farewell, our brother max

Max Ayala, our shih tzu, passed away in his sleep at the vet on Thursday, December 7, 2006. He was our family dog for 17 years! He knew dad had planned to put him to sleep before leaving for the Philippines. Max had not been doing well the past year. Everytime mom and dad leave for the winter, he takes it personally and it takes a toll on his health. This year, he knew the time was nearing and whatever sickness he had been harboring took over him quick! Max was a joy to our family. He was nicknamed "Dr. Max" by patients as he was the Urology Group's mascot at my dad's office for many years. He put smiles on faces and made the stress of a hard day go away. He was well-traveled, enjoyed countless leftover filet mignon's from all the golfers at the country club and lived like a king! My dad always said, "In my next life, I want to be Max." He was defintely a member of the family - remembered as the little brother that we never had and was truly my mom and dad's best friend.