Max - Retriever Dog for Adoption in Martinez, California

THIS DOG IS CURRENTLY LOCATED IN TEXAS. OUR ADOPTION DONATION IS $475 AND INCLUDES TRANSPORT. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE BIO AS IT INCLUDES INFORMATION AS TO OUR SCREENING PROCESS.

***Please note, once completing the initial screen you will be connected with the placement for a video chat. Transports run every few weeks and we will have the dog on the next available transport once approved. If you are not able to accept a dog until a specific time period, please apply at that time***

We are a volunteer run rescue and donate our time to these dogs. IF you are not serious about moving forward in our adoption process, please do not apply. If someone other than yourself is part of the decision making process, please make sure you have spoken with them and they are on board. We really do not want to waste anyone's time if you are not serious about adopting this dog.

Max, 3.5 years old, neutered male, Retriever mix, 35 pounds. He's in a foster home in San Antonio, Texas.

His foster mom came across a post of an owner wanting to rehome their dog. A few days later she saw that same dog was walking on the streets of her neighborhood. She figured out pretty quickly that the owner actually threw him out of their house :( His foster mom found him and brought him home. We've completed all of his medical and are excited to find him a home to love him all his days!

Max is a handsome, playful, affectionate boy who is ready to find his forever family! This sweet guy has a big personality and an even bigger heart. He loves his people, loves being active, and has a hilarious habit of forgetting that personal space is a thing. If you’re looking for a dog who will happily plop himself right on top of you for a cuddle, Max may be your guy!

A Social Guy Who Likes to Take Things Slow

When it comes to other dogs, Max does best with slow, proper introductions and a little supervision at first. Once he has had a chance to get comfortable, he does very well with other dogs. He has interacted with both large and small dogs while boarding and has been described as a polite, easygoing playmate. He loves his playgroups where he is boarded when is foster mom is on vacation!

Max enjoys playing without getting overly rough, but he is also perfectly content to hang out independently or follow his favorite person around. He does best with dogs who aren't overly pushy or intense—if another dog goes into full "humpty dumpty mode," Max would much rather opt out!

On leash, however, Max can be more reactive toward other dogs. He may pull or lunge when he sees another dog, particularly if that dog is also barking or reacting. He can sometimes match their energy, so continued leash training will be important.

Cat-Friendly!

Calling all cat households—Max is a fan! He has no noticeable prey drive toward cats and actually wants to be their friend. If a cat tells him they're not interested by hissing or growling, Max respects the message and gives them space. He would likely do well in a home with a confident cat who appreciates a friendly canine companion.

Great With Kids

Max currently lives with an 11-year-old and has also been around toddler-aged children in the neighborhood. He is sweet, friendly, and affectionate with kids.

He does sometimes jump up when greeting people and may give a playful little love-nip. It's not aggressive at all—he simply seems to think that interacting with humans works the same way as interacting with dogs! His foster family is working on teaching him more appropriate ways to say hello.

A family with children of any age could potentially be a good fit as long as they understand that Max is still working on his jumping and love-nipping.

An Active Boy Who Loves to Have Fun

Max is a high-energy dog who thrives on activity and interaction. He loves his daily 45-minute to hour-long walks and enjoys spending time outside where he can run, explore, and chase squirrels.

He would be happiest with an active family who wants a dog to join them for walks, adventures, games, and plenty of quality time.

And when it comes to playtime, Max is ready to go! He loves fetch and tug-of-war and has a natural talent for jumping, hopping, and balancing on his hind legs. His foster's daughter has taught him some fun tricks, and honestly, Max might have a future in agility!

Affectionate Doesn't Even Begin to Describe Him

Max is incredibly loving and can occasionally be a little too enthusiastic about showing it. He loves being close to his people and may decide that your lap—or even the entire top of your body—is the perfect place for a nap.

He can be a little timid when meeting strangers, especially men, but he is never aggressive. Once he warms up, his personality can swing in the opposite direction and he'll happily shower people with kisses and attention. When he really loves someone, he REALLY loves them!

House-Trained & Great Home Alone

Max is fully house-trained and has been doing wonderfully when left loose in the home. He is not destructive and doesn't get into trouble when his foster is away.

He has been crated for short periods of about 1–2 hours, although it's not his favorite thing. The great news is that he has demonstrated that he can safely be left uncrated in the home.

A Few Things Max Is Working On

Like all good boys, Max isn't finished with his training yet. His forever family should be prepared to continue working on:

Leash pulling and reactivity toward other dogs
Jumping up when excited
Playful love-nipping
Learning appropriate boundaries when showing affection
Building confidence around unfamiliar people, particularly men

Max is a smart, engaging dog who enjoys learning and interacting with his people, so training can be a fun way to strengthen your bond with him.

The Max Match

Max would love an active home where he gets plenty of exercise, attention, playtime, and affection. He could live happily with another dog or as your one-and-only, as long as he gets enough interaction and companionship.

He can live with cats and has done well with children. His ideal family will appreciate that Max is a work-in-progress: a wonderful, affectionate dog who is still learning how to channel his excitement and enthusiasm appropriately.

If you're looking for a goofy, loving, energetic companion who will happily play fetch, go for a walk, chase squirrels, make you laugh, and then climb directly onto you for a cuddle, Max might just be your perfect match!


Please note our process starts with an application. If we think you might be a good fit, we will reach out to coordinate a phone interview. This is followed by a video call with the foster home. Virtual home visit, personal and vet reference checks are required to complete the process. Transport is included in our adoption donation.



***Listed BREED and AGE - We are taking our best guess & recommendations from our veterinarian on age, breed and size when fully grown. We rarely know a dog's exact age nor are we able to tell the true or full breed mix of dogs as our information is limited most of the time. ***

Interested in applying to adopt? Fill out an adoption application at the link below!

https://new.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/PRP/Dog

The retriever is a beloved dog breed known for its friendly demeanor, intelligence, and exceptional ability to retrieve objects. With a loyal and gentle nature, retrievers make excellent family pets and are popular choices for service and therapy work. These dogs excel in obedience training and activities such as agility and hunting. Recognized for their shiny coats and moderate size, retrievers come in various colors including golden, Labrador, and Chesapeake Bay. Their overall versatility and affectionate personalities make them cherished companions in many households.