Next stop, tack store! Unless of course Louis is attached to riding bareback. Take my word for it, it is not always as great as it's cracked up to be!
I don't think the guys should mention Taro to Max, let him find the newest member of the family on his own. Also, that makes Max the older brother now! All we need is a dog, maybe an assistance animal trained to do things like pick stuff up from the floor etc. I remember that was the hardest thing for Gram when she started using the chair, every time she tried to reach too far she fell out.
Great job showing how little things like a smart assed comment by someone on the ward can start weeds growing in the mind. Unfortunately there are foster parents out there like Max was told about. There are lots of trials ahead for all three, but I am sure abuse is never going to be part of the equation.