Q&A with Charleston Max, Pup Influencer

What's your goal as Charleston, South Carolina's Chief Happiness Officer?

It's simple. To make everyone smile. There's something about a dog wearing sunnies - it doesn't matter your age, race or gender, everyone just wants to stop and pet me or take the picture with me.

I noticed you do a lot of work to help folks who are in tough situations in life. What are some examples of when you've helped people?

We do a lot of outreach events with the less fortunate. We've used my Instagram to fund a bottle of water project for one of the local shelters for the summer. I had my birthday party at one of the shelters, giving away birthday hats and cake for everyone, and we have an annual pay-it- forward event during Christmas, where we provide people in need the money to take care of Christmas for their entire family.

Breakfast with Max is a fan favorite - what's your go-to breakfast and who's your breakfast buddy?

My go-to order is bacon and eggs or a bacon, egg and cheese croissant. I like to eat with my owner, Nic, who hates to cook. I wait patiently outside while he gets our food. Some of our regular spots are KUDU Coffee, the Bennett Hotel, John King and The Blind Tiger.

You have a reel about beating the summer heat - what's your favorite way to stay cool in the Charleston sun?

Nic and I regularly go out on a boat or paddleboard in front of our house.

What's your most embarrassing zoomie moment?

At the dog park at Ritter Park, I got the zoomies and fell running down the hill. I finally stopped rolling down the hill after about 15 yards, hopped right back up and acted like nothing ever happened. We've all been there, right?

If you could say one sentence to your human, what would it be?

Go HERD and can we get Tudor's Biscuit World while we are in town?

Do you like to chase anything?

I'll be 11 human years on Oct. 10, which is 77 in dog years. I love to chase a ball, but I've had to chill out a bit, so I don't get injured. Nic and I go on five- and six-mile walks all the time. I must admit I still chase some of the geese on the golf course. I'm pretty chill, so when I see squirrels, I don't chase them, and the mailman and I are bros - he gives me treats.

What's the best human snack you've stolen?

Nothing makes me drool quite like peanut butter. When I was a puppy, I stole a peanut butter and jelly sandwich right off the counter. I still think about that often.

Are cats your friend or foe?

I love cats, but Nic is allergic, so we don't have any or see them often.