In Loving Memory Of Maya
Some dogs are lucky enough to find a loving home once. Maya was fortunate enough to find a truly special one.
Carolyn has been a longtime supporter of California GSP Rescue and a devoted adopter of senior dogs. After losing her beloved Gretchen, she opened her heart and home once again, welcoming Maya at 10 years old in 2020.
We recently received the heartbreaking news that Maya passed away at the age of 16.
Six years of being loved, cherished, cared for, and truly part of a family.
We are so grateful to Carolyn for always seeing the beauty in an older dog and for continuing to open her heart to seniors who so often need someone willing to look beyond their age. Maya's story is a beautiful reminder that adopting a senior doesn't mean you have less time together—it means making the time you do have incredibly meaningful.
Maya was given something every dog deserves: a home where she was loved.
Thank you, Carolyn, for giving Maya six wonderful years and for showing her what it means to be cherished.
“Maya passed away in May. It's been difficult to come up with something to write about her. She didn't have much in the way of adventures, and she had no particular talents or endearing quirks. She was simply a dog who lived to love and be loved, and it isn't easy to expand upon that!
She came to me in January, 2020 after Gretchen (also a Rescue alumna) died. The first thing I said when Greg brought her over for a "meet and greet" with me and my geriatric Dooley was "Oh, she's so pretty!" I hadn't even seen a picture! As it turned out she was my "pandemic puppy" and she settled in easily.
She was never really fond of meeting other dogs, but Dooley was certainly no threat and in time she learned that there were three kinds of dogs: the ones walking down the sidewalk, which she was supposed to bark furiously at; those being walked across the street when we were out, which she watched suspiciously; and those Mom brought home, who she had to accept.
When Chicot (another alumnus!) arrived after Dooley, she gave me a few weeks of reproachful stares but then they began to play and were good buddies. She later lived in peaceful coexistence with Polly (yet another alumna!) although she was never really thrilled about her.
She didn't go on hikes or to the beach; the occasional stroll along a nature trail in the mountains was all the excitement she got. I would sometimes take her when I went out for coffee, but although she loved everyone, she was never really relaxed. She was just a homebody. As long as Mom was around, she was happy. She'd go outside to bask in the sun for a while and conduct a yard patrol, but she was happiest just snoozing across the room from me. And as I'm retired, I was able to meet her requirements with ease!
She adored children, and when we were out or on a walk, she was always available to be petted and would gently nudge a baby with her nose; even the shyest child was soon rubbing her ears and saying "Doggie! Nice doggie!" She was a great kisser--you put your face near her at your peril! But she wasn't pushy--sometimes I would see her sitting across the room just looking at me, and I would say "Maya want a hug?" and then she would come over for some love.
She had just turned sixteen when she came to the end of the road. She had lived a long life and I believe she was always loved, so there was really nothing to regret. But Mighty Maya is deeply missed.
Carolyn”
