Maya - The Brave and Faithful Guardian

Maya, a pit-bull mix living with her caretaker Angela Marcelino in San Jose, California, USA, was awarded the Shining World Hero Award by Supreme Master Ching Hai for saving Angela from an attacker on June 17 last year.

On that fateful day, Angela had just arrived home and was opening her front door, when she was attacked by a person with a history of violent crimes. At that time, Maya was sleeping in Angela's son's room, and upon hearing the commotion she raced to the door and began biting the intruder. Maya's quick defensive move forced the intruder to leave the house immediately. About the event, Angela says, "I cry sometimes when I hug Maya and ask her, 'What would I do without you?'"

For her bravery, on February 24, Golden Year 5 (2008), members of our Association presented Maya with the Shining World Hero Award at her home on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai. Maya received a plaque inscribed with the words "Maya Hero Dog" along with two doggy jackets, and Angela was given copies of Master's publications. On Maya's behalf, Angela thanked Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her generosity and loving kindness in recognizing Maya for her noble actions.