West Seattle Pet of the week CUTLINE for 6-04-08 (delete this line)
Black BeautyJackton and Amy Downard with baby Gabrielle, son Roan and their "horse-dog" Max enjoy walking together at Alki. Swimming is optional. Photo by Kim Robinson
Jackton and Amy Downard found their dog Max at the
Animal Shelter on 15th N.W. in 2000 but they aren't quite sure what breed he is because he is so tall. He weighs 113 pounds. "He's a lab-stallion mix," offered Amy. Max is a wonderful swimmer but he does have an issue with that. If he isn't swimming out to fetch a stick or a ball, he swims in circles. "Amy has had to swim out twice and bring him back," said Jackton. For a large dog with possible horse genes he seems unaware of his own size. "He likes to be a lap dog," said Amy, "and he was until we got the new couch."