Adopt

My name is LIL' MAX!

Posted 16 hours ago

My basic info

Breed
American Pit Bull Terrier
Color
White
Age
Young
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID
22114631-A069472

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Lil' Max is a young dog who enjoys playing with humans and dogs and sometimes toys; he enjoys exploring good smells as well and those can distract him from toys. Lil' Max can be timid when meeting new people but warms up quickly given calm quiet moments to get to know them.

OTHER PETS: Lil' Max is playful with other dogs and takes feedback and communication well. He would likely get along with most dog-friendly dogs; Max's best fit would be with a tolerant, well socialized dog who isn't interested in escalating a tense moment. As with all our dogs, Lil' Max should meet any dogs he would be living with prior to adoption. [Likely (With proper introduction)]

OWNER EXPERIENCE: Someone who has owned a dog before, and experience with positive reinforcement, would be more prepared for a puppy (and the challenges that come with them) than a first time guardian.
[Some Experience]

KIDS: Lil' Max has not exhibited resource guarding while at TJO, and is comfortable with most handling. He is social and enjoys playing with humans, but is a puppy and still learning how to appropriately play with humans. Max is also still a growing dog and may eventually be large or strong enough to accidently injure a small human while playing. [10+ / Dog Savvy (Must Meet First)]

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Lil' Max is a curious puppy who loves exploring the world around him and playfully interacting with humans. He will play with toys if there isn't an enticing smell catching his attention. We expect Max to grow into a medium sized dog but we may be wrong! Utilizing a combination of mental enrichment such food puzzles & games, and regular, age appropriate exercise will keep Lil' Max engaged while meeting his needs. [Good Walking Buddy]

VETERINARY CARE: [Routine]

LEVEL OF TRAINING NEEDED: Positive reinforcement training will help Lil' Max bond with his new owner, build confidence, and learn skills and some fun tricks. Ongoing learning and happy experiences will help him enjoy adventures with his guardians. [Moderate]

GROOMING: [Minimal]December 10, 2025, 9:52 am
Shelter

Contact info

Pet ID
22114631-A069472
Contact
Address
627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA 01104

Their adoption process

Additional adoption info

Our shelter operates on a walk-in, first come, first served basis. The first step is to fill out an adoption application, answering some basic questions about yourself and your household. This will help the Animal Welfare Specialists facilitate the matchmaking process. Most adoptions take at least 45 minutes to one hour to complete. The Adoption Center is a busy place, so please be patient and allow yourself enough time for our process. THANK YOU!

What we will need to know when you adopt a new companion:

Other pets already living with you will need to be up-to-date on vaccination. This is to decrease the risk of spreading infectious disease from one animal to another.

It is important to understand that your new companion will be a member of your family. This can mean a
10-15 year commitment from you! Please bring along family members so we can make sure it will be a good match before you make a commitment. Also, if adopting a second dog, please bring your current dog with you---we can let them spend some time together and give you some suggestions on surviving the adjustment period.

Please be sure you have considered the financial obligation involved in caring for a companion animal. This includes routine veterinary and emergency care, in addition to food, supplies and training. The adoption counselors can give you an idea of basic costs involved for each type of animal.

Many animals adopted from shelters can require an immediate visit to the veterinarian. Because of the volume of un-vaccinated animals entering a shelter’s care, the risk of transmissible contagious diseases can be quite high. Kennel cough in dogs, and upper respiratory infections in cats are the two most common diseases that your newly adopted companion may experience. You must ask yourself if you have the financial means to care for your new friend, beyond the initial adoption costs.

BEFORE YOU COMMIT: Please be honest with yourself about the actual time you have to train, groom, and exercise the companion animal you have chosen. Some things to consider: Do you work long or erratic hours? Do you like outdoor activity? Who will care for your pet while you travel? Will your pet be the appropriate size when he or she is full grown? When adopting into a home with children: Are you adopting to teach your child responsibility, or are your adopting because you have a responsible child? Are your children comfortable around the animal you’ve chosen? Will YOU still remain committed to this animal when the children lose interest? Take the time now to consider these things and find the best match for your lifestyle!

We thank your for offering your home to a “pre-loved” companion. We hope he or she will be a wonderful addition to your family and your home!

Go meet their pets

Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Thursdays 2:00 PM- 7: 00 PM
Closed Wednesdays, Sundays and holidays

More about this shelter

The Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center provides comprehensive animal control services and programs to our communities for the protection of animals, public health and safety, and the environment.

The Thomas J. O’Connor facility believes in providing a second chance to animals that are not reclaimed by an owner. Our center has a full-service adoption service, a service rarely offered through municipal animal control programs. TJO has an in-house veterinarian four days per week, responsible for shelter animal wellness and sterilization surgery. Adoptable animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and screened for other health concerns. Each animal is then placed into the adoption area to await a new home. Every animal is microchipped at the time of adoption.

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