One day, you are on the verge of being put down. The next, you are standing in the spotlight with the crowd cheering.
That is exactly how Max, a senior rescue, could describe his journey.
Facing the end, Max never imagined he would be saved, much less become a beloved star in his community’s theatre.
But fate can change in the blink of an eye. Not only was Max rescued, he was given the kind of life he never dared to dream of.
Here is how his story unfolded.
A Yorkie Jack Russell With A Stage In His Future
Only days separated Max from being euthanized. He thought his time had run out, and honestly, few of his years had been happy ones.
This 12-year-old Yorkie Jack Russell mix had lingered in the shelter too long, passed over by adopters, left to wonder if he would ever get a chance. He never expected that people like Lauren and Foster would change his fate.
Max first went to Foster’s father and stepmother, who had adopted him from a Colorado shelter.
However, he proved too much for Foster’s stepmother, who had only owned Shih Tzus before. Max’s larger-than-life personality did not suit them, so he was given to Lauren and Foster and moved with them to Virginia.
For the first time, life finally felt right. Max had found people who truly understood him.
But this was only the beginning. Max had no idea what else destiny had planned.
During a walk with Lauren, Max caught the eye of Katy Brown, producing artistic director of Barter Theatre in Abingdon. She was a talent scout, and to her, Max was the perfect star waiting to shine.
Barter Theatre, a historic venue of more than 90 years, was staging a production of The Wizard of Oz. When Katy saw Max, she immediately knew he was the ideal Toto.
Max’s life turned yet again, placing him under dazzling lights and setting him on the path to success.
Is He Max Or Toto?
The theatre team quickly fell in love with Max. At 12 years old, this little rescue dog charmed everyone. He loved pleasing people and could perform tricks, even on cue.
To the cast and crew, it was obvious they had found their Toto.
Preparations began, and soon Max was ready for his debut. The production scheduled 56 performances with Max in the role.
Life suddenly became busy for him, but he thrived on it. His secret to success was simple: treats.
“He’s a people pleaser and the treats definitely don’t hurt either,” Smith said for Newsweek. “It’s really funny because I’ve been to a few shows and he’ll look out into the audience and check it out,” Smith said. “It doesn’t phase him and he loves the other actors on stage with him.”
The critics praised the new production of The Wizard of Oz. Audiences came from near and far to see Max, declaring he was the perfect canine star. Everyone agreed he was born for this role.
Discovered late in life, Max still has a shining career ahead of him.
Next destination? Hollywood.