Maximus, a scared puppy, was dropped off at our charity clinic tied up like a bag of apples. We promised him a better life. We are heartbroken that he did not survive the first 24 hours. Our Vet Dra. Castilla wrote: "I do not know what you went through, but I know that yesterday we tried to end your horror story and give you a new story with a happy ending. You came to us in a sack, tied up like a bundle of apples, and you were very scared. The look in your eyes showed us your great pain and suffering. We could not have turned your away. Our hearts knew you needed to stay with us at the Amazon CARES clinic. Perhaps they would return for you... those "concerned citizens" that claimed they would return for you and pay for your treatment. They left a DNI (Document of Identity), and they thought that document was worth your life. Perhaps would return those who said they were going to charge you and your treatment; a DNI was the worth your life to them.

The Great Maximus, yesterday we were planning a future for you. Also yesterday, a stranger who was walking a dog of the same breed told us that your "owner" had no space at home for you. Thanks to that conversation we knew that you, Maximus, had been surrendered to the charity...a gift.


Today I heard about your death and got mad at the world. I am mad at myself. I am mad at those who abandoned you and took your life for granted. I am mad at people who share even a little of the blame. I am mad that I promised you a better life, which you never received.

Maximus, you are the victim of people who reproduce pedigree dogs for sale. How many brothers and sisters do you have and how many more litters will your mother produce? I wonder what will become of your "litter." When will they stop? These irresponsible breeders that make money off of your breed. What will be done with the money they earned, these irresponsible ones who forced your parents to reproduce without respite. Will they buy clothes? I do not know! Things purchased with their blood money will last a short time, in exchange for so much suffering. How will your brothers and sisters arrive at their first birthday? Will they live? Will they suffer as you suffered in life ... left for a few hours like "Our Grand Maximus?"

Maximus I'm sorry. Forgive us for not being able to change the hearts and minds of those who hurt you since your conception. Have mercy on those other animals that are mistreated and viewed only as a pile of money.

Surely you must be at peace, free of pain, fear, anxiety, hunger. Freedom from a merciless world, Maximus. You're not with us. You left and leave us one more sad lesson."

Please support the efforts of Amazon CARES to fight against the illegal breeding of animals in the Amazon. In a place with so many helpless and homeless animals, backyard breeders have no place.