Through My Eyes: A Life of Love, Purpose, and Belly Rubs
By Guest Blogger: Patriot Paws
Hi, it’s me, Maverick. You might know me as a Patriot PAWS Service Dog, but to Brian, I’m so much more. I’m his shadow, his confidant, his steady companion. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my journey—how I went from a wiggly, clueless pup to the dog I am today. It’s a story about love, purpose, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and his human. Let me tell you about it.
The Spark of Something Greater
I was just a tiny furball when I first arrived at Patriot PAWS Service Dogs in Rockwall, Texas. The world was big and full of new scents, sounds, and faces. The kind humans at the training facility welcomed me with open arms, and I quickly learned that I had a special purpose ahead. The humans at Patriot PAWS would smile and say, “Maverick, you’re going to do big things.” I didn’t know what that meant, but I liked the way it sounded.
Learning The Basics
Then came the day I left my puppy days behind and went to prison. Don’t worry, it wasn’t what you think! I was introduced to a unique environment—the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Prison Training Program. While I was there, I lived with dedicated inmate trainers who spent 24/7 teaching me essential skills. These trainers poured their hearts into our training, and I could feel their passion and commitment. Together, we worked on tasks like retrieving items, opening doors, and providing comfort. Their patience and love helped shape me into the service dog I am today. And I like to think that I helped remind them that they deserved the unconditional love of a dog, just like everyone else.
College Days: Squirrels, Smells, and Life Lessons
After prison, I went to college. Yes, college! Texas A&M, to be exact. My Puppy Raiser took me everywhere—classes, coffee shops, even football games. There were so many distractions: squirrels to chase, new smells to investigate, and way too many people who wanted to pet me (I mean, can you blame them?).
But my Puppy Raiser taught me something important: focus. No matter how many squirrels darted across my path or how many hands reached out to scratch my ears, I learned to keep my eyes on my human. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Because deep down, I knew I was getting closer to my real purpose.
The Day I Met My Veteran
And then it happened.
I’ll never forget the moment I saw Brian on our first day of Graduation. He was tall, quiet, and had this look in his eyes—like he’d been through a lot but still had so much love to give. I knew immediately that he was my person.
The first week of Graduation I had to share Brian with the other Service Dogs as we all trained together, getting to know each of the Veterans. I was so happy that the Patriot PAWS trainers saw how hard I worked for Brian and on Matching Day, he officially became my Veteran.
The next week we worked together on the cues we would depend on as a forever team. I learned so much about Brian—how he liked to move, how I could help him, and even got a glimpse of how one day, we would communicate without words or signals. It was hard work for both of us, but it was worth it. And when the day came when it was time to go home with him, I felt like the luckiest dog in the world.
Six Years of Side-by-Side
That was six years ago. Six years of waking up next to Brian, of walking by his side, of being his constant. I’ve seen him on his best days—laughing, smiling, and scratching my ears like I’m the most important thing in the world. And I’ve been there on his hardest days, when the weight of the world feels heavy on his shoulders. On those days, I press close to him, letting him know I’m here. Always.
Looking Back, Tail Wagging
When I think about my journey, I feel so grateful. Grateful to the humans at Patriot PAWS who believed in me. Grateful to my trainer in prison who taught me how to focus on my work so I could learn my cues to perfection. Grateful to my Puppy Raiser who showed me how to be calm and focused in a busy, loud world. And most of all, grateful to Brian, who gave me a home, a purpose, and a love that fills my heart every single day.
This is my story. It’s a story of love, of dedication, and of the unbreakable bond between a dog and his Veteran. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
With love (and a lot of tail wags),
Maverick
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Patriot PAWS was founded in 2006, and is one of only two Assistance Dogs International-accredited service dog training organizations in North Texas (the other is Canine Companions). Since inception, the nonprofit has placed more than 300 highly-trained service dogs with disabled veterans and other high need populations (child advocacy centers, etc.). Patriot PAWS operates out of a three-acre facility in Rockwall, Texas that has 16 kennels with the capacity for 32 dogs, a veterinary clinic onsite, and the new Rees-Jones Foundation Puppy Development Center for the purpose-bred program. Through partnerships with various organizations, including the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Veterans Administration, Patriot PAWS has developed a strong reputation for the quality of its work, both locally and nationally. Patriot Paws matches an average of 18 dogs per year.