“From the beginning, Max was very spirited and kind of magical,” said Ms. Mavani, who felt a motherly bond with Max during his six years of life. “We all know that dogs don’t speak, but his ability to communicate and perceive and interpret human beings and his interaction was always amazing to me.”  

  

Max was charming, friendly, and highly social. For instance, every time he visited Bellevue Square, he shook paws with everyone he encountered and smiled adorably for photos. Max’s favorite place was Meydenbauer Bay Park. His favorite food was baked salmon, which Ms. Mavani prepared for him every week. He adored Christmas day and his birthday, when he would receive presents from his family in the form of dog toys and treats. “Max was also fierce and funny,” recalled Ms. Mavani. “Whenever he encountered a larger dog, he never shied away from showing his strength and courage.”  

 

Most of all, though, Max loved his family, and his empathetic and compassionate nature was considered his greatest trait by everyone in his orbit. For instance, when Ms. Mavani’s daughter was taking her AP exams last year, Max would “go to her room and just sit next to her and support her.”  It’s instances like these, moments of simple and unconditional love, that cement the beauty of having a dog, in Ms. Mavani’s eyes. “We all have good days and bad days…within minutes, Max just forgets or moves on,” she said of the incident.   

 

Fueled by the pain of Max’s passing, the Mavani family strives to keep his spirit alive. They aim to expand research into dog’s health, since Max’s life could have been saved with deeper study on this topic. “Be vigilant,” Ms. Mavani advises pet owners, “because there’s quite a bit of conflicting information on canine health.” Another important cause for her and her family is dogs’ rights and expanding spaces for dogs to exist in the Bellevue community. “During Max’s life there were so many places he wasn’t welcome…but there are also countries where dogs have the status of a family member,” Ms. Mavani explained. “If there’s any opportunities for advocacy, I would love to lend my skills.”  

 

For the Mavani family, the loss of Max has been difficult to endure, with Ms. Mavani describing his absence as a “deafening void.” That is why her chief goal after Max’s death has been to ensure he is remembered forever. “Bellevue was his home, and I want his spirit to be remembered forever,” she says. Max touched the hearts of everyone he met. His absence is felt deeply, but he has made an indelible mark on our community that will never fade away.