A Victoria-based therapy dog is in the running to appear on a beer can via the annual contest put on by the BC SPCA and Yellow Dog Brewing.
The little dog, Max, is beloved by his family after helping their six-year-old girl through years of pain, and later helping her family through her loss.
According to Max’s owner, Troy Townsin, the therapy pup is currently sitting in second place in the BC SPCA Pet Star competition.
This competition has been ongoing for six years and helps raise money for the BC SPCA to provide care and support to animals of all kinds throughout the province.
Since the initiative was launched in 2022, over $900,000 has been raised for the organization.
In an effort to help their dog reach the winning spot in this competition, the Townsin family are sharing his touching story.
Max was just four years old when he was adopted as a therapy dog for their children, Felix and Lexi.
The Townsin’s say Lexi had been living with Blau syndrome, a rare inflammatory disease that caused severe arthritis and significant pain.
“The connection between Max and Lexi was almost immediate,” said Troy.
“On his very first night in their home, Lexi woke up crying in pain. Max went to her, licked her face and made her smile. From then on, the pair were rarely apart.”
The family noted that because walking was a painful experience for their daughter, Max gave her a reason to get up and keep moving. Similarly, when she needed comfort, he was always beside her.
Tragically, Lexi died unexpectedly at age six due to a complication of her disease. At the time of her passing, her brother Felix was only nine.
Following her untimely passing, the Townsins say Max’s job changed swiftly.
The Townsins say Max became an immediate source of comfort for an entire grieving family, particularly Felix.
They added that six years after Lexi’s passing Max still looks for her and loves spending time in her room.
The family posted a video capturing Max’s love for Lexi which has garnered over four million combined views across social media platforms.
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“Max is now part of the legacy the family has built in Lexi’s memory,” said Troy.
“He is the mascot of A Million Acts of Love, the youth movement Felix created which has inspired more than a million good deeds around the world.”
He also noted the family has raised money for the BC SPCA through its annual Winery Dogs calendar.
The Townsins are hoping Max’s story resonates with British Columbians and are hoping Victoria specifically can help put their beloved dog’s face on a Yellow Dog Brewing can for this year’s competition.
Every dollar donated counts as a vote, with money raised supporting the BC SPCA.
Donors can cast their votes online here.
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