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Jack and Maya
Lancaster County, PA the epicenter of puppy mills now finds its name is in the news for a more noble purpose. Jack is a terrier mix who in 2004 was abandoned in a dumpster. He was found and brought to the Humane League of Lancaster County. The old adage 'timing is everything' really held true because at the same time the Pieter's family was looking for a dog for their daughter, Maya.
Maya is quite special, too. She is a beautiful girl with a rare neurological disorder called congenital bilateral Perisylvian Syndrome. So rare that there are only 100 - 200 known cases in existence worldwide. Perisylvian syndrome effects speech, swallowing and chewing and can also cause epilepsy.
Maya was three years old when her speech therapist suggested a dog may benefit her. The Pieters took their time in searching out the perfect pet for Maya. So when Maya and Jack bonded at first sight Maya's mom, Michelle Pieters knew the extra time spent was worth the wait.
Last year while Jack was sleeping in his crate he suddenly got up and ran for Maya's bedroom where she was in bed, sleeping. He frantically pawed at the door until the adults opened it. Maya was having a seizure – her first one.
It is now common for Jack to sense when Maya is going to have a seizure and has been known to block her fall during the event, lay on top of her to quiet the convulsions and then lick her tears away. The family have started to call Jack "Maya's guardian Angel."
Jack was nominated for "Valor Dog of the Year," by the Humane Society of the United State's (HSUS), an award to honor dogs that have performed extraordinary acts of courage. Jack didn't win but was voted the "People's Choice Award" by online voters.
Watch the video of Maya and Jack.
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