MAX'S Heaven
- Nancy Millman a.ka.Vixen

Max, an 8 1/2 year old German Shepherd from GSD Rescue of New England is preparing for a nap on his chaise. "He went from death's door to heaven, and he didn't have to die," says his owner Nancy.

Max, a white German Shepherd, was adopted by Nancy Millman and her husband Bob Millman, M.D., after they had heard about him from Janice Ritter of the German Shepherd Rescue of New England. This is Nancy's story:

After many e-mails and phone calls, some paperwork and a home visit, we were deemed acceptable parents. I drove from Maryland to Connecticut on November II, $997, along in a small two-seater. Along the route, I wondered if Max would learn to love us and if our other four white shepherds would accept him. I thought, "Please God, don't let my eyes tear up anymore when I finally get him; Susan will think I'm too unstable to keep him!"

I arrived at a hotel outside of Newington, Connecticut, and connected with my contact. I had brought water bottles and a bowl, some dog cookies, a couple chewies, a leash, a choker, a brand-new aqua-colored bandanna and lots of love and support. $ forgot big towels or a quilt for Max to sit on so he wouldn't slip around inside the car.

Up early the next morning, I drove to the kennel to see Max. "He is just gorgeous!" I cried. And friendly and honest and smart and sweet-tempered and such a delight. I held back tears during a brief photo session, then filled water bottles and loaded Max in the car.

Max spent the first hour looking at me, nuzzling under my hand, finding a settled position and sticking his nose out the window as any self-respecting shepherd would do. He seemed pleased to be with me. I believed he was telling me, "We're gonna be good together, aren't we?"

He finally napped a bit, and I was so happy that he was comfortable enough with me to do that. All during the trip, I talked to Max, telling how much he was going to love it in Maryland.

About halfway there, I stopped at a rest stop. I parked away from other cars, leashed him and we got out. After Max had urinated on a grassy strip and drank a little water, I put him in the car so I could go to the bathroom. On my return, I found Max sitting in the driver's seat making nice to some folks standing nearby. They commented on what a beautiful and sweet dog he was, asking what breed he was. "A white shepherd, " I beamed as I told them his tale. One of the men in the group poked his lady companion and said, "We are definitely going to get our dog from a rescue organization."

At the end of our journey, I left Max in the car while I let his new brothers and sisters greet me in the fashion that only one's dogs can. Then, after they'd bounced and jumped and sniffed, I brought in Max.

Enchanter, the Alpha male, insisted upon decking Max with a swift, heavy paw, and Max took it like a trooper. (Her Royal Highness) Nirvana growled and stood her ground. The Betas, Jimmicone and Stardust, snapped, then returned to Senior-person/female. Li'l Solo, the Sheltie, did his best to seem threatening, then retreated to Observer.

Max is finding his place among the Kanine Kaos we call home. He is a beautiful and lovable white shepherd, we feel privileged to have him in our family. Dr. Bob and I had decided that Max would be our anniversary gift to each other. We celebrated number 16 on November 12, Max's first full day in his new home and our lives. Coincidentally, we discovered that Max's 8th birthday is on the same day. It was meant to be.