Photo courtesy of Jerry and Jullian Honis
ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — For months, The BayNet readers followed Maple Syrup’s journey from foster care to heartworm recovery, hoping the lovable rescue dog would finally find the family she deserved.
Today, Maple’s story has the happy ending everyone was rooting for.
The former St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center resident has found her forever home with Jerry and his wife, Jillian, their young son and fellow rescue dog Xena. Together, the Honis family has given Maple the loving home she had been waiting for, where her playful personality shines a little more each day.
The Perfect Match
The Honis family had already experienced the joy of adopting from the St. Mary’s County shelter after bringing home Xena more than three years ago. Knowing they eventually wanted to add another rescue, they began following Maple Syrup’s story through the Friends of St. Mary’s County Animal Shelter Facebook page.
Before a trip to Arkansas, Jerry reached out to meet Maple but learned she had just been adopted. When the family returned home, they stopped by the shelter and discovered Maple had been returned.
“Lo and behold, Maple Syrup was back, and I had to meet her,” Jerry said.
After introducing Maple to Xena, the decision became easy.
“She passed with flying colors, and we welcomed her into our home forever.”
Photo courtesy of Jerry and Jullian Honis
From Anxiety To Confidence
The Honis family said Maple arrived well cared for thanks to the shelter and foster program. They also appreciated guidance from her foster mom, Tammy Johnson, who answered questions about Maple’s personality and training.
The biggest influence, however, has been Xena.
“They are inseparable. Peas in a pod. Yin and Yang,” Jerry said. “Maple cues off of Xena’s every move.”
The family believes Xena’s calm personality has helped Maple overcome much of the separation anxiety she once struggled with.
Photo courtesy of Jerry and Jullian Honis
A Big Personality
Now settled into her new home, Maple’s playful personality is on full display.
“Food-driven behavior is an understatement,” Jerry joked after recounting Maple’s habit of stealing doughnuts, chicken nuggets, rolls and even a banana when no one was looking.
She also loves turning every toy into a tug-of-war match with Xena.
“We’re OK with Maple’s appetite for now,” Jerry said. “Makes training easier. A little honeymoon phase after everything she’s been through is quite all right.”
Photo courtesy of Jerry and Jullian Honis
A Story Of Hope
The Honis family hopes Maple’s success encourages others to consider adopting shelter pets, even those who may have experienced setbacks.
“There is no shame if the end result is a return trip to the shelter,” Jerry said. “Maple’s previous adopters are heroes because they were responsible enough to know she wasn’t a good fit for them. We’re lucky and thankful for it.”
The family continues sharing updates with Johnson, along with the shelter staff and volunteers who helped Maple along the way.
“I think she knows the joy Maple Syrup is bringing to our home,” Jerry said. “Everyone else that helped — shelter staff and volunteers — Maple is an example of your high level of care and service to the community. Thank you.”
For a dog who once waited months for a second chance, life now is filled with family adventures, endless playtime with Xena and the forever home she was always meant to find.
Photo courtesy of Jerry and Jullian Honis
Photo courtesy of Jerry and Jullian Honis
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