The Beautiful Miss Maizie

Jason and I attended Walk and Wag 2013, and after a kiss at the Pitbull Kissing Booth, I realized that I LOVE pitbulls. Since that event, we would go to the Humane Society of Huron Valley from time to time to see if we could find our “baby”. On June 24, 2013, our lives were forever changed. I was checking the HSHV Facebook page and came upon a photo of a small pitbull puppy named Cuddles!

I immediately showed the picture to Jason and he exclaimed, “let’s go see her!” We raced to the Humane Society. Cuddles was hanging out with the office staff when we arrived.  Anxiously awaiting our turn, I was thinking that every person had to be there to adopt Cuddles, how could you see her and not want to take her immediately home with you? It was evident the minute we got to spend time with Cuddles that she was perfect for us. Playful, sassy, and (true to her name) cuddly. We planned on picking her up the next morning. Lists were made, dog necessities were purchased, and dog training books were picked up from the library. The next day we arrived to pick up Cuddles.

Being that Jason grew up in Ann Arbor and I have two degrees from University of Michigan, Cuddles became Maizie. Tabitha, at the adoption desk, was instrumental in calming our fears as new dog owners and we left with hearts bursting with happiness.

We are passionate about raising a pitbull and helping to change perceptions about pitbulls. Every day we tell Maizie that she is an ambassador for her breed! Her kisses and wagging tail help showcase what a lovable pup she is. As an elementary teacher, I understand the significance of a “teachable moment”. Being out and about provide many of these moments as people stop to ask about Miss Maizie.  Typically conversations begin with, “What a gorgeous dog!” We are quick to point out that we adopted her from the Humane Society of Huron Valley and that she is a pitbull.

As Maizie gives her infamous kisses, we can explain how pitbulls are such a people oriented breed that they were determined good fighting dogs. We especially like to talk to children about Maizie and how affectionate she is! During these conversations we are able to debunk the many misconceptions people have about pitbulls. We feel so blessed that the Humane Society can help support the specific training needed with “bully” breeds. The PitPal group on Facebook provides a fantastic way to get questions and concerns answered. We have thoroughly enjoyed the teaching of Maizie (and us as dog parents) in both the Basic Manners and Circus Class.

Adopting Miss Maizie from HSHV was such a positive experience that we decided she needed sibling. In November we adopted Bleu. What a difference a year makes. We never thought a year ago that we would have not one, but two HSHV alumni dogs! Our experience at HSHV is always amazing. Maizie starts wagging her tail and pulling when we get into the parking lot. She fondly remembers how loved and taken care of she was while waiting for her forever family. We know she would be a great celebrity spokesdog for the 2014 Walk&Wag.