A collage of animals including a chicken, a fish, a horse, a cat and a dog.

CISA Pet Ambassador

Meet Pet Ambassador Max

Max the rottweiler is sitting in field between two rocks. On the rock to his left, sits his human Mom Mara. She has her arm around him. Max, who is wearing a red bandana, and Mara, who is wearing red flannel, are happy and you can tell these two are best friends.

Max and Mara to the rescue
(of each other)

CISA's first Pet Ambassador honor deservedly goes to Max, the 10-year-old rottweiler who is nearing the end of his life after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Max came into his family's life 10 years ago when pre-veterinary student Mara's mom rescued him from a dog fighting ring in Texas. He was a surprise for Mara, and immediately they both knew they were exactly what each needed in their life. 

Mara trained Max every day for months, building his confidence and giving him a secure, stable life. Her work paid off and she successfully rehabilitated him from the abuse he suffered as a puppy. 

Max's happy new life consisted of stuffies, snuggles, car rides and even the occasional modeling job.

Living life to the Max

Eventually, Max and Mara moved to Washington state to a 12-acre farm with horses, geese, chickens, cats, and three other dogs. Kind-hearted Max quickly became known as the "softie" on the farm, especially to the barn kittens, who like to steal his sunbathing spot on the grass.

Max adapted to farm life relatively easily, but he kept himself connected to city life with his love for "Pupaccinos!" The second he hears the car keys, he jumps up excitedly because he knows a whipped cream cup is in his future. 

As Mara pulls into the coffee shop drive-thru, he climbs into the front seat and squishes her out of the way to get his head out the window. To the delight of everyone working in the local coffee shop, Max takes his "coffee" from the barista and dives into his fluffy treat. 

Heartbreaking news

Max's cancer was found by accident. He had minor stomach issues, nothing severe, but Mara listened to her gut and took him to see the vet, where routine x-rays revealed a mass in his lung. 

He was diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma. This rare and aggressive form of cancer mainly affects Bernese mountain dogs, flat-coated retrievers, rottweilers, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, miniature schnauzers and Pembroke Welsh corgis.

Max underwent major surgery to remove two lobes of his lung and began chemotherapy.

Being such a strong and determined dog through it all, he's been a happy and playful boy. He is truly an example of strength, courage, and resilience.

Max initially responded well to the treatment, but a few serious complications changed Max's fate. 

His cancer has spread and is no longer treatable. Mara is doing her best to enjoy every second she has with him and is devoted to giving him the best days for the rest of his life.

Prevention and early detection for your own pets

Almost half of all dogs over the age of 10 will develop some form of cancer.

It's essential to get your dog to the vet twice a year for visits; cancer screenings, for senior pets especially, are also crucial. Early detection is key.

Prevention is powerful and includes diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Don't be afraid to ask questions and open these conversations with your veterinarian.

Mara's gut instinct brought Max to the vet early and gave him extra time.

"I think it's really important that pet owners know when something is even slightly off," says Mara. "You never know what could be causing it, and it's always better to be safe than sorry."

Mara also credits having pet insurance with prolonging and giving quality of life for Max.

"Most senior pets will have a health condition at some point. Getting insurance preemptively can be a lifesaver. Literally."

Max's legacy

Recently, Mara's own health put her dream of becoming a doctor of veterinary medicine in jeopardy, but Max's diagnosis and encouragement from Max's medical team have revitalized her to continue down this path.

She will honor his extraordinary life by specializing in oncology. 

Soon, Max will begin his journey down the rainbow bridge. Mara and her family will feel his absence deeply and will long for his squishy face, but his legacy will give the world a future Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. A veterinarian who will champion prevention and treatment for all animals like Max.

You are a good boy, Max! Your job is now done. We'll keep an eye on Mara for you. 

June 2023 Pupdate

Max getting a well deserved hug around his neck from his Mom, Mara!Max's Mom, Mara reached out recently with a happy update on Max:

"When Max was named as the first Pet Ambassador, Max was in his last days as his body was shutting down and we were ready to lay him to rest.
 
However, Max had a few tricks up his sleeve and is apparently part cat because he had nine lives left and wasn't ready to go.
 
I wanted to share with you all that my Max is actually still with me today. He's doing very well and has been off of chemo for the last seven months. From what we know, he's still in remission. That is literally supposed to be impossible with the cancer that he has. The head of oncology at WSU is just as baffled as the rest of us. None of us know how.
 
There were several times along the way that I thought it was his time. But at the last second, he'd say "just kidding mom" and would bounce back. My blood pressure has never been so up and down in my life.
 
He is in kidney failure, so at some point that will take him from me, but for now I'm so thankful that he's here and he's been dubbed Miracle Max by all who know him."

Miracle Max is a true inspiration!