Vote for me!
Meet Maple! She is a one year-old English Cream colored Golden Retriever with a heart as golden as her coat. Maple is a sweet, gentle soul with a goofy streak and a passion for spreading joy. She was a rescue pup from an amazing organization, the Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue (GRCGLA).

Maple is blossoming into a calm, loving, and remarkably empathetic companion. She has earned her American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certification, proving her good manners, gentle temperament, and steady behavior in a wide variety of settings. But her story doesn’t stop there—Maple is currently working towards her therapy dog certification with Blue Line Dogs, a path that feels like a natural extension of who she is.

One of Maple’s most meaningful roles so far has been as a therapy dog trainee for the LAFD personnel that the Foundation supports. She is a bridge for the firefighters and civilian staff to access mental health and emotional wellness. Her sweet, calm demeanor brings joy to all that meet her, and she works hard to provide much needed tail wagging therapy. Maple helps open the door to deeper conversations around mental health and wellness in a profession where those discussions can be difficult to start.

When she isn’t going to “work” with her LAFD Battalion Chief Dad/handler, Maple loves spending time with her dog friends, playing chase, sharing toys, and showing off her favorite stuffed dinosaur, Gus. Gus is no ordinary toy—he’s Maple’s loyal sidekick and goes everywhere with her. Whether she’s pouncing around the yard, curled up for a nap, or visiting someone who needs a little cheer, you can bet Gus isn’t far behind.

At home, Maple is the queen of cuddles. She lives for belly rubs and has perfected the art of the dramatic flop—rolling over in the middle of a room with a hopeful look that’s impossible to resist. But her favorite moments are always the ones she shares with others—she thrives on connection, affection, and just being there for the people she loves.

We’re entering Maple in this contest because she embodies everything that makes dogs so extraordinary—resilience, empathy, joy, and the power to heal in ways we don’t always understand. Sometimes the greatest heroes don’t wear capes—they come with wagging tails, open hearts, and a stuffed dinosaur named Gus.


Owner:
Aaron & Monica