"MAX"  5/1/94 - 12/18/04  - (lymphoma)

IN MEMORY OF ZENMASTER MAX – MY PERFECT PARTNER

One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was say good-by to my Max - aka "ZenMaster Max" - the dog who changed my life, who is solely responsible for introducing me to many of my dearest friends, who brought me into the world of canine performance events, and who taught me about loving life - and living to the fullest. He gave me ten years and eight months of amazing adventures, a list of titles, and the deepest bond that we can hope for with our four-legged friends. 

Max spoiled me by achieving things I never even dreamed of.  He earned five obedience titles –with  class placements at all breed shows for every leg of every title - and was nationally ranked in both the US and Canada.  Max was one of very few Berners who competed at the national all -breed obedience championships, and brought home ribbons in obedience from seven National Specialties in a row.   The ZenMaster taught me the meaning of the word “versatile.”  In addition to his obedience titles, he earned three championship titles and six draft titles.  He was the third Berner ever to become a Dual Versatility Dog, with his Championship, obedience title and draft title in both the US and Canada.   Showing was more my thing than Max's - but he did it to please me.  I have the greatest memories of finishing our Utility title  (finally!) and celebrating with our friend Debbie Avakian.  Max was all heart when he earned the Brace Draft Dog title at age 9 1/2, teaming up with our friend Jennifer Brightbill's boy Tank to pull 180 pounds.   I was thrilled to show him to a class placement in veterans conformation at the 2003 US Specialty, and he was the oldest Berner competing at 2004 Canadian Specialty, barking his way around the ring like a puppy.   

More than anything, Max loved to be in the mountains with me - and together we climbed and skied some of the higher and more challenging peaks in the Northwest and Canada.   We spent many nights sleeping in our tent in all kinds of weather, and he was always the ideal foot warmer.   He went on his first backpacking trip with me as an 8 week old puppy, and celebrated his 10th birthday with a snow camping trip - climbing up several thousand feet to camp in the snow with me, so we could race down the mountain the next day.  I was on skis, but Max was on paws with wings, and he beat me back to the car.   The week before he died we walked together in the snow at our mountain retreat in Mazama, enjoying some of our favorite mountain spots for the last time.

I know he would have stayed longer with me if he could - and I will treasure the memories forever.  He touched many people with his generosity of spirit, and left me a legacy of great friends and a passion for life. Thank you, Max, for giving me so much and making my life so much richer!   I have been very, very fortunate to have you in my life.

In Loving Memory of ZenMaster Max - 5/1/94 - 12/18/04  - (lymphoma)

Am/Can/Int'l CH Schneehund Max von Mazama UD DD BDD/ Can CDX DD  
My Perfect Partner