How lucky am I to have known and loved like this, my sweet Max. Mr. Baby, as I called him, passed peacefully in my arms yesterday at home at the age of 15.5, surrounded by so much love (and he got his fair share of yummy treats, too). He walked into my life as a rescue ( 2nd photo was the day we met in September 2011), only 2 years old, they called him “Freeway” because he was found running on the 5 just outside of LA, saved by a kind man who fostered him. Abandoned by previous owners, he was welcomed into my heart with open arms and so many treats. I was just learning how to be an adult, and he became my companion and friend. We walked through countless moments together: four jobs, becoming a stylist, starting a business, three apartments, four surgeries, a pandemic, a car accident, and so many moments of joy, sadness, heartache, love, and laughter. Max was the sweetest boy. If you had the chance to meet him, you knew that. His gentle disposition and loving nature won the hearts of my friends and family. From day one, he was always ready to say hello and loved to cuddle. During the hard moments, he was always by my side. He was the best nurse through my surgeries, often guarding me at the foot of my bed or resting his head on my shin to comfort me when I was in pain. It was always Erin & Max, and I’m not sure what life will look like without him. That’s the cost of loving so deeply—the absence when they leave this earth. He took a piece of my heart with him to heaven yesterday, and I told him I’d see him soon. In the meantime, he’ll be loved by some people I cherished on earth until I can see him again. I love you, Maxi, my sweet boy and friend.