We’ll never forget our first family holiday with Max — a trip to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. He was just a few months old, all paws and curiosity, with ears that flopped every which way when he ran. As soon as we arrived, Max leapt out of the car and into the fresh mountain air like he had been waiting his whole life for that moment. He barked at the wind, chased butterflies, and tried to make friends with every dassie he saw.
We hiked up a short trail on our second day — Max leading the way like he’d grown up in the hills. When we reached the lookout point, he sat beside us, panting happily as we took in the view. It felt like he understood how special that moment was. At night, he curled up next to the fireplace in the cabin, head resting on one of our hiking boots. That was the first time we truly felt like a complete family. That trip to the Drakensberg wasn’t just a holiday — it was the beginning of countless adventures with Max. He brought joy to every step, every scent, every sunrise.
- 2013-01-01