Wagged to Death!

Ever heard of a dog having so much fun that he wagged his tail to death? That's what Max did Saturday! Seriously!

We went to a new doggie beach near Carpinteria, CA -- Summerland is the cute town and the beach is Lookout Point -- and Max went bonkers playing with Gracie, his roommate, and a bunch of new friends...the water was freezing, but this did not stop Max from running for an hour and digging holes in the sand and chasing the waves! Nor did he hesitate to play due to the ever-present scent of gasoline from the offshore drilling rigs.

After a morning of fun, Max then went straight to Petco for a professional cleaning...however, late in the evening, we noticed that his tail was doing a funky u-turn...after much googling, we found that he must have "cold water tail" "limp tail" or "dead tail"? Funny how most websites quote vets as saying it's fairly common yet it is not really taught in vet school, but is something passed along amongst the professionals.

Apparently, it's caused by an over-exertion of the tail (toooo much fun!) and exposure to cold water...did I mention that the water on the beach today was freeeezing???

 Note the funky u-turn and his droopy tail (top) from Saturday night and compare to the dirty beach dog photo (bottom)  from earlier in the day!

But, I suppose, there are worse ways to injure yourself...right Max?

Let's hope the tail pops up, back into place soon!

(Don't tell Max, but he's getting his shots Monday morning, so we'll be at the vet's anyway...)

Post Birthday Review

Thanks to everyone for your birthday wishes!

Max had a great time, and here are pics for those of you who missed it:



Max started partying at the Lazy Dog Cafe in Thousand Oaks, CA, with his buddies Linda and Gracie.



Here's his doggy birthday cake -- Canned duck/potato with kibble icing and four duck breast candles.



Ok, that may sound gross to you, but Max loved it...it was gone in sixty seconds :)

Happy Birthday, Max!

Max -- aka The Maxinator, aka maxie, Maxie, MAXIE!, aka Punkin' Pie, aka My Sweety Sweety -- turns four today!

That's 28 in dog years, for those of you who are counting...we've had the talk about contributing to the household, but it's a hard sell when no one else is...

Giving Back to the World

Upon reflection, Max has decided that he wants to give back to the world that has blessed him these past almost four years. He wanted to get back to basics and what is more basic than dirt? Therefore, Max has decided to join the green movement.

As proof of his commitment, Max helped me plant some new tomato plants. See below for actual proof that Max has a HANDS ON commitment. He is not relying on his people to do the dirty work...any more.


Before: Max digs hole -- After: Tomato plant is safely in its new home

For those who would criticize that Max did not actually move said tomato plant into the hole, please note that dogs do not have opposable thumbs and, therefore, are incapable of finishing the job...and I was happy to help!

We also planted -- in pots -- 2 additional cherry tomato plants, 3 large tomato plants, 2 bell pepper plants (one green, one yellow), a jalapeno plant and an eggplant plant (or is that "plant" redundant?)...we have already harvested a few larger tomatoes and jalapenos...yummm....

Lovin' Laguna!

Max made his first trek to Casa del Sena in lovely Laguna Beach, CA. He thought I was lying when I said I knew someone who lived RIGHT ON THE BEACH! Seriously, great views, great accommodations and fun things to do all day.

He now promises to believe me - most of the time - in the future.



Max sez, "Serioulsy? People live here?"


Max discusses moving in permanently with Sena of Casa del Sena fame. Sena appears skeptical, but open to negotiations.


Max decides to let Sena sleep on it. Max sez: This bed is RIGHT BY THE DOOR to the veranda and the DOOR WAS OPEN ALL NIGHT! Max could walk in, then out, in, then out, in, then out...well into the wee hours of the morning.


The next morning, we got up bright and early to run on the beach before the 8a curfew for dogs...not early ENOUGH for the Max! Way early for the dog walker.


Max sez: Ok, ok, take the pic (thanks to new friends from AUSTIN, TX), we've only got a few minutes of beach time!


OMIGOSH! After a long walk on the beach, in the waves and being hosed down, dried off and another long walk on the sidewalks, I got breakfast in bed with a view...Yeah :)

We are sooooo coming back!

Destination: Paradise (Falls)

For those of you who have been following our blog and our treks into the nearby Wildwood Park may not be aware of our on-going search for Paradise Falls...we see the signs, we hike the path and after dozens of unsuccessful attempts -- and even finding other very nice, beautiful falls -- we have finally came upon the elusive Paradise Falls!


On the way over the falls!

At the top of the falls (not sure if you can see the ducks sunning on the rock to the left--Max saw them!), just as the stream goes over the edge.


We're almost there -- I can see the falls!

Could we be so lucky -- are there stairs down to the bottom of the falls? We've been walking up and down and up and down hiking paths for an hour following the signs. Could it be that the gods (aka "state forestry/park workers") have built us stairs for the final trek as a reward for our patience?


Ta-dah!

Yeah! We made it to the bottom...the cool water hits the pool at the bottom -- someone was disappointed that no ducks flew down the shoot.

It was well worth the hike...until I realized that we were now an hour away from getting OUT of the park...as we began our trek back up, I decided to look at my park map with all of its folds and despite the fact that I am, well, "directionally challenged."

Bottom line: It took us 20 minutes to get out.

Back on Track!

Thanks to all of our fans who have prayed for Max's recovery and sent us their well-wishes. Keep the cards and letters and blog/Facebook comments coming!

As you can see, Max is taking his first steps back to full recovery. He is frolicking in the green, green grass of home...aka SoCal or Southern California for you east coasters. Max is taking time out to appreciate the small things in life, to reflect on his past and decide what kind of Pupster he wants to be.



Max turns four in a few weeks and realizes he is not getting any younger...

...though he clearly feels like he is :)

Rehab -- CA Style

Max has asked me to apologize to all of his fans for his absence from Adventures with The Max. When the following photo went viral after being published on Smoking Gun and airing on TMZ, Max finally had to admit to his addiction to wet canned food and trashy treats. We are embarrassed to report that he was actually licking the floor for food crumbs.




He has just gotten out of rehab where he was put back on dry kibble and his treats limited to dried duck breast and glucosamine treats for his back. We will be monitoring his glucosamine treats now that we are aware of his addictive personality. Research shows that these treats are necessary for the healthy back of a pup with a dachshund back.

We ask that everyone grant Max his privacy as he begins his new, healthier lifestyle outside of the rehab facility. We will keep you apprised of his progress and thank you for your prayers during this difficult time.