ASPCA Happy Tail

Maxwell

Oldie But Goodie

Like a good cheese or fine wine, the best dogs are often better aged. Pet parents Najma Kahn and John Begej of New York City know this secret better than most, and have a knack for spotting—and loving—the very best in elder canines. 

Last year, Najma was on her way to do some shopping at Fairway Market on Broadway when she spotted the ASPCA’s Mobile Adoption van. Needless to say, her groceries could wait. She scanned the available animals inside and outside the van, and spied a sweet-looking beagle named Maxwell, who was sitting alone.

“He seemed so sad,” says Najma. “Everyone was looking at the cats and the younger dogs and didn’t even notice him. I decided at that moment that I was taking him home!”

And so it goes—she fell hard for the 12-year-old, who had severe arthritis and a few extra pounds weighing down his aging frame. The following day Najma and John visited the ASPCA’s headquarters and made it official—they adopted the lucky pooch and brought him home to meet his brother, Holmes, a five-year-old beagle, whom the pair adopted in 2005. 

In the past few months, Maxwell—with the help of his new family—has reinvented his golden years. This special senior has lost ten pounds and enjoys an active lifestyle of running, jumping and frolicking with his younger bro.

“No regrets adopting an old pooch!” Najma declares. “Maxi is a cuddly, loving member of our family. You look into his eyes and can't imagine life without him. We lovingly refer to him as Maxi, as in Maximus the Gladiator, because he’s such a little trooper—he never gives up.”

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