Max the husky, awarded for saving owner’s life after hit-run, dies from mystery illness

A dog lauded for saving the life of his owner when she was seriously injured in a hit-and-run has died after a mystery illness.

Max the husky was awarded RSPCA Queensland’s prestigious Animal Hero Award in 2020 after he dragged David Symes to find his then-fiancee, now wife, Shaune as she lay bloodied and hurt about 200m from their Ipswich home in October 2019.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Max the husky awarded for his heroics.

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“He was covered in blood so I panicked straight away,” Symes said at the time.

“He pulled me along, like a typical sled dog, straight back to where she was lying.”

The family believe Shaune, who spent three months in hospital with a traumatic brain injury and other internal injuries causing long-term health problems, would have died if it were not for Max.

Max the husky was awarded for his heroics in 2020. Credit: RSPCA Queensland

This week, the couple revealed they found five-year-old Max “barely responsive” on November 8 and took him to the vet where it was discovered he was suffering liver and gall bladder issues.

He continued to deteriorate due to his “liver not functioning correctly” and antibiotic treatments were not working, the couple wrote on a GoFundMe started to help pay for his veterinary treatment.

They reported his death on Wednesday.

“As most people know, Max was more than just a pet to us,” Symes wrote.

Max died after a battle with a mysterious illness. Credit: Facebook

“He was our protector and a critical part of this family. A family which wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for his brave and heroic actions … which saved Shaune’s life.

“During Shaune’s long recovery back home, he was by her side constantly and provided her with the much-needed therapy and love to get her through those tough times.”

He said while Max was a “great family pet”, he will be “forever remembered” for his heroism.

Symes said it’s not known what caused Max’s illness despite vets “continuing to run a number of tests”.

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