The Story of Max, The Social Media Dog

08/07/2016

Max_52010Max came into my life about 13 years ago. I wasn’t looking for him and the truth is I really didn’t want him. Nor did I think I needed him.

 

 

 

 

 But some times life gives you unexpected, wonderful surprises.

Max turned out to be the best gift a client ever gave me. I just didn't know it at the time. When I first met Max he was a year old raggity rescue dog  that my client Alf Nucifora insisted I take home “just to see.” Since no one says "no" to Alf, I took Max home for just a few days -- “just to see.”

That first night Max and I were invited to dinner at a friend’s where Max was of course the guest of honor. I asked seven year old Katie if I should keep the little pup. In the very serious way of a little girl who has been asked an important question by a grown-up, she nodded and said, “Yes. Now you won’t be alone.”

So I kept the funny, little, white Westie with the big brown eyes and black button nose who would bring laughter and joy into my life. The vet call Max the gentleist terrier she had ever met. Yes, I did fall in love with Max. But little did I know that Max was about to help me and change my life in more ways than I imagined.  

In social media we talk a lot about “humanizing” content through personal experiences. Many people incorporate their kids and family. Some bloggers include their exciting travel experiences while others have a nack of inviting us into their day-to-day life.

Max_1

For me that humanization was via Max. Max found his way into Diva Marketing posts. He was the catalyst to marketing and social media lessons from customer loyalty to experiments in video where Max became a bit of a YouTube Rock Star. Watch Best Friends Max The Dog and Tab The Cat! "I think everyone should have a best friend."

Max on Diva Marketing

I had no idea to the extent readers of Diva Marketing were enjoying the Max posts and building a relationship with Max until I attended a BlogHer conference. A prominent blogger came running up to greet me and the first thing she asked about was Max. Not me. Not my blog. Not my experiences at the BlogHer event. I must admit I was thrown off and couldn’t fathom who she was talking about until I realized it as Max!

Max became sort of a social media mascot with a bit of a fan club. After reading so many social media books, Max even become social media savvy!


Max twitterville
Max reading Sybil's share of mind share of heart

I think the authors I interviewed liked the photos of Max reading their reading their books more than my interviews with them! Author and social media expert Brian Solis asked for the photo of Max reading his book "Business As Usual" to drop on his Facebook page.

  Max Brian Solis on Facebook

Max left my life last September. He was 14.5 years old. I didn’t know you could care so much about a little puppy. Needless to say I miss him every day. Please excuse the virtual tear drops.

“So the little prince tamed the fox. And when the hour of his departure drew near-- Max 14 birthday 1_15 b
Ah," said the fox, "I shall cry."
It is your own fault," said the little prince. "I never wished you any sort of harm; but you wanted me to tame you . . ."
Yes, that is so," said the fox.
But now you are going to cry!" said the little prince.
Yes, that is so," said the fox.
Then it has done you no good at all!"
It has done me good," said the fox, "because of the color of the wheat fields.”  ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince

This post was inspired from Darren Rowes, ProBlogger, #BloggingGroove Challenge to create a story post. Immediately I knew my story had to be about Max.

 

    

Max's 14th Birthday

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Comments

I love this post Toby. Max was a great little dog and he had a wonderful life with you. I also understand why it took so long to write this, because I have been there too.

Much love to you from me and Benny Bix Ochman Labradoodle Puppy.

Posted by: B.L. Ochman on Aug 7, 2016 2:59:20 PM

B.L - Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. Yes, it's a post I've been wanting to write for months and months. I know you understand.

Hugs to you and scratches to Benny Bix Ochman Labradoole Puppy.

Posted by: Toby on Aug 7, 2016 3:25:24 PM

Toby you and Max taught/teach me so much about best practices and ways to use social media. Only virtually met the little dude, but loved him all the same. I think that Max and McGillakitty are romping it up in the great beyond. You never forget puppy love!

Posted by: Debra Pearlman on Aug 9, 2016 9:12:58 AM

Debra - Thanks so much. I especially love this - "You never forget puppy love."

Posted by: Toby on Aug 9, 2016 2:18:10 PM

Happy to see the story of Max that's soo adorable.

Posted by: Qukads on Jan 25, 2021 2:02:52 AM

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