Maya came to us in October 2024. Ole, the founder of Tierseelen (Animal Souls), discovered her at an animal shelter during one of his trips to Romania – and fell in love with her immediately. Her warm eyes, her calm, friendly nature, and the slight reserve with which she approached people touched him deeply. But he also noticed the traces left by her past.

The prominent scar on her nose , which is also visible on the plush toy, most likely resulted from a burn. In Romania, there's a widespread superstition that branding is meant to ward off evil spirits and diseases – which is why many stray dogs bear this mark, sad as it is. The small scars on her body also tell the story of her struggle to survive on the streets.

Maya lived for a while on a farm with several other dogs and was in relatively good condition by Romanian standards. Her open, gentle nature likely ensured she received food or attention from time to time. She isn't a dog who pushes or barks – she simply looks at you calmly, warmly, and hopefully.

Today, Maya is an incredibly loving, people-oriented dog who greatly appreciates peace and quiet. Wild packs of dogs or hectic puppies are often too much for her; instead, she prefers the company of her loved ones. A particularly typical and incredibly sweet habit is her tendency to immediately roll onto her back as soon as she is petted – as if she were saying, " Please don't stop. " She enjoys routine, long petting sessions, and simply likes to arrive in a safe and secure home.

Her scars hardly matter anymore, because she has learned to trust again, and gives her big heart to everyone who treats her with love.