Max came into my life in a way that felt like an answered prayer. Years ago in Miles City, Montana, I told a close friend named Joseph that I was praying for a friend. At the time I was struggling, sick, and alone. Joseph was preparing to leave for seminary, and he remembered my prayer. Before he left, he wanted to make sure I would not face everything by myself. He entrusted me with Max, who was then a young Vizsla full of potential. Max was a gift, not only from Joseph, but also from the life I had been praying for. From the moment he was placed in my arms, he has been my companion through every difficult moment I have faced.

 

Ron Murray, Max’s trainer, immediately saw something special in him. He saw how intelligent he was and how naturally he tuned in to people. Ron worked with him tirelessly, shaping him into a true service dog. He trained Max to stay at my side, to watch my movements, and to respond when my Parkinson’s symptoms became dangerous. When I became homeless and my health declined even more, Ron kept Max safe and continued building his skills until I was able to bring him home again. When we reunited, Max remembered everything and slipped back into his work as if we had never been apart.

 

Max has been my constant support through years of medical problems, hospital visits, and the unpredictable nature of Parkinson’s. He alerts me before I fall. He stays against me when I freeze or lose movement. He helps ground me during neurological episodes. He signals to the people around me when I cannot speak for myself. He watches me with an intensity that only a working service dog has, and he never stops paying attention. Because of him, I can travel, attend class, go to church, shop for groceries, fly on planes, and move through life with a level of safety I would not have on my own. We have traveled across states together and he has never left my side.

 

I first learned about Dogslife when searching for programs that help service dogs who serve people like me. Max is medically essential to my daily life and his health directly affects my safety. Now that he needs treatment, I cannot cover the expenses on my disability income alone. Max has worked for me for many years and has carried me through times when I had nothing. Receiving this grant would allow him to receive the care he needs so he can continue to stay healthy and continue working. Max is my guardian, my partner, and the friend I prayed for. This support would mean stability, safety, and hope for both of us.

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- Christopher E.