Maya is really GREAT!!!

It's been a week and a half since I've adopted Maya, and she's been great!! I named her before I met her. I created this page anticipating her. I had no idea I would get another dog so soon, but it was to quiet in the house. I also missed looking at that Rottie face every morning. Sade greeted me each day with the loudest bark from the bottom of the step. Maya greets me at my bedside either playing with toys, barking, whining or face and front paws on the bed. I think two months ago I would have hated the last the most, but I love to see her smiling directly in my face as I wake in the morning. Losing Sade has taught me to treasure each day with Maya even more then I did with Sade.
That's why when she started to live up to her name I wasn't to surprised. She hasn't had an accident in my house or crate since I've adopted her. She hasn't been aggressive one bit. She's been a very affectionate dog that looks for reassurance that she will stay here each day. Someone loved her enough to house train and crate her. The first person that adopted her couldn't keep her cause they were moving. They left a Great dog - Maya the Great for me to spoil!!
We are almost done with her antibiotics. She has kennel cough. I didn't know she could get it from stress. When we returned to the shelter for her Heartworm test she was very upset. I think seeing that place for a third time wasn't the best thing for her. She started to cough Tuesday and it progressed into a deeper cough throughout the week. Saturday was her first visit to Al-Lynn Animal Hospital and everyone loved her. The vet tech got a lot of attention. Maya loves gloves. She said that Maya probably received a lot of attention from people with gloves at the shelter. She is always trying to carry my cleaning gloves around.
Maya the Great is living up to her name. So glad I picked her or she picked me. Either way she's one perfect dog that weighs 85 pounds at 2 years old.

No Heartworms - Play date with Big Bro Ace

Today my fears were laid to rest. I've been worried since Saturday that Maya would have Heartworms. What would I do? I was glad the shelter would pay for treatment if she had it. As long as they did the blood work. So, we headed back to Millersville, MD bright and early this morning. I said several prayers during that 60 minute ride.
When were arrived everyone had questions about Maya. How was she doing, was she crate trained, and was she housebroke? I told them she was the best surprise. She was doing great in all areas. No accidents so far. She had one chew incident, but that was easily corrected. She waited patiently in the lobby and received more praise. When the vet came out they did the blood work, and Maya gave her and the tech plenty of kisses. We waited about 10 minutes and heard that magic word NEGATIVE!!!
Once we left the shelter I took Maya to spend the day with my parents and their dog Ace. Ace is still trying to get use to Maya. I think he still wonders where Sade is. I also wonder if Maya has too much energy for him as he use to have for Sade. It's really cute to see them interact. Ace looked out for her most of the day.
When I got to the house I was so glad to see them both. They both wanted ALL of my attention.
Maya had a great day. She is currently knocked out and probably preparing herself for a long walk in the morning. I better get some rest to hang with her and all her energy tomorrow.

We made it thru Our First Night!!

We made it!!! Maya slept most of the night next to my bed. She woke me a few times digging at her skin. She had fleas when she arrived at the shelter and continues to have dry skin. It may be from the shampoo they used or the flea treatment. Either way I'm giving her an oatmeal bath after we come from Church. My mom suggested ointment to sooth it, and I believe it helped. However, a bath will make her feel much better.
She can be a barker, but she prefers to jump on the bed to let you know she has to go out. She started the night out on her very own pillow, but I found she pushed it out of the way and pushed her body close to the bed. I could feel her licking my back a few times last night. I guess she was saying thank you for adopting me. Lol.
We went for a walk early this morning. She is walking much better on a leash today then yesterday. She loves to growl at her toys. Seems she would rather play alone then with me. She appears very independent.
I'm enjoying getting to know her and her little personality!

Meet Maya!!!

I woke up today knowing it was time to meet Maya!! My search for a new dog has been one with mixed emotions. Should I adopt from a shelter, get a puppy or purchase a dog from someone who could not keep their dog?
Well, the idea of a puppy was fun. Raise her from a pup as I raised Sade, and spend as much time as possible with her. I was willing to do that, but the breeder informed me his dog wasn't pregnant. I kept looking for a dog in a shelter. I always thought that was the right thing to do. Give a homeless dog a forever home. I searched all over Maryland, DC and Virginia. My finally option would be from a stranger. I will just say that didn't workout.
So, I called the Anne Arundel shelter this morning to see if Kemma was still available. I saw her on petfinder.com the day before and told Vernon (my boyfriend) I thought she was cute. When I called they told me Rotties go quick, and I should come on down as soon as possible.
So, I picked up my road dog (my mom) and we were on our way. When we arrived I just knew I wasn't leaving without her. I had packed my leash and collar in the trunk; just in case. I spoke with the wonderful ladies at the counter and they told me Kemma was still available. They also suggested Sadie. Once I filled out the adoption application they allowed me to meet Kemma. Immediately I felt a bond. She jumped up to greet me. The volunteer said she showed her several times today and she didn't do that with anyone. I thought this must be a sign.
I immediately asked if she could go home today, and she said she was pretty sure she could. As I went to get her new leash and collar from the car they were suppose to go back inside, and Kemma was suppose to go back to her crate. She wasn't having it. She waited for me in the hall until I returned. She seemed to be just as stubborn as Sade. I love a Rotties personality. They truly are good dogs, but they have a mind of their own. Especially young Rottweilers.
So, we filled out the paperwork, and the lady tells me her adoption fee is $0. I was so excited to hear this I didn't know what to do. They handed over Kemma; which I offically changed to Maya during the adoption process. She used the bathroom and jumped right into my truck.
We were headed to my parents house for her to meet her big brother. She barked and made a few noises in the car showing she didn't like being in the hatch faraway from us. When we arrived to my parents house and she met Ace they seemed to hit it off perfectly. They did the typical checking one another out and then it was great from there. She loves my dad. It was nice to see their bond.
Maya and Ace then  rode together to Pet Smart to get her new supplies. Everyone spoke to her, and she loved the attention and treats. Once we were home she seemed to fit right in. She is currently sleeping next to my bed on one of Sade's old beds. She doesn't seem to be a dog that wants a lot of attention. She appears to be very laid back when she is solo. She reminds me so much of my Sade.
I know she will never replace my Sade, but my heart feels warm and full again where the emptiness set in after losing Sade. I know I have some work ahead of me. Maya will be 2 July 26th, and she still has commands to learn. Not sure how potty trained she is, but we will soon find out.
I hope to share my journey with everyone. I am super excited to finally have my new doggy, and I am so glad I saved her from a shelter. Please join me on this journey as I promise to share the good, the bad and hopefully not the ugly.

One Month since I lost My Sade

Today marks one month since I lost my beloved Sade. I had Sade almost 10 years when she past. Sade was born September 1, 2003 and she was euthanized June 1, 2013 with my mom and I by her side. She was the only girl born with 2 brothers. She had the best personality from the start, and I always felt she knew just what I was saying to her. She was the perfect dog for me. She didn't like the #1 or #2 on her so she was very easy to train. This was perfect for someone who hates the smell of poo and doesn't like cleaning it up. She loved to play with my parent's dog Ace, and I loved spending time with her. She was the one to greet me when I came home for the past 9 years and 9 months. She was my company, my protection and my push thru the hardest times. When a dog looks at you and loves you thru anything they become your best friend. Now this best friend never lives long enough, but the place they find in our hearts will last for an eternity.

Sade had Cancer and I didn't want to face the signs that were there. She stopped eating, walking and wanting to play. Although Sade was an older dog she still had her puppy ways. I think most Rottweilers always will. She was great and I truly miss her.

I wanted to start this blog, because I wanted to track my journey to getting a new dog, raising it and enjoying her just as much as I enjoyed Sade. I know Maya will never take her place, but she will fill some of the emptiness I feel each and everyday I go home.

This first post is dedicated to Sade. The best dog I ever had. The dog I would do anything for including trying to carry all 140 pounds of her the last few months she was here on this earth. Feeding her by hand and buying costly medication for her just to keep her here as long as possible. In the end I knew letting  her go was the best thing for her.

Sade now rest at the bottom of my step in an Urn on my table. She loved to sit at the bottom of the steps watching all doors and making sure anyone who came in the house would have to cross her before they got to me. She earned that place that we would frequently fight over. I didn't want her on the steps since she was having problems with her knees. She didn't want to be to far away from me. Her Urn has a poem that reads 'If Love Could Have Saved You, You Would Have Lived Forever'. I honestly believe that. Not having kids or a spouse I spent a lot of time with Sade and a lot of money!!! LOL She was a good dog. I love her very much, and I can't wait to start my new journey with Maya the Great!!! I don't know if any dog could be as spoiled as my 140 baby that ate cooked string beans almost every night, watermelon in the summer, french fries when I cheated on yet another diet and pizza crust when I didn't feel like cooking. She will forever be in my heart, and I will never forget her.