Max Memories

I think we all probably have favorite memories of our childhood.  Some of the memories make us happy, while others might make us sad as we long for the days when we didn't have a care in the world.  One of my favorite memories is probably actually a bunch of different memories all rolled up into one.  But, it always makes me happy and reminds me of times that were a lot more uncomplicated than they are today. 

We had this great big, beautiful German Shephard when we were little.  Max was the love of my life, but he wasn't the nicest dog to people he didn't know.  I think he was the perfect dog for us to have living out in the country.  I'm sure that Mom & Dad felt absolutely safe knowing us girls were home alone with Max.  No one got by him.  Even the Jehovah's Witnesses were scared to get out of their car once they saw Max rounding the corner of the house!!

My memory has to do with Max, but not in the way that you would typically imagine a big, strong, gruff dog like him.  I remember him serving as the clown in my circus.  You see, we also had a tire swing out in the back yard.  My older sister, Kelly, and I would pretend to be in the circus.  That tire swing was our flying trapeze.  While one of us was the beautiful girl on the flying trapeze, the other would be a clown doing tricks with their clown dog. 

I'm sure that Max was just thrilled to be spending time with us goofy girls.  I don't recall him actually doing any tricks, except if it included chasing after the lid off of an ice cream bucket.  But, I remember having so much fun being a clown with him.  I remember being so happy playing with him.  He must have enjoyed it too, as I remember making believe he was a clown often.  So, he clearly didn't run and hide when he heard us starting to play.  That was truly the greatest show on earth!!