A Bond Beyond Words: How Hot Cares is Supporting Joey and Max

At Hot Cares, we are continually inspired by the incredible stories of resilience and love that come from our community. Recently, we were alerted to the heartwarming yet challenging situation of 11-year-old Joey and his beloved dog, Max. Through the generosity of our Hot Listeners, we connected with Chana, a close family friend, to learn more about their story and how we could help. 

Joey was born with autonomic dysfunction, a condition that affects his nerves and disrupts communication between his brain and body, leading to a host of health challenges. Throughout his young life, he has faced countless hospital visits, surgeries, and procedures, including the need for daily catheterization due to his condition. Despite these challenges, Joey’s bright spirit shines through, especially in the bond he shares with Max, their rescue dog. 

Max, a four-year-old Labrador mix, has become more than just a pet; he is Joey’s protector and best friend. Recently, the family discovered that Max has been alerting them to Joey’s health issues, including fevers, infections, and other concerns that Joey himself may not recognize due to his condition. This unique bond highlights the special relationship between Joey and Max—more like brothers than dog and owner. 

However, the family faces a significant hurdle: the cost of professional training for Max to become a certified medical alert dog. Without this training, Max’s ability to support Joey is limited. As Joey’s birthday approaches on December 6th, his mother Alison has even requested donations for Max’s training instead of traditional gifts, showing the deep love and dedication they have for each other. 

Understanding the importance of this bond, Hot Cares was moved to help. We are covering the costs of Max’s training to ensure he can effectively alert the family to Joey’s health needs. Additionally, we will provide Max’s dog food for the next 12 months, ensuring he stays healthy and strong. To make Joey’s birthday memorable, we will also cover the cost of his birthday party and provide him with a R2,000 voucher for the PlayStation online store, allowing him to choose games that bring him joy.  

At Hot Cares, we believe in the power of community and the extraordinary bonds that can form between humans and animals. We are proud to support Joey and Max as they continue their journey together, and we are grateful to our listeners for helping make this possible. Together, we can bring hope, happiness, and healing to those who need it most.