Name: MARIA
M/F: Female
DoB: June 2020
Adult size: Medium
Admitted to PAWS: December 2022

Shoulder height: approx. 50 cm
Height to head: approx. 60 cm
Length: approx. 75 cm

We are not sure how long Maria was living on the street before she was finally caught and came to join us at PAWS.  One of our volunteers fed her every day and, after a while, realised that she was pregnant. She tried to catch her before the puppies were born, but to no avail. Maria was too scared (or wary) to allow this to happen.

She had her puppies in an outbuilding in the grounds of an abandoned house and went to the neighbouring hotel several times a day where the hotel guests would bring her food. She was relatively friendly with them and would accept food, but noise and fast movement saw her scuttle away to safety.  One of those guests contacted PAWS and we went out to try and catch her, but again, with no success.  She was watched over by a nearby security guard who warned people away. Anyway, long story short, our volunteer, with the help of a local rescuer (and the security guard!), managed to get the puppies first and then mum the next day.

When Maria came to us, she was very wary and would not come near us; she was also very protective of her puppies and watched us very closely when we touched them. As time passes, she is becoming much more confident and is beginning to trust us.  She enjoys being petted but is still on her guard.  She still has some way to go, but progress is evident.

Maria has that gentle, loving nature typical of her breed and we are sure that with a loving and understanding family who will give her the time, patience and space that she requires to build her confidence, she will blossom and learn to be with people in their home.