Name: Maybelline - 3.5 y/o approx.
Family Members: Mandy - Mom, Human siblings: Olivia & Simone (15 y/o twins, not pictured), Jillian (11 y/o), Cat sibling - Beautiful Gorgeous
How long has Maybelline been in the family? 2.5 years
Profession: Special Education Elementary Teacher
Location: Roswell, GA.
Nicknames: Maybe, Di-oo-gee (she is actually responding to us spelling her name - this may be an issue)
5 words that best describe Maybelline:
- Aggressively affectionate
- Smarter then the average toddler and my kids
- Trainwreck
- Loyal
- Best dog ever
What makes Maybelline unique? Maybelline has a fetish for toothbrushes and minty toothpaste. She counter surfs the bathroom to get to one that may have been left in her reach. We go through a lot of toothbrushes.
She also steals socks. Just one of a pair, never the pair. She will proudly carry it around to show people. She will not let it go.
She also wants to be with me all the time...EVERYWHERE! In the bathroom and when I am in the bath or shower, she will climb in if I don't shut her out.
Maybe having a blast chasing her ball in the river.
Rescue Story: I went to Fulton County Animal Services to find a dog that I could start exercising with as I had just gotten a divorce. I saw a different dog online and that was the one I wanted; however, when I arrived the dog was already adopted. I walked around and engaged with a few other dogs but there wasn't any connection or spark that felt right. The staff told me about a pit mix that they all loved and recommended that I at least take a look at her. I walked down to the pen and I knew without taking her out of the pen that she was supposed to be my dog. I can't tell you what the connection was but there wasn't any doubt - not about her breed or even if she would like my kids or my current English Bulldog, Mugsy. I just knew somehow she would fit in. Being responsible, I did bring the crew down to check her out. Everyone was fine. Mugsy ignored her (he ignores everything that isn't his bed or a snack) and Maybelline only wanted to play ball with the kids. True Love.
The day Mugsy passed in his sleep; Maybelline let me know because it was the only time when she wouldn't sit still. She kept looking at him and then at me. I knew what happened. It was very sudden. Mugsy was my boy and was with me throughout my marriage and divorce. Maybelline got me through a very difficult time.
Maybelline's freedom ride...heading home!
What is your favorite pastime as a family? We like road trips. Maybelline sits in the front next to me and we hold paws. Seriously. I have to hold her paw or she keeps smacking me with it until I do.
I like having Maybelline sit in the passenger seat as she doesn't complain about my music selection and I can ignore the comments from the back of the car.
What is life like since you rescued Maybelline? How people react to her is interesting. She has cropped ears (they were that way when I got her) and people whisper "Look at the Pitbull" when we are out sometimes. I don't see her like that at all. In fact, her body looks long to me and wonky, she is mixed with something else for sure.
She loves people, dogs and cats and while I understand some people are afraid of her and her breed; it makes me wonder why they think it's ok for their tiny dog to lunge at me and Maybelline when we walk by. I had a neighbor knock on my door and threaten to shoot her if she ever got loose (we have a fenced yard) even though Maybelline has never reacted or engaged with him. The good news is that I never saw him again.
I don't care what people think; Maybelline is the best thing that has happened to me and my family. She is loyal, smart and hilarious. I would rather spend time with her then most people. Maybelline is a once in a lifetime dog.
Photographers Note: This was a really fun shoot for me. First of all the location Mandy picked was beautiful. We met up at Jones Bridge Park right along the Chattahoochee River, a dogs playground for sure. The lighting with the leaves and the river, it ended up being a photographers playground as well. Maybelline was a riot. Such a joyful and friendly girl. Jillian had shared with me that they recently discovered this past summer that Maybelline loves the water and after some really close calls of her jumping in from the walk out structure that was over the river, Mandy decided to let her go ahead and take a dip. We walked over to the bank and then the fun really started. Maybelline had a blast and I loved being able to take photos of her romping in the water, with the sun twinkling off the surface. The best part, was seeing the bond that Maybelline has with her family, especially Mandy. You can just see the connection and the love there.