2023 Animal Stories Magazine

Page 16 2023 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 22. 2023 as he could. Employing Dozer throughout the rest of his life, then bringing Maverick in as the second generation, the Hickeys have visited nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals throughout the region. They are welcome visitors to Ronald McDonald House and always enjoy the interactions between Maverick and the children and families at the house. Even though Maverick and Gene are both Marines, the dog is not exclusive to veterans. Gene says they will go anywhere they are needed and to anyone young, old, civilian or veteran. The dog also joins Gene at the weekly men’s breakfast at Christian Village, and goes to Farm and Home in Lincoln almost daily. Maverick came to the Hickey’s as a puppy. In fact, he may have been among the last of the puppies raised at the Purina Farms in the St. Louis area. Gene explained that Purina offered the puppies from the farm, but there was always a long waiting list. When seeking a puppy, the prospective pet parent can specify the breed of animal they wish to acquire. Gene prefers the labs and had put in a request then waited and waited, until one day a call came, saying “we have your puppy.” Gene said he and Marsha were excited to go get their new little family member. They had arranged to take a small dog carrier with them so the pup could make the trip home safely. Gene laughed and said, “When we got there, the puppy was half grown, and his head would not have fit in the carrier we had!” The good folks at Purina Farms had taken great care Continued --