Maya Turned Four

 

Hard to believe we've had Maya for four years now. I remember when we were "just looking" for a dog and my husband came across the breed via his cousin who recently got one for his brother. The hubs was infatuated. I on the other hand was concerned as I'm allergic to just about everything. Well, that concern went right out the window. 

I was at work that day and knew I'd be coming home to a little cutie pie. Tyler called me to tell me he was on his way to meet the breeder to pick up our little bundle and I just couldn't stand it. I was so looking forward to us starting our own family, even if our first baby stayed on four legs and had fur. For me this said a lot about the man that I was going be spending my life with. It's a simple philosophy, that if a human being can be kind to an animal that is trusting us to care, love, and watch over it; then that person can do the same for another. May sound silly but getting Maya and going through the ups and downs of crate training, potty training, and whatever daily frustrations really told me a lot about my hubs. 

Well 4pm rolled around and I rushed out the building after announcing to my closest friends that I was going home to a new bundle of puppy fuzz. I drove like a speed demon and pulled into our parking lot, flung open our apartment door and searched the ground for a little ball of tuft. It wasn't until I looked up on our couch, nestled in a tiny ball, was our perfect little fur baby. Maya initially was very shy and my husband warned me about putting her on the ground as she had already had a tendency to go behind the speakers to hide from us. This was all very new and to come to a new place with no familiar smells was very intimidating. It was no surprise that she was attached to my husband as he was the one who picked her up and spent the first few hours with her. I was a complete stranger, and instantly when she shied away from me, I told my husband that she didn't like me. He just laughed. So, I gently picked her up and snuggled her.....NOW, don't lie to yourself that when you pick up a puppy, you automatically coo over it as if it were a human baby. I awed over Maya as if holding my own child for the first time. Those striking blue eyes looking up at me and that sweet puppy breath - the only time dog's breath is ok - scent in the air. All the kisses! Oh she was beyond perfect! 

One of our favorite pictures with Maya. This really shows how little she was.

 As Maya grew, I took pride in capturing her moments as any pet parent might do. We took her everywhere. Whether is was to show her off or just socialize her. She was by our side.

We instantly knew Maya was full of personality.

We often found her in places that belonged to us humans.

But it didn't take long for us to wear her out.

It obviously took awhile for her to grow into her ears.

Oh those eyes.

Peek-a-boo

Always a happy girl, with a big smile.

It wasn't until we figured Maya needed companionship that we thought about getting another dog. We tried having a yorkie-poo named Marcel but that didn't work out so well because of the size difference. So we had to find Marcel a home that she would be loved and played with constantly. 

After reaching out to our breeder, we found out they were on their last litter with Maya's parents. Altho, the litter wouldn't be due until Jan of 2013. We hoped and prayed and out of the two litters that were born, we were blessed to get the only girl from Maya's parents. We named her Piper and Maya took to her immediately. The dynamic duo. 

Our ride home from picking up Piper June.

A little sniff to make sure you're real.

Follow my lead and I'll protect you.

A little play time with the two girls. Maya's expression basically shows how thrilled she was to have a little sister.

Hush, baby, no crying.

Maya was still considered a 'puppy' due to her age. Two pups, two times the trouble.

Maya was patient with Piper in the toy department. We awed over Piper June.

But we never stopped loving our Maya Jean.

Even when she slept in places she shouldn't be.

She made the perfect photography subject and added to our Christmas greeting.

Maya supporting her sister Piper at the 2014 Mutt-a-thon Walk.

Once a snow pup, always a snow pup.

As a mom, I struggled daily to tell her 'no'. Even when she gave me this face.

Maya is all about the high fives.

 Some may see just a dog, but I see personality, soul, and spunk. Just like the movie, I truly believe that all dogs go to heaven in due time. For now, we're going to love every minute we have with our sweet girl.

Maya & Piper's dad

Maya & Piper's mom

(L to R) Piper & Maya

  So as Maya turned four over the weekend, I recalled all the lovely moments we've had with her and hope to have many more. We love you Maya Jean Schmidt. 

Love,

Mommy, Dad, and Piper June