Max 99.00 ADOPTION FEE

Max, 2 years old (DOB: May 26, 2024) was to be euthanized in his Ontario shelter. I get it. He's a lot of dog and has been there a long time. <br/><br/>May 2, 2026, we were able to welcome him to Mattie's Place thanks to so many of his advocates.<br/><br/>He's said to be a St. Bernard mix, but I'm going to do an Embark DNA test on him to see if we can dig deeper on his breeds. He arrived to Mattie's Place in May, 2026 at 42 KG | 92.5 pounds. He's on a weight loss journey as he's just "shelter obese"<br/><br/>📜 HISTORY📜<br/><br/>Max found himself in an Ontario shelter at approximately 6 months old. After months without an adoption, he was transferred to another Ontario shelter, in hopes an adoption match could be found. <br/><br/>12 months later, no adoption match was found. A couple bad adoption placements, including sending a small dog to the vet clinic that required medical care sent him back to the shelter after being in adoptive homes for only a few short days.<br/><br/>He has spent nearly his entire life in a shelter setting and has missed out on everything a puppy needed for exposure and guidance.<br/><br/>Also to note, when a 7 year old child was visiting the shelter and walked into a room where Max was hanging out with the staff, Max got very stiff and was barking uncontrollably at the child, across the doorway. He was fixated and the staff were very uncomfortable with the situation.<br/><br/>That's when the shelter decided a euthanasia date was in order for Max.<br/><br/><br/>🏥 MEDICAL 🏥<br/><br/>Max is fully up to date medically. Late last year he ingested a rope toy but vomited it up. He has also shown to have a skin sensitivity and has reacted with some dermatitis to environmental exposure. Finally, last year he had some crystals in his urine and it was resolved with a diet change.<br/><br/>Max also weighs in at 92 pounds and is overweight.<br/><br/>🧑‍🤝‍🧑 🐾 PEOPLE & PETS 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 🐾<br/><br/>Max has had some intense moments with kids, selectively. Max can also be selective with men. Max can also be selective with dogs and did send a small dog to the hospital. Max does not do well with cats. <br/><br/>😳 I UNDERSTAND HE'S A LOT 😳<br/><br/>Max has been failed by humans and the shelter system. Should he have been euthanized? Maybe. He might be completely unadoptable and unwanted and that may be his ultimate fate.<br/><br/>He also may have a unicorn, hero adopter, willing to welcome Max into their life, understanding the chance he deserves.<br/> <br/>Grassroots K9 Georgina, stepped up to welcome Max in a board & train program and as a foster dog for the coming months | years or however long it takes to find Max his adoption match. <br/><br/>This is an incredible gift to Mattie's Place & the only reason I could say yes to Max so he wasn't euthanized in his shelter.<br/><br/>I'm also a realist, and though nobody wants to discuss Behaviour Euthanasia, I've also advised all involved that if Max becomes a liability to people or pets under the Mattie's Place banner, I will have to make that hard decision. <br/><br/>Max is being set up for success and being given every opportunity to learn to do better, guided by exceptional trainers, but I will not put people or pets at risk to save one dog's life. <br/><br/>And I'm not afraid to stand by that decision publicly. <br/> <br/>But I also fully believe Max has lived most of his life in a shelter setting & deserves the chance to learn to do better, with professional trainers, as a young 2 year old dog that is excited about learning. Max is absolutely set up for success. But he must embrace it.<br/><br/>Because of history to date, Max’s ideal home would be:<br/><br/>Power breed experienced.<br/><br/>Understanding of fair but structured lifestyles and expectations.<br/><br/>Quieter home without lots of people coming and going.<br/><br/>Committed to continuing his training and routines as set up by Grassroots K9 Georgina.<br/><br/>Have the ability to be his advocate and ensure he isn't compromised by being placed in inadequate situations.<br/><br/>He will need a home with a secured yard and preferably a country home.<br/><br/>No kids under the age of 18 years.<br/><br/>Pet-Free<br/><br/>Max has been living with a trainer from Grassroots K9 Georgina for a 1 month previous stay and now again since May and will remain in their care until adoption or alternate decisions are made for him.<br/><br/>Max has proven countless times, out of the shelter and with experienced dog handlers, he's every bit a great dog and can be an amazing and loyal companion.<br/><br/>FROM HIS FOSTER (ALSO DOG TRAINERS):<br/><br/>Max is the kind of dog that leaves an impression on everyone he meets. He’s intelligent, engaging, goofy, deeply loyal to his people, and thrives when given clear structure and direction. Over the last several months in training, Max has shown us just how capable he is when expectations are consistent and communication is fair.<br/><br/>He’s a dog that genuinely wants to work with his handler. Once he builds trust and understands the routine, his engagement becomes incredibly rewarding. He loves training, enjoys having a “job,” and has made huge progress in his ability to settle, exist calmly around distractions, and move through the world with more neutrality.<br/><br/>Max can struggle with other dogs, particularly in high-arousal situations or during inappropriate social interactions. While he has made excellent progress learning neutrality and coexistence, he is not a dog that should be expected to attend dog parks, daycare, or engage in chaotic free-for-all play. He succeeds best with structure, advocacy, and handlers who understand management and accountability.<br/><br/>Max has shown he can exist around other dogs successfully with proper handling, boundaries, and clear expectations. He has also shown strong handler engagement and impressive recovery compared to where he started.<br/><br/>With people, Max builds strong bonds and has a playful, affectionate side once comfortable. He enjoys being involved with his handlers and genuinely wants connection and guidance.<br/><br/>This boy has put in a tremendous amount of work, and we’re incredibly proud of how far he’s come. He deserves a home that understands him for who he is instead of trying to make him something he’s not.<br/><br/>The right home for Max will gain an incredibly loyal companion with tons of personality, drive, and potential.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>$99 ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES: spay/neuter, deworming, flea/tick prevention, vaccinations, dentals if needed or any added surgical needed surgical care, food, nose to tail health exam, toys, leash|collar, winter coat (seasonal), poop bags, dishes and 30 days of Trupanion pet insurance with immediate coverage on adoption day for any illness or injury not pre-existing.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>To note: the above description is relevant to this dog in it's current & previous setting. Home changes & adopter personalities can bring out different behaviours not previously seen.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>Mattie's Place does not deem any dog in our care hypoallergenic, allergy-free or non-allergenic. Unless you are willing to take daily medication to manage dog allergies, please do not apply to adopt because I can't risk a dog being returned due to allergic reactions.

Max, 2 years old (DOB: May 26, 2024) was to be euthanized in his Ontario shelter. I get it. He's a lot of dog and has been there a long time.

May 2, 2026, we were able to welcome him to Mattie's Place thanks to so many of his advocates.

He's said to be a St. Bernard mix, but I'm going to do an Embark DNA test on him to see if we can dig deeper on his breeds. He arrived to Mattie's Place in May, 2026 at 42 KG | 92.5 pounds. He's on a weight loss journey as he's just "shelter obese"

📜 HISTORY📜

Max found himself in an Ontario shelter at approximately 6 months old. After months without an adoption, he was transferred to another Ontario shelter, in hopes an adoption match could be found.

12 months later, no adoption match was found. A couple bad adoption placements, including sending a small dog to the vet clinic that required medical care sent him back to the shelter after being in adoptive homes for only a few short days.

He has spent nearly his entire life in a s

Max, 2 years old (DOB: May 26, 2024) was to be euthanized in his Ontario shelter. I get it. He's a lot of dog and has been there a long time.

May 2, 2026, we were able to welcome him to Mattie's Place thanks to so many of his advocates.

He's said to be a St. Bernard mix, but I'm going to do an Embark DNA test on him to see if we can dig deeper on his breeds. He arrived to Mattie's Place in May, 2026 at 42 KG | 92.5 pounds. He's on a weight loss journey as he's just "shelter obese"

📜 HISTORY📜

Max found himself in an Ontario shelter at approximately 6 months old. After months without an adoption, he was transferred to another Ontario shelter, in hopes an adoption match could be found.

12 months later, no adoption match was found. A couple bad adoption placements, including sending a small dog to the vet clinic that required medical care sent him back to the shelter after being in adoptive homes for only a few short days.

He has spent nearly his entire life in a shelter setting and has missed out on everything a puppy needed for exposure and guidance.

Also to note, when a 7 year old child was visiting the shelter and walked into a room where Max was hanging out with the staff, Max got very stiff and was barking uncontrollably at the child, across the doorway. He was fixated and the staff were very uncomfortable with the situation.

That's