Regional Area: North West
Breed: Golden Retriever
Maia’s happiest when she’s making others happy.
The incomparable team of Maia and Theresa pay regular visits to Ronald McDonald House, the Great Gator Health Fest and the UF College of Medicine. They especially enjoy visiting Ronald McDonald House and the UF College of Medicine because they love bringing smiles to the faces of those going through stressful times.
Their favorite visit so far was to Ronald McDonald House where numerous families and children came by to see Maia. One little girl in particular stayed with Maia for almost the entire hour! Theresa showed her many of Maia’s tricks, including “nuzzle,” where Maia gives kisses on command. The little girl giggled with every kiss Maia gave, and Theresa reveled in the joy Maia’s kisses were bringing her.
When she’s “off duty,” Maia loves going for long walks, chasing lizards and squirrels, having play dates with her doggy friends and taking trips to the beach where she loves sniffing out and digging for seashells. She also loves to cuddle at all hours of the day. But what melts Theresa’s heart most is that when Maia gets the zoomies, she spins around in quick circles!
Although Maia once aspired to be a Service Dog, she didn’t succeed. But Theresa fostered her for several months of her training and ultimately adopted her, moving them from Ohio to Florida in 2023. Not surprisingly, they’ve been inseparable ever since.
Now Maia and Theresa look forward to expanding the number of facilities they visit and bringing happiness to even more adults and children in need.
Training/Certifications
Basic Manners
Tricks
Hearts of Gold Therapy Team
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