Here is the story of little Max, who came to SPBR in tow with his littermates and Momma, Asia --

-- I had this litter when I had a considerable amount of free-time, so I documented their every move -- !!

More on this litter and their antics can be found here.

Max's first outing -- his 5-week "puppy party", where he met his new prospective Dad, Andrew --

-- just LOOK at those wrinkles -- they are sweeter than wine -- !!

A few weeks pass, and we're off to the home-visit --

-- little Max has familiar sights awaiting him -- !!

-- and with that, he's home --

-- Andrew is a NYC firefighter, and CaraLynn is an occupational therapist --

-- they are newlyweds and they consider Max their first addition to their growing family -- !!

Haha -- a gift from grandma, who I'm sure loves Max...

... it's just that he's not exactly what she expected -- !!

CaraLynn writes:

"We are crazy about our little guy Max (Asia's son), he's really doing great. We have taken him to puppy kindergarten class and the next obedience class is coming up soon. Max is 5 1/2 months, 32 lbs. and already knows the commands sit, stay,out, lay down, give paw and go to his "crib" (at least 95% of the time!!).

He is so smart and is always entertaining. As you can see his "mom" is picture crazy- but he's just so photogenic.  I think I should call Hallmark.

My husband Andrew and I, and especially Max can't thank you enough for all you do for this breed."

Here is Max, being "socialized" -- !! -- Mom continues:

"If you ever need a transporter, or a house / backyard to meet potential adopters please let us know, we would be more than happy to help.  Your website is awesome, I'm amazed the daily updates.  Once again, Thank you for Max- we love him so much.

We'll update you again in a couple of months. CaraLynn, Andrew & Max

P.S. I think my husband has officially converted from a cat to a dog person :) "

So, Max is made in heaven --

-- look at him, being a proper young man, with wonderful parents --

This story was a welcomed one to me --

-- just a few days ago, I received an email from PETA, the extremist animal "rights" organization, soliciting donations for Hurricane Katrina --

-- I responded:

"Are you killing all pit bulls you see, in accordance to your “plan”?

If so, i cannot suggest you for donations –

eric"

While I am obviously not against helping victims of the storm, I am strongly opposed to PETA's "mission" of abolishing the pit bull breed --

PETA responded with a lengthy form-response, which included:

"Are some pit bulls loving companions? Absolutely. But nice families rarely come to a shelter to adopt pit bulls. Almost without exception, those who want pit bulls are attracted to the “macho” image of the breed as a living weapon and seek to play up this image by putting the animals in heavy chains, taunting them into aggression, and leaving them out in all weather extremes to “toughen” them. "

They continue --

"Pit bulls offered for adoption to the public have a higher risk than other breeds of suffering a horrible fate. By advocating a ban on breeding this dog, PETA is trying to protect the dogs from people who would hurt them. This position would save dogs' lives overall, not take more lives. Any good person could still adopt a dog—just not a pit bull who could be abused or bred to make more animals to abuse."

Max's story has me convinced that this breed deserves the same happiness, joys and fun-filled days as any other breed --

-- and looking at these pictures, it would be harsh and unfair to take away those joys from responsible adopters like CaraLynn and Andrew --

If you feel strongly about such a topic, and believe that your voice and your dog do indeed make a difference, email your thoughts to PETA at info@peta.org --

-- remember, a well-crafted email speaks volumes better than harsh and angry language -- especially for advocates of this often-misunderstood breed.

So, Max's life is indeed a miracle, and he has two wonderful parents to guide him through his blessed life --

-- THANK YOU, ALL!

Well, the latest news from CaraLynn and Andrew shows our little Max continuing to thrive -- !!

Here he is, at about 6 months...

They write --

"Seasons Greetings Eric,     Just a few pics of Max during the holiday season. He's getting used to the cold weather & now LOVES to play in the snow .

He was cold when we went to cut our Christmas tree down in Connecticut, so we embarrassed him with the sweatshirt!! "

"He was sooo.. good posing in his Santa outfit, just so his crazy mom could get the perfect picture for our Christmas cards. We finally got it- the close-up of him with his eyes closed . 

Part of the cards caption is "Merry Christmas to all & to all a good night....." They came out great."

"We hope you have fun for the Holidays and a very Happy New Year.

Love, CaraLynn, Andrew & Max"

Well, things couldn't be better for little ol' Max --

-- going from a NYC shelter in an unwanted pregnancy to this --

-- he is definitely thankful this Christmas, that's for sure -- and LUCKY -- !!

-- and here he is, saying,

"Aw, Mom -- do I have to??"

Well, for treats, I'm sure he did -- !!

And the result -- if only for the moment --

-- a perfect holiday pup -- !!

Sleep well dear Max -- without a worry in the world -- you have great parents, and you're a great boy --

-- and happy endings with this breed are often far and few between, so we celebrate your life!

THANK YOU, CaraLynn and Andrew, and keep the updates coming!!

Well, a most-welcomed update came from CaraLynn -- she says --

"Andrew brought Max to work at the firehouse in Brooklyn.

Max has been there before & the guys can't believe how well behaved he is."

When Max gets there he cleans the kitchen floor, but lays on his blanket and doesn't beg when they eat.

He barks when the doorbell rings, even though we don't have one at home."

Well, how absolutely proud I am of this update... for many reasons.

I was in NYC on 9/11/01 at 9 AM, taking my brokerage exam, in the WTC Marriott.

Our exam was interrupted momentarily by the first plane hitting -- the lights flickered out, and the chandelier shook.

When the second plane hit, the proctor cancelled our exam, and told us to exit the building through the stairwell.

We went outside to find the towers aflame, luggage scattered everywhere, and skinned body parts on the ground, some partially covered up by hotel linens.

We were in the cordoned-off area, watching the NYPD and NYFD try and manage the situation -- traffic was backed up for the NYPD, and the NYFD just kept filling in to the towers trying to help people.

Well, we all know what happened afterwards, and how everything changed.

I never knew, two years later, in taking Asia and her babies from the Manhattan Pound how I could actually make many a NYFD'ers life easier --

-- and it goes to show you how small the world is, and how random acts of kindness can help to heal others and yourself.

Here I am, in Summer 2000, atop WTC2, the South Tower

And finally, from my subway ride in that morning.

So, I am so proud of Max, and I am so happy he has helped to make so many's lives better through such a hard time.

Now, on a LIGHTER note, to show that our Max isn't a WORKING DOG...

... here's his favorite hobby when he gets back to his pad in Long Island --

-- watching TV and dreaming of the beach... and of some other things -- !!

GREAT WORK, Cara and Andrew!