2023 Animal Stories Magazine

Page 18 2023 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 22. 2023 be kept away from her and her family. Gene said in cases like that, you do what you can to accommodate the persons wishes, as there is no need to put the person or the dog through the trauma of a forced interaction. Maverick obeys on command and knows that Gene carries treats in his pocket as a reward. The dog also gets special treats from time to time such as a hot dog. Marsha told about a trip to an event in New Holland where the dog was treated to a hot dog while Gene and Marsha ate. A man saw the interaction and asked if he too could feed the dog. He was told yes, but that to do so, he would need to break the hot dog off a little bit at a time and feed Maverick small bites. Asked why that was the case, Marsha explained that it discourages gulping. When a dog gulps down food, he is more likely to snip the hand feeding it. Maverick has been taught to gently remove food or treats from the hand giving it to him without harm. While Maverick is a gentle giant he is also territorial with his people and their things. Gene said that Maverick has never bitten anyone, and does not show aggression in any way, but….there was this one time. Gene said he had pulled into Mel-O-Crème in Lincoln and hopped out to go inside and grab a treat or two. Maverick stayed in the truck. Inside a lady saw the dog and asked Gene if she could go pet him. Gene said yes. Soon after the lady reported that when she went to open the door of the truck, she got a clear message that the dog did not think she should do that. Gene said it was a warning growl that told the lady she should probably wait until ‘dad’ came back out of the shop. Maverick also gets a little perturbed at the family cat from time to time, usually about lap privileges, but has never hurt the cat, just made it clear the cat was on a lap that belonged to Mav. As Maverick ages, the Hickey’s were asked what his future would be. Gene and Marsha agree that Maverick is a lifetime pet and part of the family. Gene said sadly, black labs have a life expectancy of only about 10 years. But even so, the Hickeys have grown children who also love the dog, and it is well understood that if anything would happen that Gene and Marsha could no longer care for Maverick, the kids would take him and make him a part of their family. So, now you know Maverick, the lover not a fighter. He’s a big, black, gentle giant who wants only to make people happy with his special kind of comfort and therapy. As LDN got to know the two dogs, it was easy to respect both animals for who they are and what they do. Both animals are courageous in different ways, both are completely loyal to their owner/handler, both have senses and instincts that guide them through the job at hand, and both are loved tremendously by those who care for them. And both know they have forever homes with the ones who have taken them in. The love that is shared between the animals and their owners is displayed differently to us on the outside looking in. But, on the inside, where the heart is both dogs know they are loved and have bright futures with happy endings. Who could ask for anything more?