Max found himself surrendered to a shelter in Kentucky at the age of 10. He worked his considerable charms on the shelter director who couldn't bring herself to put him down and instead moved heaven and earth to get him into Rescue. Max had that effect on everyone he met; his foster family and everyone at the vet clinics immediately fell in love with the old fellow and his gentle ways.

Max struggled to recover from an upper respiratory infection after he arrived in foster care. He stopped eating and drinking and had to be hospitalized. X-rays revealed a large malignant tumor in his nasal passages and sinuses that was invading the roof of his mouth. He was put to sleep, surrounded by people who loved him.