Maverick, a 150-pound therapy dog, was announced as the winner of the American Humane Hero Dog Awards Monday November 6.
The annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards, currently in their 13th yearth year, is a national competition that searches for and recognizes America’s Hero Dogs – “often ordinary dogs that do extraordinary things.”
The Hero Dog Awards are divided into five categories, namely: Therapy Dogs; Assistance dogs and guide dogs; Military dogs; Law enforcement and first responder dogs; and shelter dogs.
However, out of five finalists, only one was chosen to win this year’s Hero Dog Award. And this year, American Humane, the nation’s first national humane organization, crowns Maverick, a finalist in the Therapy Dogs category, as the winner.
Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane said, “We are very pleased to name Maverick as American Humane’s Hero Dog for 2023, a well-deserved distinction for him and his owner Kelly,”
According to Maverick’s Hero Dog Awards profilethe Great Dane came into the world with a clear objective: “To boost the morale of our American troops and their loved ones through his incredible work with the United Service Organizations (USO).
The six-year-old gentle giant from St. Robert, Missouri, has a “super power,” according to his owner Kelly Brownfield.
“Maverick’s superpower is his ability to calm people with a simple touch of his paw, giving them the strength to move forward.” Brownfield reveals to Fox News Digital.
Maverick brings comfort and supports the military on a daily basis. And actively works with the military in suicide monitoring.
In addition to this, he also accompanies military children to the funerals of their deceased parents and helps women, men and children cope with trauma and loss.
This year alone, Maverick and Brownfield responded to 55 requests for “special missions.”
“Whether it’s the darkest hours or the happiest times, Maverick is there for our troops and their families. » reads his Hero Dog Awards profile.
When the gentle giant is not on duty, he supports Brownfield as she is currently in her sixth year of battling cancer. Likewise, Maverick was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 but survived through surgery.
Dr Robin Ganzert said: “The duo worked tirelessly to provide comfort and solace to our nation’s military heroes through United Service Organizations (USOs), as they both faced their own internal battles with cancer. It is these types of incredible stories of sacrifice, perseverance and compassion that this award aims to highlight. »
Maverick and Brownfield met in 2016 and have been together ever since. Brownfield spent their first year together training the gentle giant, which helped him pass his therapy dog certification test. ” with brio “ in 2017.
And since then, the duo has been inseparable and uses their time, talents and “superpower” with the USO.
Maverick and the four other finalists were honored at the 13th annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards.® and Gala in Palm Beach on November 10, a star-studded awards ceremony hosted by Christie Brinkley and Carson Kressley.
Additionally, the event will be televised nationally on A&E on Thanksgiving Day and November 26.