Name/Age: Arya (after the Games of Thrones character), 5 y/o (best guess by shelter when she rescued me but we think she is younger than that )
Family Members: Roy & his mother (who joined the household shortly after she adopted me)
How long has Arya been in the family? 2.5 years
Profession: College Professor
Location: Lawrenceville, GA
Nicknames: HRM (Her Royal Majesty), Dyson (like the vacuum), Arrr (what her aunties call her)
5 words/phrases that best describe Arya?
Snuggly
Peaceful
People Loving
Happy
Loves Food
What makes Arya unique? She is gentle, particularly with older humans. She has bonded well since my mom became part of the household
Twisting & flying through the air!
Rescue Story: I wanted a pet but did not want to encourage puppy mill practices. I went with a coworker to the Gwinnett Animal shelter but she was not the dog I wanted. The dog I wanted had already been claimed about 20 minutes prior to my turn. I was feeling a bit discouraged and uncertain if I wanted to really go through with this. My coworker (now her auntie) asked me to wait in the front while she went and looked at the dogs and she found Arya. Her eyes and that look was everything. We went into a room and the rest is history – Arya adopted me!
Arya at the shelter using those eyes to win over her Auntie!
What is your favorite pastime as a family? Until the pandemic, we loved going in to the dog park every week for a playdate with her “cousins”, Mylo and Keany. But on a regular basis, dinner time as a family is the best time. We do have a vacuum but rarely use it as this girl does her duty in making sure the kitchen has no crumbs anywhere!
What is life like since you rescued Arya? Arya has been so kind and has taught me patience. She has also been my stress release after a hard day of work. There is nothing more moving than coming home and seeing her tail go a million miles an hour from being happy to see you! She also guards my mom (who is recovering from an injury) and follows her everywhere.
Social Media: Instagram: @aryatheboxerdog
Photographers Note: I met up with Roy & Arya at their favorite dog park which was completely empty. Which meant Arya had the whole place to herself and she didn’t waste any time. She started racing around looking for left balls, sticks, whatever to chase…..she was having a blast and most of my photos were a blur as she sped by me. I honestly don’t know how this pup is 5 years old, she is about as pupified as I have ever seen. Granted when asked to pose, she did calm right down & did as she was asked…such a sweet girl. Our photo shoot was only phase one, her cousins were coming for a play date and arrived just as we were finishing up. It was a good day for Arya!