What Could Have Happened To Max?

Title: What Could Have Happened To Max?

Author: Annemarie Wilson

Copyright Date: 2008

Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing

Possible Theme: Responsibility, Pet Ownership

Personal Response: This book was written to show children that pets need protection. Many times children (or adults) will get a pet and then carelessly let them wander around outside alone. Some pet owners don’t even put a collar and nametag on their pets! This story tells the perils like dogfights, getting hit by cars, getting sick because they eat discarded trash, or becoming lost. The pet Max is lucky at the end and his family finds him at the local shelter, but many dogs aren’t that lucky. It shows children, in a questioning fashion, what could have happened. This book is tremendous at demonstrating how pet ownership includes a lot of responsibility and protection of your littlest furry family members.

Student Journal Entry: Max’s story had a happy ending, yet many times pets don’t get as lucky. Write down a list of things you could do to make your house dog friendly. Example: Make sure the fence has a lock, don’t leave small toys on the floor, put up all cleaning products, etc.…

Activity: Go outside. Get a partner and use chalk to draw a brainstorming web about Max’s difficulties outside alone. Draw another web that shows things people could do with their dog while keeping them leashed and safe. Remember that many of the difficulties could still happen leashed if they were left alone. Always stay close to your pet if they are having fun outside.

Website: Click HERE to learn about the Georgia SPCA and their programs that help the community learn about responsible pet ownership.