So, first his name was Max. Then, six months later, we decided his name should actually be Murphy.  We could tell by the longing in his eyes: he had been misnamed. Sometimes we slip into old habits and accidentally call him Max, but that's okay since it's his middle name now.  He answers to many […]

Today, Max and I are writing outside.  Shady trees.  Cobblestone sidewalk.  I'm sitting on the hearth of a great big fireplace. I tell you, there's just nothing sweeter than a clean, freshly groomed Shih Tzu.  There's a little orange ribbon over his right ear which is a little weird. It's the groomer's tribute to The […]

"Mommy, I just kissed Max right on the lips. It was just like kissing you." (I do not receive this.)

I made an appointment with the vet today when I noticed this never-seen-before black swollen lump in his abdomen. He was neutered yesterday (praise God from whom all blessings flow), and in the post-op appointment they gave us many tips to watch for, all suggesting problems with the sutures or Max's pain. But this black […]

Tucker carries Maxwell to me at least six times a day.  Wherever I am in the house, Tuck appears.  With Max. "Mommy, he wants to sit with you." "He wants to be near you." "He wants to know where you are." "Mommy, Max will sit safely on your lap.  He'll be very quiet." "He was […]

Max likes to climb up onto the back of the couch.  It's very catlike.  But he's not catlike.  Or he would not live here.   "Mommy," says Tyler, "I really don't think you should let Max climb up there."   "Well, I have to choose my battles with him, and that's one I feel like […]