When Angela Marcelino went to the Santa Clara County Humane Society after the death of her beloved pooch, Romey, she had no intentions of getting another dog. The pain was too new, too fresh, she thought, but, when she saw the cute little white and red patched American Pit Bull Terrier mix puppy, she knew she just had to save her. She never dreamed that the little pup would one day save her from serious harm or death.
On Father's Day, June 17, 2007, Angela was eager to get inside her house. As she put the key in the lock, she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. A man she didn't know was barreling down on her and quickly shoved her through the door. Before she realized what was happening, she was on her back being choked in the living room of her house. Angela fought with all of her might, but was overpowered by the man on top of her. As she struggled for what she thought was her last breath, her dog, Maya, who had been sleeping in her son's bedroom, burst into the room. Growling and barking, Maya bravely stepped in to save her owner's life. The attacker quickly realized that the tide had turned, and not in his favor. Maya bit him and as he maneuvered to throw her out the front door, Angela used her opportunity to grab his groin and squeeze with all of her might. She then shoved him out of the house while he was incapacitated, and when he attempted to escape in his car, she followed him out with Maya in tow and wrote down his license plate number. When the police arrived, they discovered that Maya had drops of blood on her face from the attacker. They were able to extract DNA evidence from the blood he left behind.
The attacker's trial is still pending, but, due to the evidence left behind on Angela's hero dog, Maya, he is in jail facing attempted rape charges. Maya, who is the National Hero Dog of 2008 according the Animal Miracle Foundation, enjoyed the results of her actions in a different way; her owner, Angela, fed her a two pound steak! Due to her past experiences, Maya is still overly protective, but her family is extremely grateful for her vigilance.
