Tonight begins the celebration of Hanukkah and we want to take this time to wish all our Jewish family, friends and fans a carefree and fun Festival of Lights.

Watch our blog to see how the lights on our Menorah grow each night and what Krissy has to say about the holiday. Enjoy your time with family and friends (and Lenny, don’t start the house on fire (again) with your homemade Menorah)!

The Life to the Max message has always been about love, gratitude and maintaining a positive attitude even in the face of unexpected life changes. At this time of Thanksgiving and when many families are struggling with the impact of the depressed economy, the time for this message couldn’t be more right.

We are so grateful to our fans for making our little book a success and for sharing a part of your journey with us. To thank you for your loyalty and to make your gift-giving a little easier, this Thanksgiving weekend-Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday-we are offering Free Standard Shipping on orders of $40 or more in Max’s Store. Buy a Gift Pack and an extra bandana and your order will ship free. Or buy 2 books and a pet tag and your order will ship free. Any way you put it together, if it totals $40 or more, you’ll get free shipping.

From Max and me, from Terry and Percilla and from Amber and Krissy, we wish you many blessings this Thanksgiving. May it be filled with love, laughter and loads of fun!

This summer my family visited the central coast of California. One of our day trips was to the palatial Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Built by newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst, this lavish estate not only accommodates a pastiche of historic architectural styles and priceless antiquities, but as we learned on our tour, at one time, was home to more than 30 exotic species of animals. Tigers, bears, apes, ostriches, buffalo, yaks, emus, kangaroos, llamas, giraffes, and zebras were part of the menagerie that were housed either in private zoo enclosures or allowed to roam the more than 250,000 acres freely.

During Hearst’s financial troubles in the late 1930′s, he could no longer afford to maintain the zoo and the animals were sold or donated to zoos around the state. As we toured the expansive estate, we were told that when the zoo was closed, some of the zebras escaped and if we watched closely we might get a glimpse of some of the descendants of the original zebra inhabitants, grazing among the present day cattle herd.

Upon hearing this, I was determined to see this unusual sight. All morning during the drive up and down the hillside and around the estate, I scoured the range to glimpse the distinctive striped markings among the sea of typical brown cows. But I saw nothing.

As we began to drive back down the highway after our visit, I lamented to my husband and son that “I really wanted to see a zebra!”

My husband motioned to the herd of brown cows, grazing in the field next to the road, “There are zebras,” he said.

“Those are cows!” I protested.

My husband, trying not to disappoint me, said, “They’re just dirty!”

We laughed and I looked away to sulk privately, when my son piped up from the backseat, “No, Mom, they really ARE zebras. Look!”

We had driven just a few more hundred feet which had revealed the backside of a slope. There on the other side of the rise among the brown cows were six zebras. It was such a magical moment that none of us really thought to take pictures, savoring the moment in our minds instead.

Later as I reflected on this event, I realized that had I continued to pout and give up hope in finding what I sought, I might have missed the very magical moment I so wanted to experience. It was a good reminder that there is always something magical in the things around us every day-in our interactions with our families, friends, co-workers and even our dogs. We just have to be aware, patient and never give up hope that they will be revealed to us when the time is right.

So today when you look at something that you see every day, look a little closer. You may just see there’s magic in the Aire!

A friend of mine sent me the following parable.  It is written from the perspective of the family dog, but the author is unknown. It is a great reminder to us all to appreciate the moment and to be generous with our time and attention, and the wisdom of its lesson crosses time, generations, and species. It bears repeating here:

I am your dog, and I have a little something that I’d like to whisper in your ear. I know that you humans lead busy lives. Some have to work, some have children to raise. It always seems that you are running here and running there, often much too fast, often never noticing the truly grand things in life.

Look down at me now while you sit there at your computer. See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours? They are slightly cloudy now. That comes with age. The grey hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle. You smile at me: I see love in your eyes. What do you see in mine? Do you see a spirit? A soul inside, who loves you as no other could in the world? A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrong doing for just a simple moment of your time?

That is all I ask. To slow down, if even only for a few minutes, to be with me. So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen of others of my kind, passing. Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat. Sometimes we age so slowly before your eyes that you may not even seem to know until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract-clouded eyes. Still the love is always there, even when we must take that long sleep, to run free in a distant land.

I may not be here tomorrow: I may not be here next week. Someday you will shed the water from your eyes that humans do when deep grief fills their souls, and you will be angry with yourself that you did not have just ‘one more day’ with me.

Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me. We have NOW, together. So come, sit down here next to me on the floor and look deep into my eyes. What do you see? If you look hard enough and deep enough we will talk, you and I, heart to heart. Come to me not as ‘alpha’ or ‘trainer’ or even ‘Mom or Dad’. Come to me as a living soul and stroke my fur and let us look deep into one another’s eyes and talk. I may tell you something of the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something profound about myself, or even life in general. You decided to have me in your life because you wanted a soul to share such things with. Someone very different from you, and here I am.

I am a dog, but I am alive. I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls. I do not think of you as a “dog on two feet” I know what you are and who you are. You are human in all your quirkiness, and I love you still.

Krissy and I spend a few moments together on the floor.

Now, come sit with me on the floor. Enter my world and let time slow down if only for fifteen minutes. Look deep into my eyes and whisper into my ears. Speak with your heart, with your joy, and I will know your true self. We may not have tomorrow, but we do have today, and life is oh so very short.

So please….. come sit with me now and let us share the precious moments we have together.

Love on behalf of canines everywhere,

Your Dog

Our call to have our readers send in their favorite funny photos or cute puppy pictures has brought in some interesting photos of large and small puppies.  Such is the case with Al Navas’s pit bull rescue, Princess. When we saw this photo of Princess in her little basketball shirt, we thought she looked like a pouting basketball fan–perfect for the beginning of NBA playoff, right?

But Princess has a deeper story that proves she’s now a team player and no sore loser.  I will let Al tell you in his own words:

Princess is now 18 months old; she came to us when she was about 8 weeks old. My 19 year-old daughter brought her from a shelter where she was working as a volunteer when somebody was about to surrender this beautiful puppy. What I saw was a gorgeous, active, playful, intriguing puppy. I had a couple of dogs when I was younger but I had heard about pit bulls and their terrible reputation, which made me question the decision to adopt her. As the days went by and the excitement shared by my children and I grew, my wife became increasingly worried.

She saw Princess as a puppy that needed love and a home, but she also saw an aggressiveness about her that only would feed a lifelong fear of any and all dog breeds. I, on the other hand, figured that her defiant behavior was something that would disappear quickly as she got used to the family. But this wasn’t happening. Not only was she defiant, but she would jump on our 10 year-old cat Tigger and she nipped at my children when they got too close. Soon I realized that I had a big problem on my hands and if I couldn’t train my dog properly, there was no telling what a full-grown aggressive pit bull could do to a human being or a small animal.

My concern grew so quickly that I went and bought the book: “Cesar’s Way” by Cesar Milan, better known as the “the dog whisperer.” I also bought other magazines and read up on a few different articles on dog behavior, but Cesar’s book was the most helpful tool.

I learned through reading and a lot of observation that Princess’ aggression was triggered by fear and she was only trying to protect herself. She was so young when we brought her home that assuming that she had been abused could be very erroneous as some dogs suffer from fear due to other conditions. But my love for animals, especially pit bulls as I learned that they are so misunderstood and that they can make such wonderful companions, gave me the determination to make the time and have the patience that has made me bond with this animal more than I ever have to any other animal in my life.
I learned to correct any undesired behavior immediately and that training brings you closer to each other. I also got my children involved in training her and rewarding her with treats. Slowly she learned that aggression was unacceptable and that she had to obey everyone in the house and respect our cat.

Change didn’t come about fast, but anyone familiar with our dog can pet her safely even when she is eating. She is not obsessive with any toys or objects and she has also learned to release or surrender anything upon command. I think I successfully turned a potentially dangerous animal into the pet EVERYONE in my family loves and plays with. My children are so comfortable around her that they can safely get Princess to her crate and close the door when we have to either clean the floors or we had a guest who isn’t comfortable around pit bulls.

My wife who was afraid of any and all dogs now loves them, and this gives me great satisfaction. Our new found love and respect for this breed has made me become a vocal advocate of this breed and I don’t waste a chance to educate others and share my personal experience with the dog that I love as my best friend…Princess.

Al’s story demonstrates why breed-specific legislation won’t stop dog attacks as much as training will. Thanks to Al and his family, Princess is able to live Life to the MAX!

Send us YOUR funny dog photo, cute puppy picture or tell us the story of your dog and you could win a copy of our book. Have a GREAT day!

Amber and I discuss some of the lessons Max taught us and how they inspired us to write our book.

No matter what holidays you celebrate, this is the season to share inspiration. While some may look to a star in the sky or a container of oil, some of us will also look to our dogs. Here are some of the lessons learned from the dogs of some of our followers. Some lessons are practical, some are heartfelt and some just make you laugh.

“Unconditional love, understanding and forgiveness” are three things @ReneeATNutro has learned from her dogs. @petinsurance101 says, “My dog, Sienna, taught me to live in the moment, smell the fresh air and enjoy the walk.” And @toasterbyte shares “From my dog, I’ve learned that running is a blessing, not a chore–and that every 2 hours, it’s time to take a break and go outside!” (Max would be so proud–all excellent maxims!)

@VegasRockDog credits her dog for teaching her “not to be scared of dogs–period. I was terrified before I got her.” (This reminds me of when I was a little girl. Apparently, I was also frightened by dogs and if I saw one-even if it was a block away and not looking at me-I would scream at the top of my lungs. Then one day, my dad came home with a little black cocker spaniel. At first, I looked at her warily from behind my mother’s skirt, but finally, I put my arms around her neck and said, “My dog.” I never screamed at the sight of another dog again.)

@Everwalking says she has learned “patience” from her dogs who when the day turns hectic, have to wait for their walks, but show love anyway”. However, she has also learned, “Being late in not a good thing!” (Confucius say, “Even police dog has to do his doody.”)

Dental hygiene for two and four-legged friends is on the mind of @TheGREENIESComp.
She warns, “Don’t let stinky pet breath come between you and your friend. Brush their teeth, and yours, to take life to the MAX!” (I appreciate the Life to the MAX tie-in!)

Some good advice for the holi-daze rush comes from @trohrs, “What I’ve learned from my dog: Give yourself some downtime after a big holiday PAWty!” (Shameless punning is its own reward!)

@NewportVet cautions you to be careful of what your dog eats around the holidays and any day for that matter, citing that “a doberman once swallowed an entire riding crop and a lab gulped a diaphragm.” (Now that’s a lesson in itself!)

The lessons learned from the dogs of @bnbak are that “a cuddle on the bed and a cookie are the best rewards. Also be nice to the basset; she can’t help how she looks at you.” ( It’s the crazy eye thing, isn’t it?)

Of course, our furkids also had to woof their own wisdom. From @HisRoyalDogness some useful advice for his canine counterparts: “If you bark too much, most people won’t be intimidated; they will just find you annoying.” (This is also true for people.)

In a Zen state, @gallantprince offered, “All I am is me!” (No doubt, he was doing downward dog!) Finally in true Life to the MAX fashion, he also recommendeded “Have a good time all the time and have a good sturdy leg to latch on to…” (Not so Zen, but very leader of the pack!)

I encourage you all to continue to tweet your lessons and maxims to us on #MaximMonday so that I may share more of them on this blog. Just when you think you know it all, there’s so much to learn–from your dog!

Bogart Handsome Devil!

Today we are so pleased to have Bogart Handsome Devil with us. Bogart is a 3 year old Airedale Terrier who lives with his family in Portland, Oregon and maintains a fantastic blog, To Aire is Divine. If you haven’t seen this site, you really have to visit because he has great pictures of all his adventures. Today we’re going to discuss getting ready for the holidays.

MAX: Bogart, what are you planning for the holidays this year?

BOGART: I had much destruction of holiday decorations in mind, but the humans seem to have thought of that before I did. In the last few years, my cats (I share my house with 5 of the furry little buggers) have taught me a lot about holiday destruction, from cracking delicate ornaments to vomiting on family heirlooms all the way through to climbing to the very top of the tree from the inside. They are very talented, indeed. But since we are in a new place (we moved from Los Angeles to Portland just a few months ago) the humans decided to forego a tree and all of the various accoutrements. Yes, I am disappointed, but can be appeased if a brightly-wrapped bag of treats appears (maybe).

MAX: Bernie and I used to take all the decorations off the tree too! For a long time, Mom and Dad just decorated the top half of the tree and left the bottom half bare! What do you like best about the holidays?

BOGART: Mostly the increase in the scraps of human food which reach my waiting jaws. Mmm… bacon.

MAX: I always liked anything on the counter that was edible. I bet, you didn’t know I was a World Champion Counter Surfer for many years!Will you have a real or artificial tree?

BOGART: No tree this year – the silver one we had last year went to that great Christmas Tree Stand in the sky after massive feline intervention. I’ll just have to settle for the big trees in the forest outside of our house. At least I can pee on those and no one yells at me.

MAX: How do you help decorate?

BOGART: I assist in weeding out the unworthy decorations by breaking them, bringing them into other rooms, or burying them in the backyard.

MAX: Some decorations just call out to be buried-like that one of Larry Bird that my Dad is so fond of. Do you have a favorite holiday snack or treat?

BOGART: I am partial to the chicken jerky that dad makes – other doggie cookies only occasionally interest me – and I am very good at exasperating pet store owners (and dog treat makers) with my ability to resist almost any treat offered to me. So nothing fancy, just jerky and LOTS of it, please.

MAX: Try my recipe for Ahhh-mmm Morsels. Trust me, you’ll like it! Will your dad be brewing up anything special for the holidays at the Black & Tan Brewery?

BOGART: I certainly hope so. Something that will go with the snowy winter that we’re having to keep us all warm and toasty.

MAX: Will be playing any reindeer games with your family or friends?

BOGART: I will not be strapping on any of those silly stuffed antlers – I hate wearing anything on my head – but am open to other games that involve tennis balls, soccer balls, or sticks…

MAX: Nothing on the head, I agree! What is the one gift you’re hoping to get?

BOGART: I’m hoping to find a girl Airedale under my figurative tree – I am lookin’ for love – I’ve been trying to find my very own baby mama for awhile now. I am an intact boy, ready to mambo, and can promise that I will make spectacular, intelligent, and dashing pups.

MAX: Looks like you found a pretty sweet Baby Mama. You’re such a stud! What is your favorite gift to give?

BOGART: My love, of course. I have to limit most humans to a certain number of head tilts, nose pokes, and stump wags as their delicate hearts cannot take the levels of cuteness that I am capable of giving. And yes – I AM A GIVER.

MAX: What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

BOGART: I’m sure that mama would want me to say that coming to live with her was the greatest gift I’ve ever received… so don’t tell her I’m saying this. But truly, the best gift ever was coming to live with mama and dad because they treat me like a King (of Terriers) – they take me with them everywhere, I get to go on lots of walkies and big adventures, and I am really, really loved. Other than that, I do really like the industrial dehydrator that arrived last year so that dad can make me my fresh jerky. Oh, and anything that squeaks.

MAX: My family was my best gift too. Anything else you’d like to say to our blog audience?

BOGART: Living life to the Max is a FANTASTIC thing, and something I also aspire to, as both an Airedale Terrier and a young fuzzy man.

MAX:  Bogart, I want to thank you so much for visiting our blog today. Sounds like you’re really living Life to the MAX! Will you think about your New Year’s Resolutions and come back and visit us before the New Year?

BOGART: I will definitely visit you often – Woof!

Thanks Bogart and you have arfully happy holidays too. And remember to visit Bogart at his blog at http://www.toaireisdivine.com/blog/. Enjoy your holidays to the MAX!