By Nancy Smith, JD

Editor

When Chris Morgan and his mother, Edith, brought Max into their North Hollywood home years ago, they had no idea how special he would become.  Although Chris says Max is “his,” the German Shepherd spends his days at Edith’s side.

Over the years, Edith, 81, has developed Altzheimer’s Disease.  In the last six months, Edith has had episodes when she gets up from her chair in the living room, but gets lost and disoriented.  Max, who Chis said has “spent all of his life next to her,” has come to the rescue.  Whenever Edith gets “lost,” Max gets Chris.    

Chris will be in his room watching television and Max appears, acting anxious until Chris gets up.  “When Max walks into my room,” Chris said, “I know something is afoot.”  When Chris goes to his mother at Max’s urging, he finds her disoriented and in need of his help.

“He’s never been trained to do any of this,” Chris added.  The first time this happened, Chris said he just “knew” Max was telling him something.  When he went to the living room, he found his mother walking around and lost.  “He taught himself,” Chris said.  Like others of his breed who have become “alert” dogs, Max has made life just a little easier for Chris and his mother.  “It’s kind of heartwarming,” said Chris.  

(Written years ago.)