"Everyone has a story" — so goes the old adage. Sometimes you can see the whole story just looking into an animal's eyes.

This is Maggie's story. She's an adult Border Collie mix who has been at the P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center (formerly Camden-Rockport Animal Rescue League) since September.  She originally came into the shelter as a stray. Based on her mannerisms, she may have been smacked around, since she seems head shy and is very submissive. She's extremely sweet, but needs an opportunity to warm up to people. At first, she was adopted, but, following a run-in with a porcupine, her new owners brought her back.  The thing is, if you look in her eyes, you're not going to see the whole picture.

She doesn't show well in the kennels because she gets scared and barks; but outside the kennels, she's very sweet, shy at first. But, she'll sneak in to sniff new people and give kisses, licking people's hand before darting away. She loves long walks and belly rubs. She's extremely food-motivated, so introducing yourself to her with treats makes things go more smoothly. She likes most other dogs, as long as they are nice to her. She walks well on leash and last weekend was her first time hitting downtown, where she did pretty well going in and out of stores & getting snacks. The walk there was a bit tiring so she did need to take a break for a belly rub at Loyal Biscuit, but after a short rest she bounced right back and made the trek back to the shelter.

"It can be common for shelter dogs to behave differently when they are in their kennel," said Laura Stupca, P.A.W.S. Shelter Manager. "They may jump, bark and act like they don’t like you, when in fact they are just scared.  If people can look beyond a dogs kennel behavior they will see a truly great dog.  Maggie is a sweet girl who just needs time to warm up and once she does you will have a friend for life." 

For more information on Maggie and how to meet her visit her page at P.A.W.S. or contact: 207-236-8702