28/02/2026
Vale Maia Kalokerinos
27-May-2010 to 28-Feb-2026
Maia, Miss M, Maia B Bear, “Little Dog”, one name was never enough for our beautiful girl. At nearly 16 years old, 110 years young in dog years, here is some of her story.
Born in Picton, her mother a golden Labrador named of Sophie. Maia was the eldest of six, there were two of each colour in the litter, but sadly one of the goldens wasn’t to make it. Maia came to live with us in July 2010, with her slightly younger (by minutes) brother Zeus.
We named her before we even met her. We chose ‘Maia’ as she was the Goddess of Spring and the origin of the month May when she was born. What we didn’t know, but would soon discover, was that in Greek mythology she was revered as the nurturing Goddess.
Maia’s gentle and compassionate nature was evident from the first day we got her. Zeus wasn’t coping being separated from their mother, and she consoled him the entire trip home by laying on top of him and for several more days before he settled. She was always concerned about something, not being content unless all of us were in our place and things were happening at times they were supposed to.
She was often a barometer of the mood of the household and had wisdom well beyond her years. When Lisa was pregnant, she would nestle into Lisa’s belly, pushing her ear firmly against her to listen to the wonders going on inside. Her nose was typical of her breeding, being able to smell the opening of a pantry or fridge door from the other end of a house or simply spending her time on the farm in an elevated spot taking it all in.
Speaking of her nose. If one of the dogs farted, we’d say “who did that?” and she would own up to it if she was the culprit by waging her tail vigorously… which only fanned the odour.
Other than sleeping and eating, Maia’s favourite pastime was swimming. She loved our beachside holidays (pre-chickens) and adored any chance for a dip in a river or dam. Several years ago, she disappeared and was found some time later, soaking wet, on her way back from a neighbours dam, some 1.5kms away! We’re certain that the white racing strip she had on her chest made her swim and run faster.
Maia had an internal clock that was more accurate than anything Switzerland has ever produced. 4pm on the dot every day she would be by Peter’s side demanding dinner preparations begin. About a year ago, being stuck on the phone at around 4:20pm, Maia marched up to Peter and barked at him, obviously unimpressed by the delay.
She certainly had a voice when she wanted to use it. Peter would often sit lazily at the dining table with his hands on his head. This would wind her up something fierce, hands on the head meant hands were not being deployed in ear rubbing duties….so she would bark at him. She always got what she wanted!
Our beautiful girl had the patience of a saint and this was never more evident when after Zeus died 2.5 years ago our shed seemed to become a revolving door of animals living in it for short or long periods, be it countless chickens – including Bunny the hen who thought she was a dog, Rosie the calf, and the Anatolian’s C**t, Kawa and Billy the ‘puppy’ who was Maia’s size by the time he was only 3 months old. She took it all in her stride, just retreating to a corner when she needed some peace and quiet.
Despite Maia’s petite size, she could move mountains. You’d have better luck trying to shift the Great Pyramid of Giza than moving Kawa when she doesn’t want to go. Maia however had an ability to simply barge Kawa out of the way, such was her presence. Alternatively, if ever Maia needed to get past Kawa and she didn’t want to walk the great distance around her she would simply walk underneath Kawa such was the size difference between these 2 unlikely companions. Not long after Kawa (‘Big Dog’) retired and moved in Maia found herself with an additional nickname ‘Little Dog’.
Maia lived a life of good health. For a year or so after moving to the farm she had some skin issues, but these were overcome relatively quickly. Despite Maia’s ability to physically outrun most things, age was something she could not keep in front of forever. For several years now her sight and hearing declined to effective blindness and deafness. She didn’t allow this to get her down, relying on her memory and razor sharp nose to find her way around; including return walks of nearly a kilometre to our front gate and back with Kawa. Maia’s strength, resilience, and attitude was something we can all learn from – making the best of what you have.
In past weeks she really slowed down however and with a few exceptions, Lisa has been by Maia’s side, tending to her every need, palliative homeopathics at the ready and lots of kisses and holding hands which was Maia’s favourite thing to do with us. Her last meaningful meal was a huge bowl of mince, but more recently she preferred our wonderful eggs and the beautiful raw jersey milk that we are able to source.
Not long before Maia departed this life in the early hours of this morning, her breathing markedly changed. Awoken from her slumber, Kawa moved to Maia’s bedside and stood silently over her for a few moments, a final salute to the farm’s matriarch, before moving away.
We had tickets to see Wendy Matthews in concert last night but we all wanted to stay by Maia’s side so remained at home. We possibly would not have handled Wendy’s bittersweet ballad 'The Day You Went Away' all that well – said to be written about the profound emotional impact of loss, separation, and the void left behind…
Maia is now resting peacefully in a sunny spot on our hill, beside Zeus, her loving brother, and Head Chook, Bunny.
Tonight, despite our sadness, our hearts are overflowing with precious memories of our beautiful girl.
Thank you darling Maia for coming into our lives, we love you
