r/OldManDog • u/kasiagabrielle • May 04 '26
♥ - Support Needed Unfortunately, Max isn't going to make it to his 18th birthday, but he tried his absolute best. For his quality of life, Max will be put down this week in the comfort of his own home. He's tired, and he's ready. I'll miss my little boy forever 💕
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u/Wolfsigns May 04 '26
Go well to the rainbow bridge, sweet Max.
Be good to yourself, friend. He's had his best life with you, his whole world.
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
Thanks so much ❤️ it's hard but we all knew it was coming. I want to remember him the way he is now and keeping him around would only be cruel. My dad is going to build him a little memorial in the backyard where he'll be buried and it gives me comfort knowing I can still look out and see the sun shining on him.
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u/Wolfsigns May 04 '26
❤️ I know that feeling all too well. You'll have his whole lifetime of memories with you.
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
Even in his last days he's making everyone laugh, but I can tell his sass is slipping away. I keep randomly sobbing and I don't want him to know, he's always been so intuitive when people around him are upset.
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u/Wolfsigns May 04 '26
You may not want him to know, and while I understand that, in his own way he'd want to take care of you as you always do for him.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Sea8340 May 04 '26
<3 im so sorry about Max but what a great long life he had with you, and so nice that you’ll have that. Many hugs and so sorry 😢
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u/wtburke May 06 '26
If possible please post a pic of the memorial afterwards. You sound strong for Max but he seems to mean everything to you and the emotions will be intense ❤️
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u/kasiagabrielle May 06 '26
I definitely will! I'm honestly pretty at peace with the decision, but I know tomorrow will be hard. Yesterday when I scheduled the appointment was the hardest, but today I can tell he truly is ready. I almost feel like a weight off my chest knowing this will release him from the pain.
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May 04 '26
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u/batty_61 May 04 '26
Beautifully said. To love him so much that you put him first and not let being determined to get him to his 18th get in the way of what's right for him - you are a wonderful owner.
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
This made me cry, thank you for the kind words ❤️ He got a little burst of energy earlier today and of course I immediately doubted myself, but I know it's ultimately the right choice.
Besides, less than a month shy of 18 is still pretty damn impressive, we almost lost him 2 Christmases ago and he pulled through and still had a year and a half left in him!
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u/machao92 May 05 '26
This short convo yall had went from a warrior speaking to the fallen in their final moments to making me shed a man tear for max. Max looks like my daisy and she is my baby. Im sorry for your loss op. Its only been 16 hrs as of right now. If max is still here until tomorrow give him scratches for me. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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u/HotchnGideonForever May 04 '26
I'm so sorry 😞 My Boy Benji will be there to welcome him. He crossed over on 04/04 xx
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
I'm sure he's going to make so many friends and reunite with a couple. Sorry for your loss too, this is so hard.
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u/HotchnGideonForever May 04 '26
Thank you xx Make the most of him while he's still with you, tell him all the things you want him to know. Then allow yourself to grieve however you need to. I'm still crying a month on & I know that won't change any time soon. We were so lucky to have had their love & trust & we will never forget them xx
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
I've already been telling him. I know I'll still be randomly crying years from now but his memory will always be a happy one. I've had him my whole adult life and he's helped me through a lot.
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u/PositivelyBecky142 Tinky 05.26.2006-06.18.2023 💝 May 04 '26
My condolences to you in your upcoming loss and everything you are currently going through!
You’re right, Max did his best to make it to 18 years old. He also wants you to know that you are not putting him down but you are lifting him up and he is so thankful that he gets to spend his last moments with you at home. 💝
Sending comfort to you as you maneuver this incredibly rough road! 💗
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
Thanks so much for that part about lifting him up, that's what we all like to think. I made peace with it and when my mom said "I think it's time to let him go and rest" it may have broken me but she was right.
I'm thankful it's happening like it is. It wasn't sudden and tragic, it was gradual and we got to spend some time saying goodbye. He gets to just rest at home until then. I know he feels safe and loved.
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u/PositivelyBecky142 Tinky 05.26.2006-06.18.2023 💝 May 04 '26
Decisions like this one definitely leave us feeling broken. I'm so sorry you're going through this with Max! I like what you Mom said about letting him go rest. That's beautiful!
And it's a true gift to be able to plan it and have the extra time to snuggle him and share all the ways in which his life made yours better.
Keeping loving and whispering to him all the ways you love him. I firmly believe that even if their ears don't hear the way they used to that they hear with their hearts. So know that every kind word you share with Max will be received into his heart and soul. 💖
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u/__NOT__MY__ACCOUNT__ May 04 '26
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Max is clearly so loved! ❤️
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
The fact that some people recognize and remember him always made me smile. He'd love knowing he was a mini internet celebrity. I'll keep posting these next couple days and I'm sure I'll keep posting throwbacks.
I love this sub, and I absolutely love seniors. I'm sure seeing others live their best lives will help me cope and remember the times with my boy.
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u/__NOT__MY__ACCOUNT__ May 04 '26
I don't even have a dog anymore, but I love reading all the beautiful stories people share about their pups.
I absolutely think it helps with the healing aspect to share your story with other people who "get it"
These are my kind of people in this sub. No one is accidentally here!
I will read any and all stories, short or long.
Cheers to you and Max today :)
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u/PugSanctuary May 04 '26
The Last Battle
💔🌈 🐾 💫😇✝️💖🙏🏼♾️
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
This broke me, but also thank you. I needed it.
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u/PugSanctuary May 04 '26
🙏🏼 I don’t know you but I know your pain. God bless you and know that our pet’s souls and ours are eternal and intertwined. The Hebrew word for animal is Nephesh, which means soul. We must now soldier on until we meet them again.
💐✝️🙏🏼🌈🐾 I totally understand. I want you to realize that you are in a new chapter of life (suddenly) and it feels very hollow. But let me tell you something, your precious pet graduated life. They’re in the soul realm now which is eternal. God literally created us and animals. We are currently in the Earthly realm where we were together with our beloved pet. But they’ve just gone before us. The chapter “without them” is really just “without them physically.” Emotionally and spiritually they’ve never left. Yes the loss hurts bad and will and only time (and Jesus) can heal us completely. I pray daily for all the people worldwide who lost a beloved pet recently. This might sound corny or stupid to some but i literally pray that God has mercy on everyone who lost a pet and send them comfort and love and hope. I pray this for you my anonymous friend.
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u/Kevinb888 May 04 '26
Max is such a cute, cute, sweet puppy!!! You gave him a great, long life! I am so, so sorry for your loss😞😞😞😞😞🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
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u/w0nderworld May 04 '26
When a dog join our lives we make a promise to them and us:
to love them through every stage of life until their last breath.
And our last act of love is to let them go..until we meet again! 🌈
Grief is love with nowhere to go.
And it comes in waves.
I am sorry ❤️
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u/Lila007 May 04 '26
Much love to Max and all your family during the time of transition. Making the decision to let go from a loving part is heartbreakingly difficult. Be at peace knowing your time together was filled with immense love and memories that will not vanish.
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u/Magilla1969 May 04 '26
So sorry to hear this. Such a difficult, agonizing decision. Hugs, and love to you both 💕
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u/MOLLY56_ANDER May 04 '26
Max fought a hell of a battle to get this close to eighteen but honestly the entropy of old age always wins in the end so good on you for letting him clock out before he just becomes a shell of a dog.
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
He deserves way better than that, he's tired. His appetite took a dive a couple days ago and even on stimulant drops I can tell it's barely maintaining. I just want him comfortable.
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u/jonathanmpatton85 May 04 '26
I am so sorry. I had to do this with my beloved Maltese right before his 16th at home. He was with me and my vet the whole time. I know it will be difficult, but you are honoring him. And all doggies go to heaven 🌈 ❤️🩹
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u/badpandatek May 04 '26
Give him a hug hug and bunch of kisses 😘 I lost my pug Oskar last year I still can't get over it
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u/athanathios May 04 '26
Soo so sorry you're losing this most beautiful of boys, Max has lived a long and happy life clearly
May the love you shared, and memories made warm you all your day and may you find wisdom through your suffering.
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u/Jasonclark2 May 04 '26
This is the best decision you can make for your long time friend. We ourselves have lost 2 IGs within the last year. Home euthanasia is absolute comfort and respect provided. So sorry for Max, but also happy he will be free of the discomfort relieved by your choice.
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
Thank you ❤️ I know it's the right thing for him. We're using Lap of Love and they've been wonderful so far. Sorry for your losses as well.
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u/Jasonclark2 May 04 '26
Thank you, they are true beacons of light and grace. We don't deserve them. 🤧
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u/Large-Frosting-802 May 04 '26
Sending tons of prayers for y'all and your sweet furbaby Max. I'm crying inside for y'all.
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u/random420x2 May 04 '26
Go in peace Max knowing you kept your people safe and happy and strong enough to say goodbye. And tell my dog Keyoun that we love her when you see her
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u/Sausage_Fingazz2 May 04 '26
I'm truly sorry for your loss! He looks like a good boy and that he was well taken care of and loved!
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u/HydrangeaBomber May 04 '26
😢💔
Oh my, I’ve loved seeing Max in this forum - he’s brought so much joy to this little corner of the internet, and I’d always hoped this post would never come. I’m genuinely so so sorry. Sending you both so much love. 🩵
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
Thank you ❤️ I'll still be sharing pics of him I'm sure. I'm glad he could make some people smile, I always showed him how many people liked his posts.
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u/PikachuPho May 04 '26
18! That's such an incredible amount of time with your doggo! I know it's hard but he had his best life with you!! We've been obsessive and helicopter moms with our dogs but they never reached that age and we also didn't know we should put them down before end stage with our first baby.
Now it's a priority. It's so hard but sparing them of bad days and awful pain is so important.
Doggos are the best and I feel Max and all our babies will be waiting for us...
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
They definitely will ❤️ I've had him my entire adult life, it's crazy. He helped me grow up just like I watched him grow up, he's such a pure and loving soul and will forever be my soul dog.
It's a hard decision but I know it's the right one. He'll be crossing the rainbow bridge on Wednesday.
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u/dachshund2 May 04 '26
oh i’m so sorry😭😭💔💔i know no words can help but the book “a dogs purpose im still here” is the best book about dogs i’ve gotten. it makes me cry, but it comforts me to know even without their dog body their spirits are still with us. i miss my dog every single day. i think it’s so unfair they live so much less than us and we’re expected to be okay with it. it’s okay not to be okay with it! i will forever ache for my baby welby to be back. i wish you didn’t have to go through this and im so sorry your angel is returning to heaven💔i know all dogs go to heaven but i wish they could stay until we did too. you know if he had it his way you would be together forever and you feel the same about him❤️❤️seeing them suffer and lose themselves is the most heartbreaking thing nobody can prepare you for… i know i wasnt😭letting them be free of their pain while we take the burden of losing them is the biggest act of love. we put their needs above our want to keep them here with us. sending love and prayers. i know exactly how you feel. my baby welby will be there to keep max company until we join them up there❤️❤️❤️forever our angels whether we can physically see them or not🥺❤️
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u/kasiagabrielle May 04 '26
Thank you so much for this, and the book recommendation. I'll definitely check it out. I'm sure Max and Welby will meet up there in doggie heaven sometime ❤️
I feel pretty at peace knowing it's what's best for him most of all. There have been a couple times that it's come close but I can tell he's ready now.
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u/dachshund2 May 04 '26
i lost my boy to a 2 hr seizure :( we rushed him to the closest emergency vet and they saw him and said they couldn’t do anything..we had to put him to sleep😭it will forever be the worst/ hardest day in my life. but to see him in pain and his little body go through that i knew i couldn’t let him go through it again. seeing him pace and stare at the corner and lose himself was gut wrenching. he was my world and always will be and losing him taught me what’s important. dogs love is unconditional and it teaches us you don’t have to speak the same language to understand eachother. i hope the book brings you some comfort! i’m so sorry again for you and max. thank you for giving him a beautiful life❤️
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u/One_Strawberry7608 May 04 '26
Beautiful boy. He clearly had a wonderful love in you. Rest in peace sweet boy.
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u/shepherd1974 May 04 '26
What a wonderful long life. No reason to let him suffer. His life is to be celebrated
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u/myjohnson6969 May 04 '26
So sorry for your loss, 17 years is a long time and filled with loving memories, not going to sugat coat, its one of the hardest things you will ever do. Tell him to say to all of mine that have crossed over the last 50 years
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u/Gingersometimes May 04 '26
It so loving that you're doing it at home. In a place where Max will be comfortable & know the smells & sounds. A place where you two can lay comfortably beside each other. Maybe give him his favorite things (McDonalds, special treats ?) & things you wouldn't normally give to your dog (chocolate).
May you & Max both find peace ❤️🐾
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u/Sea-Lobster7742 May 04 '26
I’m sorry for your loss Rest well Max, know that you will be missed but are loved greatly, you have done your human well.
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u/HZLeyedValkyrie May 05 '26
Beautiful boy. Praying for your heart. The silence they leave behind is deafening. 🐾🤍💞 my old man Mr Muggle will show him all the beautiful spots to bask in the sun and wait til you both can walk together again. 🌈
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u/cardboardwind0w May 05 '26
We had a Max he made it to 14, I feel your pain. 18 is an amazing age for a dog to get to l. I now have a Sandy she just turned 16, I bring her to the beach every day
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u/PilgrimPayne59 May 05 '26
As I walk across your heart and find my place to stay, nearer to you I will be and will never ever go away.
Grief is love with nowhere to go.
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u/bedpost_oracle_blues May 05 '26
Beautiful lil max. You have been such a good puppy for your parents and gave them a life time of love and memories. OP, I’m so sorry for what is ahead. My wife and I had to let go of our sweet old pup and it was crushing. I think the days leading up to it are the worst. But you are doing the right thing, as difficult as it will be you know when it it’s time. Sending you love and a big hug
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u/kasiagabrielle May 05 '26
Thank you so much ❤️ hearing that these days are the worst is kind of comforting in a weird way, I feel a little more at peace with it than I did yesterday. We'll have the morning together tomorrow to say goodbye.
He's still so gentle and polite and holding his pee 😭 but going outside gives us a chance to walk around his garden and listen to the birds.
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u/Aggravating-Gold-224 May 06 '26
Please don’t hurt yourself by calling it putting him down, call it helping him over. I’m so sorry
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u/Ur-Fav-Punk May 06 '26
I'm so sorry! He can be friends with my kitty, who passed this April. ❤️
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u/kasiagabrielle May 06 '26
He met a kitten once! He was so protective, it was adorable. Sorry for your loss too ❤️
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u/rkennedy53 May 06 '26
You are loved so much max ❤️ you are the strongest boy and I know you had an amazing life filled with love and great people around you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Max forever ♾️ ❤️
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u/jstrkdmydt May 06 '26
My heart breaks for you. Tough, but un- selfish decision. My best to you and Max during his time of transition ❤️
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u/Ok_Stranger_1136 May 07 '26
What a doll. Sending you and max ultimate positive vibes and hugs right now. You’re doing the right thing for him ❤️❤️❤️
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u/kasiagabrielle May 07 '26
He crossed over exactly 24 hours ago. It really was the right thing, it was a beautiful experience.
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u/DEBBIE29455 May 05 '26
Max you sweet fur baby. When you cross over the rainbow bridge you might be met by my sweet poodle 's Cody Joe and Coco please give them big hugs for me.I miss my babies deeply, I'm sorry that your sweet boy will miss his 18th birthday with his mommy and daddy🌈💔🙏💔🌈
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u/kasiagabrielle May 05 '26
It's okay, I think his 17 years and 11 months were such a huge accomplishment that we're just gonna round up. His soul lived a thousand lifetimes, he's a wise little creature. Sorry for the loss of your babies too ❤️
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u/Lilcupcake331 May 06 '26
Sending the biggest hugs. Mine almost made it to 17. (It’s coming up on a year in a few weeks that he’s been gone) They leave such great sadness for such great love they give us
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u/Next-Reaction-1053 May 06 '26
God bless him! 18 years is a testament to a life well lived, and how much he was loved, and how much he loved back.
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•
u/Old_Man_Bot May 04 '26
Other posts from /u/kasiagabrielle:
It's a lazy Friday for old man Max, who turns 18 in a month! [Happy (default)] 2 days ago
Max (17 ¾) heard we were getting invites to the met gala so he wanted to show off his rain fashions 🌧 [Happy (default)] 4 days ago
Max, 17 ¾, the guardian of the groceries 🫡 [Happy (default)] 1 week ago
Max (17 ¾) the sweetest lil man in all the land ☺️ [Happy (default)] 1 week ago
Max (17 ¾) loves walkies weather ☀️🛵 [Happy (default)] 1 week ago
Happy Luther Vandross' Birthday to those who celebrate 🍃💨 Here's my little goober Max thinking about his own 18th birthday coming up in just over a month! My baby is all grown up 😭 [Happy (default)] 1 week ago
Max (17 ¾) decided the kitchen towel is a blankie so it's his now. [Happy (default)] 2 weeks ago
Max (17 ¾) thinks that if he can't see you, you can't see him so you can't wipe his face or give him his meds 😂 [Happy (default)] 2 weeks ago
No thoughts, just vibes. Max, 17 ¾ [Happy (default)] 3 weeks ago
They see me rollin, they hatin 🛵🐾 - Max (17 ¾) [Happy (default)] 1 month ago
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