My name is: Max
I came from: Cyprus
Now I live in: London
My favourite things are: Cheese, walks, playing chase with other dogs, tummy rubs and hanging out with his favourite humans
Follow me on Instagram: @cheeky.lad.max

Max’s story

As soon as I got my own place, I started to apply to rescue a dog, I knew my lifestyle would work well with a dog and and I felt I wanted a buddy to compliment that. I was recommended Underdog and three weeks later Max was on his way to me!

Even if I had experience with dogs, I wasn't sure what to really expect. The first night in my flat was going to be "break it or make it" given how noisy the main road near mine can be but Max just snuggled up by my feet and fell asleep. He was already extremely well toilet trained and from the get go really enjoyed his walks around the parks so we fell quickly in a good routine. He was nervous around people but he has now built up his confidence and realised people are mostly okay (except perhaps workmen!).

While our routine was great, I realised Max had extreme separation anxiety. I could not let him on his own for even two minutes, he would throw himself at the door, howl and cry. Living by myself, that was hard and really testing because basic things became a serious challenge. But thanks to an amazing network of friends, online shopping and the support of the Underdog team, as well as a specialised behaviourist, we have since managed to get Max to be comfortable on his own. We're still going at Max's pace and it can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions but he is starting to understand that being alone is the perfect time to keep on napping (which is his second favourite thing to do).

Another reason why Max feels so special is that I'm a keen horse-rider so I wanted to introduce him to horses and an equestrian club. The first few times, while he wasn't scared, he thought horses were big dogs he could play with. Thanks to a pack of "seasoned" club dogs I was able to gradually get him to come on hacks around the park which has become a job that he absolutely loves and is a natural at. He proudly goes ahead of the horses and trotts up, but his favourite is to run alongside cantering horses!

Max is a wonderful companion, he's extremely loyal, very loving and affectionate with a good dose of cheekiness. He makes my life very wholesome and he is adored by all the people he meets.

- Chloe