It was a dark November night, the wind howling and the rain blowing sideways as George drove through Seattle’s industrial district. He left his last meeting late – and had perfect timing to glimpse Max, his hair matted with dirt clods and sticks caught in it as he came out of the brambles.

George could tell Max was scared and starving. The sight practically broke his heart. He opened the car door and said, “You lost boy?” With very little coaxing Max jumped into the car. “You look hungry. How about a burger?” As they ate their cheeseburgers George called his wife about the ‘little surprise’ he was bringing home. They had rescued animals before and George knew his wife would love Max. Although hesitant on the phone, Cindy welcomed Max with open arms as soon as she saw him.

Max’s unusual looks have always generated comments. After finding he was unable to reply when people asked what kind of dog Max was, George decided that he was a Belgian Schnorkel Hound, to which many have replied, “I’ve heard of those.”

Now George takes Max to work whenever he can. As a financial planner he finds Max helps people relax.