Maximilian came to us via the Dickinson Pound, and Oreo Rescue. You don't often find a Norwegian Forest cat as an unclaimed stray. I fell for him like a ton of bricks. Our resident cat, Foible, didn't quite feel the same way initially. This resulted in him being startled when my husband, Jerry tried to keep them apart at first. Foible bit my husband on his hand, resulting in him being a patient at Fort Meade for a couple of day on IV antibiotics. Lesson - never startle a cat when it's being introduced to a new housemate. Eventually, Max and Foible became best of friends. They had several happy ears together until Foible crossed the rainbow bridge due to cancer of his mandible. Giving ourselves time to grieve that loss was important. When the time was right, Maximilian approved having Thor as a new roommate. Maximilian just seemed to do better with a feline housemate around.

My husband, Jerry, died on June 15th. Whoever says cats can't sense human sadness would be wrong. Maximilian was like my little shadow, always close by to offer silent comfort and strength. July 2nd, Maximilian suddenly lost the use of his back legs. Got him to our vet that same afternoon. They did a laser treatment as well as pain injection. His legs weren't para;yzed, they simply wouldn't hold his weight. By the 4th of July, he could no longer eliminate. That's when I knew he would be in pain very soon. I couldn't let my sweet Max suffer. He had gotten me through the initial shock of losing my husband unexpectedly, and there was no way I would selfishly expect him to hold on just for me. He was euthanized by a wonderful, compassionate veterinarian. He was then brought to Resting Paws for cremation. I'm so thankful there is a place like Resting Paws. He's with Foible, as well as our little Pom, Sissy Ann. Healthy and whole again. Miss you so much, Maximilian.