Woman took in his dad’s dog after he passed away, but soon discovers some heartbreaking news

This is the story of a very happy, very loved dog.

Humans and animals can share bonds that defy explanation. It’s safe to say that most of us would do anything for our pets and it seems like they would do anything for us — no matter the cost.

KingKizer, an Imgur user, recently recounted the story of his father, who passed away one year ago, and his’s father’s dog Max’s journey together. You have to see what they went through and where Max is now…

My father passed away a year ago yesterday. I find myself emotional today so I wanted to do something to help me sort of work through some feelings, I guess.

There is some positive to this post and I’d like to share it with you. This is a photo of my father adopting Max from a shelter when he was 4 months old.

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Above is a picture of him and I during happier times. This must have been 11-12 years back. He passed away at home on January 8th, 2015. They found him on the couch, likely had not been there too long but we were never told specifics in this regard. My father and my family have a sort of “troubled” past, but that is not what this story is about.

He was living alone and only had Max there with him. Max, I imagine, was excited to receive the company of those who found my father and likely very scared being stuck in the house as my dad was “asleep”.

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My sister is a veteran, an ex-vet technician, current commercial diver (certified bad ass) and a genuine lover of animals. She was deployed to Louisiana during hurricane Katrina and saved many, many abandoned/stranded dogs and cats via raft.

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She drove all the way from Oregon to California (where Dad/Max lived) and then home to Austin in order to adopt Max as none of my father’s family was able to take him in. Here is Max pictured after arriving at his new home.

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When she brought Max home and got him to the vet the blood work showed bad news. Max had severe cirrhosis of the liver (nearly failed) and did not have long to live. Max was only 2 1/2 years old.

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My sister has spent upwards of $15,000 (I know) to get Max happy and healthy. He has become a massive part of our family and has become best friends with my other sister’s children, husband and dog Emma.Here is Max playing in the yard.

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…and playing in the river.

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Here is Max on Halloween. (left)

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“Max, Emma and my sister and her husband (also a commercial diver) this past Christmas.

My sister has done a lot to sustain Max and he’s as happy as can be. He’s now 3 1/2 years old. His birthday is in July.

Unfortunately, his more recent blood work suggests he may die as soon as a month out. We wish, of course, that he holds out and stays with us as long as possible (as long as he’s not in pain). Although it is bittersweet, at least my sister was able to show Max a real life with a happy, loving family.

A fitting tribute and a final favor to our late father.

Sorry for this re-upload (I don’t know how to edit afterwards, wanted to catch it before it’s too late); one of the main reasons I wanted to put this together is for my sister. When Max does go I’d like to show her this album and hopefully some positive/uplifting comments/praise for what she’s done, she deserves it. I think it will go a long way.

Thanks!”

We know, it’s a tear-jerker! But it’s also inspiring and restores our faith in humanity. Share this with any family and friends that would appreciate this amazing family and all they did for Max!