“I am Maryse. Most people barely notice I am here. I sit in my small circle of quiet sun and watch you approach patiently, silently. Most people barely notice I am here, discreet with my intelligent copper eyes, but there you are, you are turning towards me, I observe as you come closer and- you actually see me? Okay, I am Maryse, let me tell you a little bit more about me.

Yes, I am shy. Don’t take it personally; it took two days before I started wagging my tail at my foster parents. It took three days before I started climbing on their laps, sitting on their belly, sleeping against their thighs. After four days, I was a little bit in love with them, and they were extremely enamored with me.

I think what did it for them was my smart, soft demeanor: I am not vocal even when I play. I am very polite, with a sturdy body cushioned by my past pregnancy, so polite that sometimes I forget to ask for the door when I need to pee. At first, I was scared I would get punished for these little accidents, but my foster mother and father were kind and patient with me, which is truly what I need- gentle guidance. Gentle guidance… and persistence.

I will admit I am a bit headstrong, especially when I’m scared or upset, which usually happens when loud noises startle me. I believe this is part of the charm that makes me, me! For example, if you want to give me a bath, you might have to pick me up to put me in the shower, or lure me with pumpkin treats- if I don’t see the point of doing something, you and I will have to make a deal. I am smart that way.

I am truly easy to live with. I love spending time with my humans on long walks and I make a point of proving it by walking besides them without pulling. Most things I accept calmly, placidly, or happily, like kisses in the soft spot between my eyes or tingly back rubs. Once I got used to my foster parents, I started climbing on them nearly every chance I got. I am convinced I am tiny, minuscule, really, and I will press my paws into your stomach and push my nose against your neck, and also bump you with my hard little head if you let me share your couch. I will sit in the hollow between your crossed legs and request pets, tranquilly and purposefully.

Oh, and I like to chew on things. More specifically, I love to nibble. I love to nibble on fabric quite precisely. If I get restless or I have some leftover energy, I might nibble at your sleeve here and there to get your attention. I enjoy nibbling on tug-of-war ropes with my little front teeth. I nibble at my doggy friend’s hind legs when we play, which is often (and we play very well, might I had! I love chasing him across a field and dodging his quick jabs when I annoy him enough into running after me). Sometimes I nibble at my temporary humans’ chins. If you make me feel safe and comfortable and we get to spend enough time together every day, I will not even eat the flip flops and orphan socks you leave lying around! But I might still nibble at your face tenderly…

So, I am Maryse. This is me. Are you still watching? Understand me, see me and be kind to me- I will give you my heart. P.S: I sneeze when I’m feeling strong happy feelings!” – xo, Maryse