Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela.

It’s crazy how easy from you can go from one dog to two. Or more. And there is that brief delusional moment, of thinking that another dog will not make much of a difference or be any more of a responsibility. After all, the first two still need to get walked, played with, fed, and taken care of. So one extra won’t be a major setback. Well, in all honesty, I was very content having just two dogs. Lava and Hela are both big and often a handful, and I spend quite a few hours every day making sure they have everything they need. And then, just as we were nearing New Year’s celebrations, it seemed that the universe had a different kind of present for me, entering 2025 with three dogs instead of just two.

It Couldn’t Have Been a Coincidence

So far, this winter has had pretty heavy snowfall. Living remotely means I get all the perks of not having any close-by neighbors, like enjoying my peace and quiet, while also experiencing the downfalls. This meant I had to wait for four days before the dirt track road to my house was cleared of snow by the local services. Being healthy, even though I am on my own, meant that during the prioritization list for snow clearing, I was quite low on the list. This was fine with me, though. I enjoyed those days in a slightly different way than usual, at home with my two dogs and three cats, and being the first and only one to leave their mark in the snow.

The day after they cleared the road I went out to the store and to see my family. It was the last Saturday before New Year’s Eve. As I was driving slowly through a snow tunnel created by the snow removal machinery, I saw a little dog that was standing on an empty parking lot next to a local restaurant, running up to me. She was wagging her tail and looking at the car as if she was waiting for me this whole time. I couldn’t bear to continue driving, so I pulled over.

Ugly Side of Christmas

This time of year, money is tight all over. The number of abandoned dogs and cats increases, as people struggle to afford their upkeep. Or maybe there was another reason. However, in my mind, no reason can justify leaving an animal out in the cold. After all, there are services and shelters that take on unwanted animals and arrange their adoption if they meet the criteria.

I suspect this little one, a female, likely a cross of an Alpine Dachsbracke, a common hunting dog in these parts, was dumped by her previous owner for whatever reason.

She Made Herself Feel Like Home

It was strange how quickly and naturally this dog accepted me. From the moment I stopped the car and opened the door, there she was, jumping up and down, asking for attention. I talked to the restaurant staff, who noticed the dog being here for the last few days, but she wasn’t theirs. I picked her up and got her in the car, where she lay down and fell asleep instantly, looking peaceful and clearly trusting me. I felt so profoundly sad and helpless, knowing someone most likely drove her here and left her, and she must have excitedly waited for the car that never came back for her. She didn’t have a collar or any means of identification, and the local vet scanned her and found she wasn’t microchipped. I called a few local hunters as well and advertised her on the town’s social media but no one was missing a dog.

Easiest Decision Ever Made

Sometimes, you find yourself weighing things and writing out pros and cons, before making an important decision. This one was easy. She was my dog now. And it seems she agreed. From the first day, she walked with me, Lava, and Hela, who accepted her quite well. I can’t say I wanted three dogs. But it felt like the right thing to do, and I wanted to put the needs of this little dog first, probably for the first time in her life. I know she will be happy and healthy with me, and will not need to worry about her next meal or a warm place to sleep.

I named her Lajka, in memory of the Russian dog that was sent to space. She too was betrayed by humankind, leaving her to a cruel destiny, but unlike the poor Russian pup, my Lajka found a new home and a new start.