Maximus 'Max' Brewer

Maximus, or just Max, was a German Shepherd who joined the Brewer family in Denver, Colorado, as a gangly puppy full of energy. For 14 years, he was their protector, playmate, and shadow, always stationed by the front door when the kids left for school and waiting with a wagging tail when they returned. Max had a deep, booming bark that scared off strangers, but a gentle nudge of his nose for anyone he trusted, especially when begging for scraps of steak. Losing Max to old age and arthritis was like losing a family member. The house feels empty without his heavy paws clacking on the hardwood or his quiet snores under the dining table during dinner. The kids, now teenagers, still look for him when they come home, and the backyard seems lifeless without him chasing squirrels. We buried him under his favorite oak tree, with his chewed-up tennis ball, knowing no other dog will ever fill his paw prints.