Maxwell Simmons

Maxwell “Maxi” Simmons of Fishers, Indiana, beloved 17-year-old Shih Tzu of Reggie and Michelle Simmons crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Monday, November 11, 2024. 

In 2007, the Simmons family was searching for a new addition to join their family. During their search, they came across two adorable male Shih Tzu puppies on “Petfinder.com” known as “Hershey” and "Milo,” who were born in Westfield, Indiana. These puppies were born on Sunday, January 14, 2007 and were the only puppies born in this litter. The family reached out to inquire about adopting both puppies; Milo found his forever home and was no longer available. The family made the decision to adopt the puppy known as "Hershey." Being the only puppy left, the owner began to have second thoughts about letting little Hershey go, contemplating keeping him for herself. With some encouragement from her husband, she decided it would be in the best interest of Hershey to let him go to a new home. Arrangements were made to pick this little puppy up at twelve weeks old, giving her more time with Hershey and allowing the Simmons family time to enjoy a vacation together for Spring Break. This sweet little boy joined the Simmons family and found his forever home. After adopting this little pup and discovering his personality, the family felt he was more of a “Maxwell” than a "Hershey." The Simmons family was happy to discover that at twelve weeks old, Maxwell was amazingly, nearly 90% potty trained, a wonderful gift provided by the previous owner. Maxwell, who was also lovingly known as "Maxi” and nicknamed “Maxi Poo Poo” by Michelle’s mother, was a very fun, sweet, and loyal boy. Maxwell had a calm and gentle demeanor and loved everyone. 

Maxwell really liked fluffy things. When he was younger, he always had some type of stuffed animal toy in his bed with him. One of his most favorite stuffed animals was a little white lamb. Michelle shared that he used to bite on it and play with it so much until one of the arms came loose. She found another one just like it and replaced it in the past couple of years, but he really didn’t play with it too much. It was always kept near him while he slept at night most of the time.

Maxwell loved taking walks in his younger days but became more of a homebody as he grew older. Michelle relayed that “Maxi decided to be adventurous one day and took it upon himself to go for a walk in the neighborhood! We were looking everywhere for him, and then all of a sudden, here he comes trotting around the corner on his way back from our community common area; we were so shocked and relieved!”

Maxwell absolutely loved his grooming sessions. He had a special bond with his groomer, Dixie, who he met with for over ten years. Dixie said that they would have long conversations with each other during their sessions. 

Maxwell liked going on car rides with his family; he didn’t care where they were going as long as he was there with them along for the ride. His family expressed their sadness that they did not get the opportunity to take him on a road trip to the beach and plan on scattering some of his ashes at the beach to honor his memory. 

Maxwell enjoyed his treats, especially cheerios, eggs, apples, and ice cream. He loved his little milk bones. In the last three years or so, his family started giving him hip and joint chews, and he even enjoyed those as well. Maxwell also had quite the sweet tooth. Michelle recalled a time when Maxwell was younger, he managed to open and eat her entire king-sized chocolate bar, stating, “Thankfully he was not harmed!”

The family shared one of their favorite memories of Maxwell: when they used to get in their family prayer circle at night. “ Maxi always came and got in the middle or would bark to be let in to make sure he was included.”

Although Maxwell loved all of his family so much, he was especially fond of Nia, she was his person, especially when he was younger. Maxwell was Nia’s shadow, and he followed her everywhere. Michelle shared that she has a video of Maxwell searching for her in her room of him patiently waiting outside the door while she was in the bathroom. 

From the very beginning of becoming a member of the Simmons family until nearing the end of his 17 years on this earth, with his family is where Maxwell always wanted to be. His favorite things in life were just getting pets, munching on his treats, and being loved on by his family. Michelle said that Maxwell was “a great dog.”

In addition to Reggie and Michelle, left to cherish Maxwell’s sweet memory are his human siblings, Jevon, Symone, Nia and Isaiah. Maxwell is preceded in death by his best fur friends, Anakin, Ms. Cielie, Stella and Swish, who were all waiting to greet him as he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Always & Furever In Our Hearts Pet Cremation in association with Liming Family Funeral Home, located in Shirley, Indiana. We are honored to serve the family of Maxwell “Maxi” Simmons.

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