“We both enjoy doing this because we like seeing how the residents light up when Max enters the facility,” Burn said. “It provides joy to all involved in the encounters.”
Steve rescued Max from the Arlington (TX) Animal Services Center in December 2009. He is a mixed breed and, according to a DNA test, he is part Chow Chow, Chihuahua, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Bull Terrier and Poodle!
Steve recognized immediately that Max had a wonderful temperament and would make a great therapy dog. Max’s credentials include an AKC Canine Good Citizen title and the AKC Therapy Dog title. Max and Steve are both registered as a therapy dog team with Pet Partners and, in addition, Max is an American Red Cross Therapy Dog.
Besides visiting retirement centers, Steve and Max also volunteer in the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistant Dogs) program. The R.E.A.D. program takes place in schools and libraries and helps children read with confidence to a patient, listening ear that loves to be petted.
Max is a member of the AKC Canine Partners program for all dogs, including mixed-breeds and rescues. Through the Canine Partners program, Max earned the CGC and AKC Therapy Dog titles.