Update 1/28

Hello Mav lovers!

**Hey guys, I just realized my videos aren't uploading so you can see them... :( I'm not an expert when it comes to computers, but I am working on it!**

Maverick is now being co-fostered with another wonderful volunteer, Sondra, and is settling in nicely with his new co-family! He is doing great with her two kiddos, and we really think he would be a great addition to any family.

His new furry friend, Cash, has been showing Maverick the ropes of the new household and "noses" him or gently pulls him by the ears to show him the way around (my heart melted when I heard about that- how stinkin' cute! Dogs are just so wonderful!)

Just wanted to keep everyone in the loop, and leave you with a few videos of Maverick with his new friends.

As always leave comments or questions below and we will happily get back to you.

A Day in the Life of

Photo from The Adoptable Ones

Good morning all! Since I'm up nice and early to post this, I figured we could start at the beginning of Maverick's day and work our way to bedtime.    

So Maverick is not crate trained, but sleeps the night through on his dogbed located right next to foster mom. He sleeps soundly through the night, and isn't a wander-er.

Maverick has had some issues with crate training, but since he is so polite and non-destructive in the house, we just ran with it and let him roam free (unlike the resident pup, who has been known to be destructive - there's an uncommon twist!). He does get upset when his people leave and will howl out his sorrows that he wishes he was coming with. But give him a kong filled with peanut butter and he will forgive you, and still give the warmest welcome-home-happy-dance you've ever seen!  Puzzle toys or treat dispensers that have a timer are also a good peace-offering in this boys eyes.

Like most labs, Maverick loves breakfast...and lunch and dinner. Really any occasion that involves food is great by Maverick. 

Daily walks are pretty high up on Maverick's lists of "musts" and he would really enjoy a home with an active family, as he loves being outdoors. Maverick gets daily walks around the neighborhood and is a frequent visitor at the local dog park. Maverick is a very social guy and loves all the people and dogs he meets.

Maverick really does have the manners of a gentleman and frequently gets taken on errands with his foster mom, particularly on the weekends, and loves his time in the car. He minds himself indoors and walks great on the leash, with good recall when his nose may carry him in a different direction. 

Training is every Saturday with Tara, at Training by Tara (link here - and remember HOT is paying for THREE classes with Mav and his adoptive family to help you learn to communicate with Maverick). But training isn't just for Saturday's, foster mom practices Maverick's commands frequently during the week - and Mav is easily persuaded to comply with yummy treats (like with most labs, the way to this chocolates heart really is through his tummy!)

Rufus, Maverick's foster brother, is his side-kick, and just like human brothers they get themselves into all kinds of mischief! Although it took Rufus some time to warm up to Maverick, the two love to be near each other and have several rough-house sessions a day (this is where a yard comes in handy!!)

  

One of Mavericks favorite games is un-build-a-bear! He loves plush toys, squeaky toys, chewy toys, bouncy toys, treat dispensing toys....are you sensing a theme here? Maverick pretty much loves toys, the more the merrier!

Every evening before bed, Maverick gets in some quality snuggle time on the couch...he won't even bother
you about what's on TV, as long as you're willing to spare a hand and give him a good ear scratching! Then when it's lights out, he curls up in his bed and dreams of what fun adventures you'll take him on tomorrow.

In full disclosure, Maverick was in a home with two senior 12 year old chocolate labs, and those grumpy guys didn't understand why a youngster like him wanted to play when their bones just weren't up for it. So if you have another fur-baby we recommend he be pretty close to Maverick's age to match his energy, or he would also do great if you wanted to give him your undivided attention. Either way, we will still require a meet and greet with alllll family members before this young'un can be adopted. 

Maverick getting lots of love at our Barnes and Noble event

Also, we don't know how Maverick will do with cats; BUT we do know he is GREAT with little humans! He can be a little space invader-y on first meetings since to meet you is to smell you, but he's good about taking direction and settles down pretty quickly (did we mention he is super social and loves to meet new people?) He really just wants to let you know that it is his pleasure to meet you!

So, if you have more questions or want more information, leave a message in the comments and we will get back with you shortly! 

Maverick had a photo shoot recently and here are some of the AMAZING shots that The Adoptable Ones captured! A big thank you to these guys for helping us share Mavericks story!

Fun Facts

Some fun facts about Maverick - he loves car rides. He might need a little boost getting into the backseat, but he sticks the landing (maybe that sounded cooler in my head...what I meant is that he can get out of the car all by himself!) Mav just likes to find his spot and enjoy the ride - plus he knows that the car takes him to some very cool places where he gets to romp around with his four- and two-legged friends!


 And, in true lab fashion, this cutie is also a strong swimmer. He learned what it's like to be a water dog this past summer, and hasn't looked back (video below)! But this attitude pretty much describes Maverick -a fast and fearless learner conquering all the tasks foster mom sets before him!

I'm currently working on a "Day in the Life of" post to show what a typical day is like for Mr. Mav (and from my picture compilation, what I can tell you so far is that this boy is going to make someone a good snuggle buddy - he looooooves him some cuddles!)

Laura Lee has posted some pictures and videos of Maverick's training sessions in his online bio on our website (here), so if you haven't seen them I recommend checking it out and seeing Maverick in action.

Leave questions or comments below, and stay tuned for another post soon! 

OH, I almost forgot! Operation #FindMavAGoose has happened in real life! Maverick met a deaf friend named Goose at training last weekend - HOW AMAZING!? 

Howdy!

Hey guys! Welcome to Maverick's blog,

If you've read the domain name and couldn't tell...I kinda love Top Gun...sooo just be prepared for plenty of Maverick and Goose puns.

Any who, chocolate cutie Maverick has been in a foster home for *almost* and WHOLE YEAR and is so, so ready to find his own home sweet home!

Maverick, if you're not aware, is a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) which means he's pretty much a perfect gentleman.

He accepts friendly strangers, sits politely, walks B-E-A-UTIFULLY on a leash, knows a bunch of commands (and party tricks! But more on that in a minute). He is also dog friendly, a lover of big and little humans alike, and thoroughly enjoys car rides!

Now, I mentioned party tricks...and boy does Mav like to party! Maverick has been attending training at Training by Tara (check her out here - she's amazing!) and has learned quite a lot! And, as a heads up, Heart of Texas is willing to pay for three training classes with Mav and his adoptive family - BONUS!

So, what is it that Mav has learned so far you ask? Well obviously those boring basics like "sit", "stay","down", and coming when called...but he also knows: "spin", "peek-a-boo", "bow", "watch me" (which honestly, is pretty impressive for a blind boy!!) and many more! Sorry, I'm gonna make you comment or contact me for the full list ;), just to leave you with a cliff-hanger!

P.S. - If you don't know what these tricks mean, you should come out and meet Mav and have him demonstrate - he is easily bribed with treats!

"Down" and "Stay"

Peek-A-Boo!!

But moving along, here's a sneak-peak at his training schedule for this weekend:

"This week we will be working on some cute tricks:

Crawl, Hush (head down), figure eights (between the legs). In sports we will work on agility. The board, dog walk, and teeter."

Ummmmm, WOW! Talk about one smart cookie!

Check back soon for more pictures and updates; please leave any questions or comments below and we will get back to you!

#FindMavAGoose