BEDFORD, NY — They say to be careful about meeting your heroes, as they’re bound to disappoint, but Maverick didn’t disappoint — though he seems bigger in person.
The Golden Retriever/Labrador Retriever mix is every bit as impressive as billed and even though this party is for him, he has that special knack of making you feel like you are the only person in the room, even though he is surrounded by people he clearly loves.
On this occasion, those loved ones have gathered to bid farewell to the puppy who arrived just over a year ago and won the hearts of an entire community. Now 17 months old, Maverick will leave behind the members of the Bedford Police Department and the families who helped raise him to start formal training, to become a life-changing BluePath autism service dog.
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This moment was always the goal. As bittersweet as this farewell is, Maverick is fulfilling a destiny he was born and bred for and while no one here is quite ready to say goodbye, they wouldn’t dream of standing in the way.
The entire police department took part in raising Maverick, who spent time in the station’s headquarters and brought a little extra energy to public events.
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Officer Andrew Klein, Sergeant Mark Montanaro, and Officer Joe Sagliano served as lead puppy raisers, along with their families who are here to formally send Maverick off. The team taught Maverick basic obedience skills and appropriate house manners while providing their eager charge with a variety of socialization opportunities that will serve the determined and joyfully exuberant growing puppy in the next stage of his career as a BluePath service dog.
Along the way, Maverick became something of a local celebrity. Sightings of the energetic and friendly pup became a topic of discussion, both online and in line for coffee.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in 36 children born today will develop an autism spectrum disorder. BluePath dogs help to ameliorate the dangerous wandering behaviors that often accompany an autism diagnosis. Those wandering behaviors have led to unspeakable tragedies that have caused irrecoverable pain for families and entire communities and can be a constant source of anxiety for parents.
Soon, Maverick will have the training to not only prevent a potential disaster for his constant companion, but will have all the tools needed to offer a family peace of mind.
As a BluePath dog, Maverick will have the skills to help reduce stress in transitions, facilitate connection, and just maybe, become a child’s best friend.
Maverick will now spend six to twelve months learning new skills with professional service dog instructors before placement with a family with a child with autism — a role Maverick was born to play.
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BluePath dogs like Maverick come with thousands of hours of training from dedicated volunteers and professional staff. While the cost to prepare one of these incredible dogs is over $40,000, BluePath provides its service dogs — and intensive, ongoing follow-up support — completely free of charge. Reduced stress, improved sleeping routines and more meaningful social interactions can allow families to feel a renewed sense of hope and empowerment.
“Wesley was diagnosed with autism at two years old, and community outings have always been a challenge,” shared Kate Petersen, whose five-year-old son was matched with BluePath service dog Reba. “The grocery store felt like a war zone with meltdowns and escape attempts. Then we received Reba. Now Wesley is calm and content, and instead of running at the supermarket, he began talking to us to communicate his wants and needs.”
Petersen continued, “Wesley has gained so much confidence that he even speaks to other shoppers; he loves to tell them about his dog. I could never have imagined the magnitude of Reba’s impact. Now Wesley moves through the world thoughtfully instead of reactively. I feel like I can breathe again and, as a family, we have so much hope for the future. Reba has been the most incredible gift.”
These are the paw-steps Maverick will now follow in.
BluePath Vice President of Marketing and Development Michelle Brier said that even among BluePath dogs that are chosen for their outgoing, but gentle personalities, Maverick stands out. She admits that she is more than a little bit proud that her hometown took the lead in helping to raise him.
“We rely on the generosity of volunteers to fulfill our mission,” Brier said. “Bedford is the first police department in the country to raise a service dog and the officers have done an extraordinary job giving Maverick the crucial foundation he needs to be successful in his future career. We extend our gratitude and admiration to the police department for investing in their community in this way.”
Bedford Police Chief Melvin Padilla admits that over the last year, Maverick has become by far the most popular member of the department.
“Raising a BluePath puppy has been a unique approach to reducing job-related stress while offering us new ways to build trust and strengthen community relationships,” Padilla said. “We’ve enjoyed having Maverick at headquarters and will certainly miss him, but we are thrilled to be part of the difference he will make for a family.”
While it’s not easy to say good-bye to a puppy that has touched the families who helped raise him and a community that was charmed by him, the satisfaction of knowing that good-bye will soon mean a “hello” that will change a life for the better is also the consolation that is needed to make it all worth it.
While Bedford will have to get used to life without their favorite son, both Chief Padilla and Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves say that Maverick may be just the first of many BluePath puppies that might call the Bedford Police Department home before moving on to a higher calling.
About BluePath Service Dogs, Inc.
BluePath Service Dogs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2016 to provide autism service dogs, offering safety, companionship, and opportunities for independence. The organization transforms lives by providing families with expanded opportunities to unlock life’s potential. BluePath receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to fulfill its mission. For more information, visit their website.
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