Maxine’s owner, Bryan Reisberg, shares how life with Maxine the Fluffy Corgi has inspired smarter pet wellness, from science-backed supplements to simple daily routines that keep her thriving.
What does a typical day in Maxine’s life look like?
Most days, Maxine’s with us at the Little Chonk office. She’s the boss: snacks, naps, and quality control. We started Little Chonk a few years back because I couldn’t find a safe, well-designed carrier for her. So, we built the Maxine One backpack, and now it’s been called the best dog backpack by Wired, Good Housekeeping, Cosmo, and The Dodo.
Right now, our energy is all in the new Little Chonk Health Department. Pet wellness has way too much noise and not enough science. You wouldn’t believe the lack of science inherent in the biggest and most popular supplements on the market. We’ve been working with top veterinary nutritionists and orthopedic specialists to build a joint supplement that actually works, backed by published research. Dogs deserve better than fancy packaging and empty promises.
Maxine’s day is snacks and snuggles, but she’s also the daily reminder of why we’re breaking our backs to make the pet health space smarter, sharper, and better for every dog out there.
How do you keep Maxine looking and feeling her best?
My No. 1 job besides running Little Chonk is keeping Maxine in top shape. She’s had arthritis since she was four, so for the last six years, I’ve basically been moonlighting as her personal trainer, nutritionist, and chauffeur. There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, and it’s gotten worse this past year, so we’ve been racing to bring our new supplements to market while also leaning on the classics: hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and weight management — the stuff that actually helps, not the gimmicks.
Day to day, it’s pretty simple: keep her happy, keep her stress low, and give her more pets than any dog has ever requested. When she’s tired? She doesn’t walk; she calls an Uber. The backpack comes out, and suddenly I’m a New York City rickshaw driver for a 9-year-old corgi with tiny arms. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
As a corgi, does Maxine have any special routines that might be different from other dogs?
Maxine’s routine is mostly normal (e.g., snacks, walks, naps), but she’s also a little bit famous. So, in between hanging at home, she’s out doing stuff most dogs don’t exactly have on their calendar, like throwing out the first pitch at a Mets game, meeting Ed Sheeran, or stopping by “LIVE with Kelly and Mark.” She gets recognized on the street like she’s Adam Sandler.
The thing is, she loves it. If she wasn’t into the attention, we wouldn’t do it. At the end of the day, her happiness runs the show. I’m just the guy holding the leash and the snacks.
What do you think is the most important thing to remember as a pet parent?
I think the most important thing to remember is that your dog doesn’t know how long they’re here for, but you do. They only know today, so it’s on us to make those todays as good as possible. That means more than just love and belly rubs; it means really paying attention to their health, because that’s what gives you more good days together.
With Maxine, I’ve learned that wellness isn’t about chasing some magic cure; it’s about stacking up little wins: good food, smart supplements, proven therapies, and less stress. Those things add up, and if you can do that consistently, you’re not just giving your dog a happier life, you’re giving yourself the peace of knowing you did right by them.
What do you think is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about wellness through being Maxine’s parent?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that wellness isn’t just about the body; it’s about the bond. Dogs are unbelievably tuned in to us. Maxine picks up on my stress, my energy, the things I don’t say out loud. Our pets perceive the world through us more than we realize.
That means our job isn’t only to feed them right or get them the right therapies; it’s to be their anchor, to be calm when they’re anxious, steady when they’re unsure, and a source of love they can always count on. When we show up like that, their whole sense of well-being shifts.
For me, wellness has become less about fixing problems and more about creating an environment where Maxine feels safe, happy, and cared for. That is the real work, and it’s also the biggest gift they give back to us.
