Maybel + Carla

How did Maybel come into your world?

I had not long before lost my Jack Russell of 17 and a half years, Maggie. I was at the Adelaide Royal Show with a girlfriend and aimlessly wandering through the dog pavilion looking at all the sweet faces on show. I stumbled across what, to the uneducated eye, looked like some tiny Dobermans in cages and I was captivated. I wrote down the breed name in my phone and carried on with my day. I got home that night and was still thinking out those sweet little English Toy Terriers I had met earlier in the day and thought I would give the breed a quick google. Turns out there was a breeder at Two Wells. I thought to myself "what's the harm in sending them a quick email?". Turns out she had one little girl left from the last litter who had not found a home as she was born with a severely kinked tail and no one wanted her. "whats the harm in going and and meeting her?" I thought. The minute I saw that sweet little face, silly gait, and nubby tail, I knew we would be best friends.

How would you describe her personality?

My sweet little gremlin. She's a mumma’s girl for sure, personal space does not exist with Maybel. Anxious with strangers but cheeky, playful, and affectionate with those she loves. Smarter than she wants you to believe, stubborn, thinks she's top dog regardless of her stature, small but mighty. I often joke that there is a special club with Maybel, you have to work hard to become a member, but once you're in, you're in, and she'll show you all of the unconditional love and give you plenty of cuddles.

If she could tell us all something about you, what would she say?

Anxious, emotionally needy, always with the cuddles, needs to stop blaming her farts on me. Wants everybody to think she's tough, but is really just a big sook. They say dogs are like their owners and vice verser, this couldn't be truer than with Maybel and I. 

What does she love to do the most?

Snacks, cuddles, sleeping and her people. She's pretty easy to keep happy. Sometimes loves a zoom, which might involve us running up and down the hallway together or us chasing each other around the backyard, but she's never had much stamina, and after little while, is curled up in a small ball on the couch again or under your feet in the kitchen hoping you might drop something. 

What's everyday life like with your girl by your side?

She's my little shadow. If I'm home, she's never more than half a meter away. Cooking, under my feet. Hanging out laundry, under my feet. Renovating the house, inevitably under my feet covered in dust or paint spatter. On the couch, curled up right next to me.

How has having Maybel changed your life?

She's my best friend. She's been the one constant in my life for eight and a half years. Multiple different houses, different jobs, different partners, different lifestyles, mental health challenges, general life challenges, Maybel has been there for it all. Her love is unconditional and ever present. She has bought me so much love and so much joy, I wish we could have forever together. 

Maybel was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia 5 months ago. An auto immune disease where the body attacks its own red blood cells. We have tried almost every treatment available and have been at the vet at least once a week, but usually twice a week since her diagnosis. Its been an expensive and anxious time, but she has given me so much in her lifetime, I would do it all again and again if it meant we got more time together. Sadly, it looks like our life together is going to get cut short and saying goodbye is going to break my heart into a million pieces. Treasure the time you have with your animals, I'd give anything for another year. The team, and especially Doctor Alana, at Torrens Road vet clinic have been incredible and really gone above and beyond. I will never forget their efforts, support and understanding during this truly terrible time. Dr Alana is in "the club" now, and that says something. Dani was kind enough drop everything and come and capture some memories of Maybel and I in our home. As tough as it was to have these photos taken, they have bought me comfort knowing that part of my girl can never be taken away from me now.

Now, go cuddle your dog please.