Maya's New Accessory

Well, a lot has happened this month....

Can you guess?

Maya was spayed.

We surely missed her during her overnight stay. Funny how this four-legged creature has made such a difference in our house! I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to pick her up. I had lined the bottom of the van with blankets expecting her to be a tired, dopey pup. Well, was I wrong.. She came running towards me practically pulling the veterinary assistant. However, she was NOT happy when they put the cone on her.....

She wouldn't move... and let's just say her balance was off!

She's recuperated very well...

No more cone!

Our First Sleepover - Yeah!!

I have been a little technically challenged recently so I have lots of catching up to do. Last week, we had our first sleep over. It was a very exciting and fun time for us!! Nikki was thrilled to see Maya... She (Maya) was such a good girl. She slept in her crate.. Honestly, she slept better than I did. The next morning, after waiting to be released from the crate, she followed me into Nikki's room. I carried Nikki to the top of the stairs.. gave Maya the "wait" command and she did!! She waited until I got to the bottom of the stairs and called her down. She smothered Nikki with kisses. She definitely has a connection to Nikki. She sits patiently by her with no prompts. She even tries to rest her head in Nikki's hand.

Okay.. so for the part that I wasn't expecting... Obviously, Nikki's brother and sister are excited to get a "dog". They want to help.. some nay-sayers state that this will pass . However, I believe that Maya is starting to fill a gap that I didn't think was there. Nikki is involved in her siblings life (soccer, dance recitals, etc.). Actually, we've always considered ourselves a "typical" family. However, Maya now gives her siblings the chance to particpate in Nikki's life. They really want to help with training, walking, etc.

In just one day, she has made quite an impression on us!!

More Pictures

Maya is now with Judy. Both Judy and Sharon are her puppy-raisers. Or are they our puppy-raisers(?) Anyway, she's at Judy's right now. Judy shared these pictures. Looks like she is enjoying her new roommates.

We are looking forward to another visit in June. Her home-coming is some time mid-August(?) For now, I hope that you enjoy the pictures... I do. She is just so darn cute!! (and so are her new friends!)

Our Second Visit

Over the Memorial Day weekend, our puppy-raiser's Judy and Sharon graciously allowed us to visit Maya. We were amazed how big she had grown in just four weeks! She is such a sweet puppy. However, a little more adventerous then our first visit. We all learned a few lessons on that day even a few commands. I swear that dog training is more for the owners than for the dog!

Nikki had a very quick seizure that day. It was only a second or two. She was sitting on the floor visiting Maya and immediately "fell" backwards. Maya was sitting by her and started to lick her neck. Could this be a sign that she is already attentive to Nikki's needs(?)

Well, at worst, we have a beautiful fuzzy friend for Nikki! Everytime we talk about Maya, Nikki smiles! She may not be able to talk but I know that she understands who Maya is... Maya is not even here yet and she's already brought happiness to Nikki!!

Maya, Maya, Maya

Judy, one of Maya's "puppy raising families", shared these adorable pictures of her. She transitioned there on May 2. It looks like she is fitting in quite well.

Introducing - Maya!!

Yes, our dog is named Maya. Thanks to everyone that voted! We ended in a tie and decided on Maya.

The inspiration for her name, as suggested by a dear "comment", is Maya Angelou. There is a quote that I have tried to pattern my life by. I found it just after Nikki was diagnosed. She says "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." While the dog represents hope and love for Nikki, we felt that her name be just as special.

Currently, Maya is with her puppy raising family in New Jersey. We look forward to our next visit with her.