Max was born to a breeder who supplied pet stores, where he was soon purchased by a young family. When they moved and weren't able to take Max along, he joined the rescues here at Windy Pines. He loved to play in the fenced yard, and enjoyed the company of my whole family. I just knew a wonderful home would soon want to adopt him.

Max was adopted in late February 2003 by Suzanne Prestridge and her son Brandon, of Rochester, MN. They had lost their old Kees girl and wanted to get a young rescue, or a puppy. We all thought Max would be perfect, as he was both. References were impeccable, and Max was soon on his way home.

On June 1, 2003, Ms. Prestridge sent me an email stating that Max had tried to bite Brandon, she couldn't keep him there, and if Rescue wouldn't take him back, she would euthanize him. I was out of town, and read the email late afternoon on June 2, 2003. I immediately responded to Ms. Prestridge that I would of course take Max back and would arrange transport. When she didn't respond, I telephoned her. She stated that she couldn't talk right then and would call me back.

Within the next few minutes, I received an email from Ms. Prestridge, stating that she was sorry, she had tried to find Max another home, then had put him to sleep on June 2. Max was dead beore I even read the first email. This "loving forever home" gave me less than 36 hours to respond to an email before killing their rescue Keeshond.

Max was a happy, bouncy puppy-dog. All he wanted was to be loved. He never showed any sign of aggression here, and had lived with a young boy in his previous home without incident. His first family entrusted him to Windy Pines Keeshond Rescue to find him a loving home. I have failed him, and them, miserably.

Please be advised that I feel it is likely that Ms. Suzanne Prestridge will try and acquire another Keeshond, probably from a breeder. This should be considered a nation-wide advisory to all breeders and rescuers as neither shipping from a distance, nor price, would likely be objections to her.

Dear Max, I am so, so sorry. All you ever wanted was to be loved. That shouldn't have been too much to ask.

Carole Wright ~ Windy Pines Keeshond Rescue

an independent Keeshond Rescue serving the Dakotas and Minnesota.

All groomed, and so proud to be going "home"