplaceable.

    I love you my friend, and my prayers are with you always...

Gorgeous picture BTW. He looks just like Dagger. Do you have another SAR dog to take his place in that area?  

Kana


We are so very sorry to hear that Max has died.  We had just recently been checking out your website again, thinking about puppies and whatnot, and admiring Max, among others.  It must be very difficult for you as it was so sudden.  He was beautiful and had such a sweet friendly face; we are certainly grateful to have one of his pups.

 

Susan

 

 

Dear Elizabeth, 

I offer my condolences; the more we work with our dogs, the harder it is to lose them.

David

Elizabeth, 

Our deepest condolences go out for you and the Candle Hill gang.  We are fortunate to have a piece of Max here in KC, and he will continue the legacy!

MB

Elizabeth, 

Sorry to hear about Max.  You must be devastated.  Hopefully you and your family will draw comfort from knowing that Max's spirit will continue on in his offspring and in all of the smiles and heartfelt emotions they are bringing to your puppy families everywhere. 

God bless you and your family. 

Kevin

OMG Elizabeth, I am so very sorry....   He is at peace.... 

  Sandy

 

 

am so sorry to hear about your Max.  Having recently lost a beloved shepherd, I can imagine your grief.    He must have been an amazing guy.     I hope our little Max will emmulate him in some way.
Mary
 

Hi Elizabeth, 

We are sorry to hear about Max.  I know how crushing it is. 

Over here Kona is awesome thanks to you. 

Will

Dear Elizabeth,

 

Chris and I felt so for you and your family, even more so, selfishly speaking, after having met you all, including Max. Also selfishly, we felt very lucky as we had met him. I told Chris that, after having seen him on the website, I was as giddy as when we met Roger Daltry. He totally got it. Max does have a Rock Star look to him. His joy carries over into the photos, as in person. What a soul...

 

Our thoughts are with you all,

 

Donna and Chris

 

Dear Elizabeth, 

I was in the midst of writing you an e-mail on how much we love having Shane when I received your e-mail about the untimely death her grandfather, Max. My initial response was to delete my message and wait for a more opportune time to send an update. But after reflecting on the event, I felt there could no  better testament to Max himself then to praise his progeny. His fantastic temperament continues to live on in Shane and her many cousins. We feel privileged to have Shane in our lives. 

"Shane is thriving in her new environment.  She continues to carry herself with tremendous self confidence and is totally fearless. I love that she is very approachable and has never shown any signs of aggression or skittishness toward anything or anyone. I love her playfulness and "spunk" while being able to calm down when needed. Her eagerness to please  melts my heart and her dedication and loyalty is so touching to us." 

 I Thank Max for providing her with his exceptional  genetics and you and Hannah for her wonderful start in life. 

Sincerely,  

Carine

Sorry for your loss.harry 


dear elizabeth,  no words can express our heartfelt sympathy and empathy regarding the loss of your dearest max.  we know he was an important part of your family and you will miss him immensely.  take comfort in the many joys he brought to you and your family during his lifetime and i know you will smile each day as you recall how much love he brought to your lives.  we will be thinking of you as you grieve his loss.  sincerely, ken and beth king and moe + blitz from richmond, va.

Elizabeth
I am sooooo sorry.  What happened? 
I am sending hugs.. 

Kim


Elizabeth,

Sharon just sent me the slides of you and Max.  I am so sorry to hear you lost him.  My heart is broken for you.  It's never easy losing a loved pet.  When we lost our beloved shepherd, Zeus, it took me a year before I could talk about him without crying.  In fact, I couldn't even allow happy memories to enter my mind for a while without bursting into tears.  He affected our lives that much.    Hopefully the fact that you have other shepherds that are related to him and the puppies, will make it a little easier for you. 

Catie


Aww so sad to hear about max . He was a beautiful dog. We had a german shepherd max and he was so smart .He would of been 8 yesterday.How old was your Max? Again so sorry,

Angel

p.s. just want to tell you how much we love Robbie and he is so much like his father Hero with the sticks or shall I say branches hahaha.I don't know how to send the picture by email so I will text you the picture.

 

 

Elizabeth,

I am sorry about your lost of MAX.  It is always heart braking, but us you said - he will live on through his offsprings. Marlies


Dear Elizabeth, 

You have my deepest sympathy for your loss of Max.  As you wrote your update, I felt your grief and pain, but more importantly your love of Max.  All of your memories of the two of you working together, him being a member of your family, the pride you felt for him  assisting the Bonner County Sheriff are probably just a few things that scratch the surface of your life together.   

It's hard to lose a human loved one, but sometimes there are other creatures of God that we become very close to even sometimes liking them more than some people.  (I know some of my animals have fit into that definition.)  

Your update is a true tribute to Max. 

God bless, 

Janice

Dear Elizabeth,

                               I was so sorry to hear about Max; what a wonderful dog he must have been.  I feel saddened every time I think of him....  But there is great happiness in the picture of the little puppies—a reminder that life goes on, remarkably, in good and joyful ways. 

                          Hugs and love,

                           Cathy

I was thinking about SAR and max and chewie and how they used to run, thought u might enjoy another picture of my monster,  oliver loooooves chewie so much:)   I think chewie enjoys the friendship too.

 

Hope all is well in Idaho.  Have a great weekend.

Jan



Dear Elizabeth,   

My husband and I were so sad to hear about Max!! I am praying that God will comfort you and your family!!!  It hurts so, so much to lose a special doggy-friend, as we used to call our Abby.  My husband is constantly saying to me, "It is better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all."  May God's peace fill you in the days ahead!   

A hug to you, 

Lindy



Dear Elizabeth ~

We are so saddened to hear of Max's passing.  We feel very fortunate to have Jada, his daughter, in our lives.  His legacy does live on.

Sincerely,

Kathy and Brian



Dear Elizabeth,
I am so sorry to read about Max's sudden passing and I cried when I read your e-mail.  What a spectacular dog!  I remember meeting him all those years ago when we came to visit Ruby. It must be such a shock to lose him so suddenly and so young.

We are actually on vacation right now and when I read your e-mail, all I wanted to do is give Ruby a big hug.  I'm sorry for my lack of updates about her. I think that I figure that you hear about her through Laurie.  

Elizabeth, Ruby has been such an enormous blessing to us; she absolutely loves me and has been such a comfort to me since we brought her home in 2005. She is so amazing with Ryan, who is now 2 1/2. He climbs on her and she doesn't even blink an eye. She's like a second mama to him--so good natured!  Last August, we lost our beloved Bandit and I can tell that she still feels his loss.  

So thank you for sending our dear girl, Max's sister, home to us.  And once again, I am so sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,
Roberta


Hi Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear about Max.  It makes me really sad and reminds me that my Sela wont live forever.  I am sure the loss will be felt for a long time.  I could tell from the website and your descriptions of him that he was a major part of home, family and breeding at Candle Hill.  He was a full brother to our Sela and she is one of the best dogs I have ever owned or been around.

 Sela has been an amazing dog and we love her dearly.

Thank you for all the great work that you do Elizabeth and I am sorry that you lost such an amazing dog in his prime. 

Sincerely,

Tiffini 

Just opened your email about Max. I am so sorry for your loss. He has those eyes that look into ones heart, My friend, Paul Karpf has a male shepherd who has those same eyes. He, too, is a beautiful dog. I will keep you in my prayers and give Raven extra hugs tonight.

Love, Raven and Marcia

Elizabeth,

I am so sorry to see the news of Max. I just saw it on your website. :( How absolutely heart wrenching! Was it bloat? Hugs and prayers to your family! Isn't it amazing how much God allows us to love our beloved animals? He looked like such a special boy. I am sad I never got to meet him, but am thankful that he has lots of fur kids on the ground to continue his legacy. 

 Hugs to you,

 Laura

Hi Elizabeth

Very sorry to hear about Max.  it was his picture on your website which led me to get Blitzen.  Max looked magnificent.  I am sure it must be a terrible loss for you.   

I am including some photos of Blitzen who is an absolutely wonderful dog.  Max surely lives on in his offspring. We could not be happier with our choice.

Jeff