One moment, you’re facing the forever sleep list, and the other, you’re watching the spotlight shine on you. 

That’s how Max, the rescue senior, could sum up his life. 

Facing his horrible destiny, Max never thought he could be rescued, let alone become a superstar in his local theatre. 

But tables turn when you least expect it.

Not only did Max get rescued, he got blessed with a life he could only dream of. 

And here’s how his dreams became true…

A Yorkie Jack Russell With Big Dreams

Just a couple of days stood between Max and the forever sleep chamber. He thought his days on Earth were over, and truth be told, there weren’t many great ones. 

The Yorkie Jack Russell mix was 12 years old at the time of his rescue. Max spent too much time at the shelter, being rejected by potential owners and wondering if his time would ever come. He could never imagine someone like Lauren and Foster could adopt him. 

Max came to the young couple after Foster’s father and stepmother adopted him from the Colorado shelter he lived in. 

Max turned out to be a handful for Foser’s stepmom, who only had Shih Tzus before. Max’s big dog energy simply didn’t suit them, so he moved in with Lauren and Foster and moved to Virginia.

Life was finally sweet, and Max ended up with people who understood him the best.

But things just started being awesome. Max had no idea what else was waiting for him. 

On one occasion, while casually strolling down the street with Lauren, Max was spotted by theatre worker, talent hunter, and producing artistic director Katy Brown. Katy is with Barter Theatre in Abingdon, and she saw Max as her next superstar!

The Barter Theatre has been around for over 90 years and is still in adaptation of the popular The Wizard of the Oz. Max was the spitting image of Toto, and Katy HAD to cast him as one.

Max’s life changed once again and showed him the brilliant lights of the theatre and paved the road to success. 

Is He Max, Or Is He Toto? 

The theatre crew absolutely loved Max. The little rescue senior of 12 years made them fall in love with him. Max was such a people-pleaser, doing all kinds of tricks, some even on demand.

It was clear to everyone that this accidental encounter found them their ideal Toto. 

There was nothing else left to do than to prep Max for the role and start acting. As agreed, the theater will produce and perform 56 shows starring Max as Toto. 

Days were about to become busy for Max. Luckily, he didn’t mind that, and the secret to his successful adaptation was… treats! 

“He’s a people pleaser and the treats definitely don’t hurt either,” Smith said for Newsweek. “It’s really funny because I’ve been to a few shows and he’ll look out into the audience and check it out,” Smith said. “It doesn’t phase him and he loves the other actors on stage with him.”

The critics of the new The Wizard of the Oz are exceptional. People from all over the area are coming to see the new cast and Max as the perfect canine superstar. They all agree on one thing: Max was born to be a star!

Although discovered late in his senior years, Max still has a bright career ahead of him.

Next stop? Hollywood!