Maui

Pet's Age
2

Location
Mt Ulla

Is your pet HSC Alum?
No

Tell us about your pet and why they should win!
Meet Maui.

About a year ago, a young mother witnessed something heartbreaking at a local park. A vehicle slowed down, opened its door, and threw a dog out before driving away. That dog was Maui.

At the time, Maui was severely neglected. He weighed only 54 pounds when he should have been closer to 80. His ribs showed through his skin, patches of fur were missing, and he had sores covering parts of his body. He was scared, unsure of people, and carried the emotional scars that come from being let down by humans.

The young woman who rescued him did everything she could, but as a single mom caring for a small child and an infant, she knew Maui needed more help than she could provide. She posted his story online.

I happened to see that post while on vacation. There was something in Maui's eyes that reached right through the screen. I knew he was the dog I had been searching for.

The first few months weren't easy. Maui wasn't house-trained and had some pretty terrible habits that came from fear and trust issues. The road to recovery wasn't always smooth, but Maui never gave up. With patience, love, and more treats than he'd probably like me to admit, he slowly learned what it means to be safe, wanted, and loved.

Today, Maui is almost unrecognizable from the dog we brought home. He has filled out, healed, and blossomed into a happy, goofy, loving member of our family. His personality shines brighter every day, and he reminds us constantly that second chances can change everything.

This July marks one year since Maui joined our family. The dog who was once discarded has become the heart of our home.

No matter what happens in this contest, Maui has already won. He's home.