Our Story

It’s not about how fast you go, what matters is who walks with you. This is Max. These are our milestones…

In 2020, I suffered a vertebral artery dissection which caused multiple cerebellar strokes. My balance was significantly affected and there were many things I had to learn how to do all over again. My life changed forever but it wasn’t just mine.  At the same time, the entire world had come to a halt due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, I was met with limited rehabilitation options and for those familiar with stroke, it is critical to keep moving your body after such a life-altering event. A medical professional recommended a service dog to assist with my stroke rehabilitation and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  I founded Milestones with Max®️ to help as others have helped us along our recovery journey. We’ve had the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the best veterinarians, canine researchers, geneticists, groomers, trainers, behaviorists, coaches, breeders, service dog handlers, and many others at various levels of Doberman ownership. We are advocates for Doberman health and assistance animal education. At Milestones with Max® our mission is to provide education and encouragement to caregivers, survivors, and those rehabilitating from a life-changing medical event or diagnosis. We strive to be a reliable network of resources for those recovering from a medical event or diagnosis affecting mobility, those seeking a reputable trainer, or have questions for sourcing a quality working dog. It’s a place for those that have endured a life-altering event but still want to find ways to give their dogs a fulfilling life and help newly disabled owners with tips to train their pets on the new way of living around the home.

 Just keep moving,

Shayleen & Max