Sometimes the biggest animal isn’t the scariest. It might just turnout to be the kindest. And in the heart of Missouri, there’s a hero with four paws and a heart as large as his 150-pound frame. Maverick, a European Blue Great Dane, isn’t your typical therapy dog — he’s a canine champion dedicated to bringing comfort and solace to military members and their families.
Maverick’s unique talent lies in his ability to communicate without words. Kelly Brownfield, Maverick’s owner and the manager at the Fort Leonard Wood United Service Organizations Club, attests to his extraordinary gift: “A sign of a good therapy dog is a dog that always wants to touch you.”
He just has a sense of knowing what people need.”
This gentle giant’s primary mission is to provide emotional support during challenging times. Maverick attends funerals of fallen service members, offering a steadfast presence to grieving families. Rick Morris, a retired U.S. Army command sergeant major, experienced Maverick’s impact firsthand when the dog stood by the side of his nephew’s children after a tragic helicopter crash.
Maverick’s go-to therapy move is placing a paw on the person he is trying to comfort. Photo courtesy of Kelly Brownfield/American Humane
“The weight and burden of whatever that soldier is dealing with at the time, I see it just disappear in the face of seeing Maverick,” Morris said. “They smile, they cheer, their face changes, their body changes.”
Maverick’s reach extends beyond military funerals. He spends time at schools, focusing on children struggling with their classes. Despite his imposing size, Maverick is a “gentle giant,” according to Brownfield, creating a calming aura that envelops those around him.
In a testament to his exceptional service, Maverick was honored as the American Humane Hero Dog. Selected from a pool of nominees, he triumphed in the therapy dogs category and emerged as the overall winner.
American Humane has been awarding the Hero Dog designation since 2011, recognizing dogs that “make the world a kinder place.” Maverick’s impact isn’t limited to his therapy work; he’s been a source of support for Brownfield herself, who is battling B-cell lymphoma.
To have him there, especially on the hard days, has been just an amazing support,” she shared.
In 2022, Maverick faced his own health battle with cancer but underwent a successful surgical procedure and is now cancer-free. His resilience mirrors the strength he imparts to those he encounters.
Maverick, a 6-year-old European Blue Great Dane, won the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog Award. Photo courtesy of Kelly Brownfield/American Humane
Maverick’s involvement in the USO Canine Program, initiated by the Fort Leonard Wood center in 2012, underscores the power of the human-animal bond. J.D. Crouch, the USO’s chief executive officer and president, emphasizes Maverick’s role in providing service members and their families with a comforting friend when they need it most.
Brownfield highlights Maverick’s role in supporting young readers: “Maverick is not going to be there to judge you. It lets the barrier down and allows them to thrive.”
Maverick’s influence extends beyond Missouri; he travels around the country, spreading awareness about the USO’s therapy dog program. His recent visit to Washington, D.C., included time at Fort Meade military base and escorting individuals to gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery.
As Maverick and Brownfield continue their mission, the impact of this extraordinary therapy dog serves as a reminder that sometimes, a gentle paw and a big heart can make all the difference in the world. Watch below for a look a this doggo with a massive heart!
Sources: Washington Post | NY Post
