Introducing MCA Society’s Twelve Saves of Christmas! Meet our First Save MAXWELL

CONROE, TX – During this holiday season we thought we would highlight some of our most miraculous “before and afters”. These are just twelve examples of how Montgomery County Animal Society (MCASociety) and its foster families have touched the lives of animals at Montgomery County Animal Shelter (MCAS).

Each “save” was made possible by the time and care provided by our foster families and by your generous donations. MCASociety funds vet visits for foster dogs and cats so that they may get the medical attention they need without relying on the already-spread-thin shelter veterinarians. Sadly, two of our “saves” didn’t make it. Rest in peace Sprout and Danny. You will be missed and your memory will inspire us to go on. We hope these stories (shared in no particular order) will move you to become a volunteer and foster a dog or cat in need. If you cannot foster we hope you will be encouraged to make a donation so that we may continue to make these wonderful “saves”.

The First Save – Maxwell 

Maxwell arrived at the shelter a skeleton of a dog: cowering, bones showing, covered in fleas. Montgomery County Animal Society, the non-profit supporting Montgomery County Animal Shelter, posted a plea for him on Facebook. If a foster could take him, MCASociety would pay for his vetting and he would be saved. Maxwell’s story made its way to foster mom Angela Miller. But getting Maxwell ready for adoption would not be as simple as putting meat on his bones: he was also showing signs of aggression toward other dogs.

Looking at Maxwell’s intake picture – a dog so hungry he was barely able to stand – it’s not hard to see why he growled when other dogs came near. It was Maxwell’s way of life to fight for even a morsel of food. Angela remembers him scarfing down two cans of dog food that first night. “I was feeding him twice a day, giving him rice, canned chicken, peanut butter, calcium, and Benadryl to help with itching. I also had to get a special bowl for his food because he would always eat too fast and choke.”

Despite initial concerns that he was aggressive toward other dogs, Maxwell sought out Angela’s other dogs and quickly made friends -though he still didn’t want to share his food.

Maxwell began to heal, gained weight and started to show interest in playing fetch. When Angela took him to be neutered, it was discovered he had gained ten pounds. Following his surgery Maxwell began to show dominance over Angela’s other dogs. There was no choice but to completely separate him from her personal dogs.

Angela contemplated taking him back to the shelter. Concerned that Maxwell would not do well at the shelter, she didn’t want to abandon him after he can come so far.  Instead of giving up, Angela began taking him to socialization classes.

Over the next months Maxwell’s ability to handle other dogs improved. Angela was taking him to offsite adoptions events three to four times a month while continuing socialization classes. Maxwell became very disciplined and learned basic commands. No matter what issues Maxwell had with other dogs, he always showed Angela unconditional love and never, ever showed any aggression toward a person.  He was always gentle and loyal with Angela.

Maxwell’s story touched everyone and many people wanted to take him home. But prospective families often had other dogs and Angela worried that Maxwell would become stressed in a multi-dog family.

One Saturday the perfect family for Maxwell showed up. After ten months in foster care, Maxwell was officially adopted. His family adores him and he is the king of his domain. He has two beautiful children to look after and gets along with their cat.

Angela tears up as she recounts her time with him. “I was so proud of him and of all that he has accomplished.”

Angela goes on to say, “Maxwell taught me so many things about myself and how an animal can share your soul and capture your heart.”

To follow all of the saves visit our website here: https://www.mcaspets.org/the-twelve-saves-of-christmas.html