BELPRE - It all began for the love of Max.

Sharon Davidson of Belpre said Max the family dog was nearly 18-years-old when it died.

"Max was mine and my husband's lifetime companion. Our friends just accepted the fact that if Sharon and Walter were coming over, Max would be there too. He did everything with us, he even went sailing with us," Davidson said. After Max died, Davidson's friend, Lyn Westbrook, as a tribute to her friend's beloved pet, started a memorial fund.

"I don't think anyone ever dreamed it would turn out to be such a big thing," Davidson said.

Originally the fund was used to pay for veterinary care for those who could not afford it. Then the project grew into a rescue effort for injured and stray animals. Davidson's efforts have saved more than 20 animals over the past four years and helped pay vet bills anonymously for some who couldn't afford it. After the loss of her husband and their beloved pet, Davidson said she needed direction and it came in the form of helping the animals.

"All of a sudden animals were showing up, we'd get calls about injured animals and I'd go pick them up," she said.

The group is not a 501c nonprofit corporation, so contributions are not tax deductible and therefore hard to come by. The fund does have an account at a local bank with two signatories. Davidson said the group began putting canisters in businesses to raise funds and awareness, then another friend happened along.

"A little over a year ago we took our cat Milo to the vet because he was acting strange. After bloodwork and tests we found he had kidney failure and we had to make the decision to have him put to sleep. The staff at Dr. Barrett's office was so kind and compassionate I wanted to do something to show my thanks. I saw a canister for the MAX Fund, so I asked about it. Being the animal lover that I am, I wanted to help in any way I could. My dog Maggie and my cat Taz are from the humane society as well as Milo. We also have a cat Butterscotch that came to us looking for a home. These animals are my kids and I know many people who feel the same way," said Terri Taylor, who contacted Davidson and volunteered to coordinate a fundraiser, all the money raised from the pet photo fundraiser, which is now in its second year, is given to the MAX Fund.

Davidson said she and friends were providing "foster homes" for unwanted, injured dogs, but now that she has a permanent rescue dog, and others are unable to take any more pets, she is in need of foster homes.

"That's the most important thing we need right now is foster homes to provide temporary care for pets that are rescued until they can be adopted," she said. Once she receives pets that need homes, she makes a poster and has been able to find good homes for most of the animals she's had. Although she says she doesn't take cats, she's had a couple of those as well.

"We've had neglected, abused, stray animals, some found starving or injured along the roadside," Davidson said.

Right now, the group has a treeing walker coonhound, nicknamed Rosie Too Nosey, who needs a home. Rosie can no longer be used as a hunting dog, but she's very lovable, Davidson said. "You can just see her soul in her face, she's beautiful now. She's between 18-24 months old, up to date on her shots and has been spayed. Everyone seems touched by her story, but no one will take her," Davidson said.

There was Annabelle, and Stinky, dogs with broken jaws, eyes swollen shut, abused, starving, injured, Davidson remembers all their stories.

"We've been able to find most of them wonderful homes. They change your life. They give you a great deal more than you ever give, they are so loving, it's all worth it," Davidson said.

For more information on the group or adopting a pet, call Renee Clegg at 740 629-1521 or Sharon at 304 588-8705.

The Second Annual PAWS with Claus for a Cause Pet Photos with Santa will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Belpre Volunteer Fire Department Bingo Hall on Stone Road, off Washington Boulevard. Children's photos are also available.

Photos are $10 and proceeds will benefit the MAX Fund.