Max Spiegel, 10, Tom & Heidi's beloved black & tan cocker spaniel died at 12:30 a.m., Saturday, June 17,n2000.  He passed away at home in Heidi's arms with his family around him.

He died of complications due to a blood disorder believed to have been brought on by a tick bite.  He had put up a strong fight for almost a month.  His veterinarians did everything they could for him.

He was buried out by the pond at the edge of the woods.  There are plans to plant weeping willow trees, put up an arbor and a bench and plant various flowers to make his gravesite a nice memorial.

Max was born approximately Jan 1, 1990.  He came to Tom & Heidi as a stray puppy shortly after they moved into their home in Chili in the spring of 1990.  He had been roaming the neighborhood and no one knew where he came from.  Tom & Heidi decided he could stay.  About a year later his real owner was found.  Max & Heidi were out walking when a passer-by recognized Max.  He was a distant neighbor from about 3 miles away.  Lucky for us he thought it best that Max stay were he grew up.

Max was everything a pet owner could want in a dog.  He was a sensitive companion willing to go anywhere and do anything Tom & Heidi asked.  He was nicknamed "Sugar SMax" very early in life because he was so sweet.  Max loved everybody and everything with the exception of his brother Bo whom he was forever reminding that he was the dominant one.  He had the non-stop wagging cocker spaniel tail and a gentle, sensitive, outgoing personality.  It was cute when he'd get his summer haircut.  If his hair was cut short enough about 20 small white spots could be seen on the top of his head.  He was a fantastic greeter and made Heidi feel so special when he'd carry on so when she got home from work.  He'd be so full of excitement that it seemed as if he would burst.

Some of his favorite things were going for rides in the truck & sticking his head out the window to watch for deer, camping, going fishing in the boat (the little yellow life preserver he wore was a source of amusement to everybody who saw him), going for almost daily walks and runs with Heidi in the woods and down the country roads, cuddling on the couch with Heidi when the family watched TV, ferociously guarding his stuffed toy
"babies", Heidi, and his food from his brother Bo, chasing and riding on  the snowmobiles, and riding in the plastic milk jug box holder that Tom mounted to the front of Heidi's mountain bike.  He also liked to chase the bunnies out of the yard.  He never caught many. Occasionally though he would find a nest in the woods close to the house and ever so gently bring the babies back to Heidi & Tom-who would just have to take them back. 
This was discouraged, but it was very endearing how gentle he was with them.

Max was always a happy dog, right up till the end.  He brought much joy to Tom & Heidi.  Tom & Heidi are both grieving and sadly miss their sweet little boy.  Thank you everybody for your cards, notes, and words of sympathy. It helps to know that others understand how we feel.  By writing this tribute to Max and sharing it with you, hopefully it will help me to heal. I'm missing him so much, probably like a mother would miss a child.