TERRABELLA MAURIN FAMILY PET
Dixie Maurin
Dixie is a six-year-old mixed-breed dog with a sweet spirit, a big personality, and a story that started long before she ever knew what it meant to have a home. She joined her family at just seven months old after being rescued through Must Luv Dogs Rescue. Her arrival came at a tender time, following the loss of a beloved 10-year-old dachshund, Penny, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The family knew they wanted to rescue again, but hoped to skip puppyhood and find a small adult dog to love. That search led them to a photo of a spotted white-and-brown “Jack Russell Terrier” who had been found living under a house in Zachary, Louisiana. The rescue explained that Zachary has no animal shelter, and stray dogs are often at risk unless someone steps in. Cindy, with Must Luv Dogs Rescue, regularly saves these dogs after being contacted by the community and places them in foster homes until they can be adopted. So the family packed up their grandchildren and made the drive. The moment they met her, everything changed. The grandchildren fell in love instantly, and so did the adults. She was supposed to be a Jack Russell— but she was something even better. A veterinarian later confirmed she was actually a 7-month-old mixed-breed puppy with charming white-and-brown markings and the sweetest little clover-shaped spot that would become her signature. Dixie had chosen them just as much as they had chosen her. From that day forward, Dixie proved to be pure sunshine in dog form. She is gentle, easygoing, and happiest when she is close to her people— preferably as close as physically possible. She is also incredibly smart and seems to understand everything happening around her, even if she occasionally pretends otherwise. Her favorite things are simple and sweet: sleeping in like it’s her job, stretching out on the couch as if she owns it (because she does), and keeping watch from the front porch like the friendly neighborhood greeter. She loves sitting by the window, quietly monitoring the world outside to make sure she doesn’t miss a single important event, especially if that event involves a neighbor walking by. Dixie enjoys short strolls where she can say hello to her dog friends, long rides—especially if they end at the beach—and enthusiastic games of tug-of-war with her toys. She also takes her job as unofficial backyard wildlife patrol very seriously, particularly when it comes to lizards, though she has yet to figure out what she’s supposed to do after catching one. She is famously devoted to her schedule and has a built-in internal clock that is rarely wrong. Mealtime, treat time, and walk time are all nonnegotiable, and she is more than happy to remind everyone if they are even a minute late. She also has strong opinions about seating arrangements— especially her favorite chair—and will politely (but firmly) let you know when it needs to be vacated. Today, Dixie lives a cozy, well-loved life in Terra Bella, where her days are filled with comfort, routine, and plenty of attention. From a tiny stray under a house in Louisiana to the heart of her family’s home, Dixie has blossomed into the perfect mix of sweetness, sass, and unconditional love.
16 | TerraBella Living
Summer 2026