CH Maximum's Li'L Rascal Spanky THDD

5/28/2009 - 1/20/20

Spanky’s breeder/owner, Sheryll Max, is active with her Bulldogs in Conformation, Performance Sports & Civic Activities. Spanky earned his AKC breed Championship, but wasn’t too keen on Performance sports like Obedience. He loved being with Sheryll, though, and she discovered that what he was born to do was Therapy Dog work. AKC describes Therapy Dogs as those who go with their owners to volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals and nursing homes. From working with a child who is learning to read, to visiting a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of others. AKC gives title recognition to dogs & their owners who have given their time and helped people by volunteering. Titles are based on the number of documented therapy visits made: Therapy Dog Novice (THDN) = completed 10 visits, Therapy Dog (THD) = completed 50 visits, Therapy Dog Advanced (THDA) = completed 100 visits, Therapy Dog Excellent (THDX) = completed 200 visits and Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD) = completed 400 visits. On 12/19/19, at over 10 ½ years of age, Spanky was awarded the highest-level title: Therapy Dog Distinguished. He is pictured here sporting his THDD medallion. He was still out doing therapy work at a hospital two weeks before he passed away. This special boy brought smiles & joy to those he visited and was loved & appreciated by so many whose lives he enriched. Rest in peace, sweet boy! Thank you for all you did for others, and know that you are greatly missed.

Sheryll Max