I have known Lee and Adri since we had the iPups — they live in the same town as me — and was so thrilled that we had the right puppy for their family in the Moonshadows. They send us this happy report about another puppy who is making a difference:
“Maple (first known as Portia) is ever the lover in our family. She openly displays a broad range of emotion, and is quick to come in for a reassuring touch, pet, or hug to make sure we are all still on good terms.
Maple spends the work days at the office with Adri (Professional Counselor) helping the individuals and families seen there with getting comfortable sharing their stories. The most incredible sessions to witness are those with kids, as Maple often stays very close and wants to be touching the kids playing in the office at all times. She is still a little nervous around some folks (mostly strange men she hasn’t met before) but she is adept at setting her own boundaries and retreating to her special corner of the office when she needs space.
Hopefully, after turning one, and helping her get a bit more used to startling noises, she can complete her therapy dog training with a certificate and start going to the primary school with Lee (school counselor) to share her love with the kids there. At home, Maple keeps our old lab (Flannel - 10 years) on her toes with regular wrestling matches, and “cleans up” the kids’ toys whenever they are left out too long. She loves getting out on hikes and runs or pretty much any activity we are all doing together. She’s a pretty attached (slightly codependent) canine!
Maple has many other notable qualities that make her lovably unique:
Strongest tail around, once sending a jar of salsa sailing off our coffee table across the room into our HEPA air filter.
Purrs like a kitten especially when hitting just the right spot for ear scratches.
Outstanding gross motor control as it relates to paw placement on lap when needing a hug (She regularly asks for hugs).
Fastest eater around, mastering most puzzle feeding bowls in under 45 seconds (likely a product of growing up with 10+10).
We all love Maple as much as she loves us, and we are so grateful for the trust and opportunity Mary-Ann gave us to bring a Kaibab Berner into our family. Wishing all the Bright Star cousins and Moonshadow siblings a great birthday!”
Thank you Lee, Adri, and boys! Capella hopes we can have a playdate soon — and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAPLE!