2023 Animal Stories Magazine

Page 15 2023 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 22. 2023 Maverick is a four-year old black lab who has been trained as a comfort and therapy dog. He is a member of the Gene Hickey family and a beloved companion to both Gene and his wife Marsha. He is also the official mascot for the local Marine Corps League, making regular appearances in his dress blues along side his handler. Maverick has participated in local parades, goes to various nursing homes and hospitals to visit those who need a little pick- me-up, and makes regular appearances at Farm and Home Supply in Lincoln, where he enjoys his morning routine of cruising around the store with Gene and sometimes Marsha too. LDN had seen Maverick out and about, but it was at the annual breakfast with Santa at the Cronin Brothers VFW this past December that caught the attention of the LDN writer and prompted this special story for the 2023 Animal Stories online magazine. On that day, Maverick showed up in his uniform with a Christmas light necklace to commemorate the season. Out in the parking lot, Maverick and Marsha were met with interest, but not nearly so much as when the dog entered the breakfast and found himself the center of attention for young and old alike. In fact, for a while at least, Maverick upstaged Santa and Mrs. Claus who were waiting to greet children at the far end of the Freedom Hall. As folks approached, Maverick ate it up like candy, appreciating the hugs and pats from his admirers. When invited to share Maverick’s story, the Hickey’s and Maverick were happy to stop in at the LDN offices in Lincoln and sit a spell as they shared their story. To start, Gene Hickey and Marsha (Kraus) Hickey are no strangers to offering care and comfort to those who are hurting. Marsha’s family owned Kraus Retirement Home and Gene’s dad, also named Gene ran the home for the Kraus’ for a time. Gene and Marsha agreed that it has always been a part of their nature to care for others and do all they can to lighten and brighten the day of those who are hurting or isolated. Gene said over the years, he has been part of providing comfort and therapy via a variety of animals including ponies and horses and his first comfort dog Dozer. While it has been a function of the Hickey’s, Gene said it became a mission when his own father had to go to a long-term facility. Gene said one day he and his dog visited dad. When he first laid eyes on his father, there was a certain sadness in his expression, and it was painful for Gene to see. But the dog went to the dad and the attitude quickly changed. Gene said the dog provided his father with a pick-me-up that was definitely needed at that moment. With that memory in place, Gene set out to bring that kind of happiness to as many people Continued --