Dear Bay Weekly:
Thanks to Sandra Martin for sharing with us her beautiful tribute to Max [Appreciation: Vol. IX, No. 34, Aug. 16-22]. Few things bring mist to this grizzled veteran’s eyes anymore but Ms. Martin’s wonderful article did just that.
I never had the pleasure of scratching Max’s ears yet I feel saddened by his passing. Perhaps this is because Ms. Martin captured so well the special bond that can develop between humans and noble creatures like him. Romp on, Max!
—Gary Schmidt, Dunkirk
Dear Bay Weekly:
Congratulations to Sandra Martin on her words on her dog, Max. Her writing captures much emotion and paints a picture that is clear to the mind and touches the heart.
I gave your story to my son, who has just acquired a Lab/golden retriever gorgeous puppy, now six months old. We all love Zeke, who has now been enrolled in pre-kindergarten.
—Meg Mitchell, Annapolis
Dear Bay Weekly:
I was sad, so sad, to read about Max. I’d like to think of myself as one of his more distant girlfriends. I sobbed when I read of his death. My thoughts and love are with you and your family. A dog is never “just a dog,” is he?
—Carolyn Stearns, Deale
Dear Bay Weekly:
One more memory to add to your stockpile: I credit Max with bringing my husband [two-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Andy Schneider] and me together.
The weekend I brought Andy to Bay Weekly owners Martin and Lambrecht’s house on the Bay, I of course wanted approval. But when Max leaned against Andy’s legs, plopped his head in Andy’s lap and the two of them started snoring, I knew the guy must be okay.
Since it’s uncool to cry in the middle of the newsroom, I’ll wait until I get home to say my farewell to Max.
—Kathy Best: Metro Editor, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Dear Bay Weekly:
I was devastated when I read about Max . He was such a gentle giant. I remember the day I came for my intern interview. He was the first person to greet me. Not being a dog person, I was terrified. After many days with his head in my lap and other places, I learned to love him.
He’s probably in Doggie After Life with a juicy bone, a plush doggie bed and a svelte yellow Lab lover.
—Carol Glover, Broomes Island
Dear Bay Weekly:
I’ll never forget the first time I met Max. It was my first day as an intern at New Bay Times/Bay Weekly. Driving down, I fretted the entire way. Who ever heard of a 32-year-old intern? Can I do this? Will I disappoint myself and everyone there?
I parked, took a deep breath and opened the door. Immediately, Max came barreling out, tail beating a greeting on the metal file cabinets. He came right up to me and demanded my attention in a way only a Lab with a head the size of a soccer ball can manage.
I could have jumped with glee, because in that instant I knew everything would work out great. Those who make room for a giant dog in a tiny office are my kind of people. And he didn’t steer me wrong.
Max made everyone feel special to him, even though he was totally indiscriminate in his love for people. I always loved the way he shoved his heavy, slobbery head into my lap for some affection. I will miss him.
May he eternally swim in the big bay in the sky.
—Kim Cammarata, Silver Spring
Dear Bay Weekly:
Framed in one of Veterinarian Grant Nissan’s treatment rooms at Muddy Creek Animal Hospital is a photo with the caption “Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative.” Max and all our pets who have gone on to romp in the universe are beloved family members who live happily in our memories. Thanks for that wonderful look back at Max’s life with your family.
—M.L. Faunce, Churchton
Dear Bay Weekly:
I loved the farewell to Max. He was my hero, too. Whenever I visited Bay Weekly’s office, Max would share his biscuits. He wasn’t the neatest dog, so there were always lots of crumbs. But he was a leader among dogs (and many humans). Once, on a walk to Brownie’s beach, he led me to the beach and all the best sniffing places. I would follow Max anywhere, and did.
—Sitka the dachshund, Churchton.
