Podcast Summary: "Robin's Nest from American Humane"
Episode: Hero Dogs Maverick and Moxie
Release Date: July 15, 2024

Introduction

In this emotionally charged episode of Robin's Nest, host Dr. Robin Ganzert delves into the inspiring stories of two extraordinary hero dogs, Maverick and Moxie, along with their dedicated handlers, Kelly Brownfield and Katie Harris. Produced by American Humane—the world's largest certifier of animal welfare—the podcast explores the profound impact these canine companions have on the lives of those they serve.

Meet the Heroes: Maverick and Moxie

Kelly Brownfield introduces Maverick, a USO therapy dog awarded the top honor in the 2023 Hero Dogs. Maverick, a 150-pound European Blue Great Dane, is revered for his gentle demeanor and remarkable ability to bring calmness to individuals in distress.

Kelly Brownfield [04:40]: "We always say Maverick was born to serve... just to watch Maverick work with the children of the fallen, working with our military on suicide watch, seeing the change that he has on those individuals."

Katie Harris shares the heartfelt journey of Moxie, the 2023 Service Dog Hero Dog of the Year. Moxie, a goldendoodle, has been a beacon of hope and support for Katie, who battles Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a debilitating connective tissue disorder.

Katie Harris [21:41]: "Moxie means to overcome obstacles with spirit and courage. With kindness, courage, and a little bit of moxie, anything is possible."

The Impact of Therapy and Service Dogs

The episode highlights the distinct roles of therapy dogs like Maverick and service dogs like Moxie.

Maverick's Role: Maverick serves military families, especially children who have lost loved ones. His presence provides emotional support during traumatic events such as funerals and the fitting of prosthetics for amputees.

Kelly Brownfield [09:18]: "He's there to be their rock. When a parent sees Maverick, it almost gives them a sense of relief... Moxie's challenge coin also helps children cope by giving them something tangible to hold onto."

Moxie's Role: Moxie assists Katie in managing her daily life despite her severe condition. Beyond personal support, Moxie has inspired Katie to advocate for others, leading to the creation of Moxie Mission, a nonprofit aimed at funding service dogs for those in need.

Katie Harris [19:22]: "Moxie brought purpose to me. I have to take her out, feed her, and that gave me a reason to get up each day."

Personal Journeys: Overcoming Adversity

Both handlers share their personal battles and how their hero dogs have been instrumental in their healing processes.

Kelly Brownfield's Story: As a cancer survivor, Kelly found solace and strength in Maverick. The companionship and mission to serve others helped her navigate the challenges of her health battles.

Kelly Brownfield [14:05]: "It kept me going, no matter the circumstance. I don't think I would have made it if I had just stayed home."

Katie Harris's Story: Katie's encounter with Moxie was a turning point during her darkest moments. Suffering from intense pain and losing hope, Moxie's presence helped Katie rediscover her purpose and drive her to help others.

Katie Harris [19:40]: "I was like, you know what? I have got to stop focusing on all these things I can't do. I have to find something I can do."

Educational Outreach and Community Impact

Both Maverick and Moxie are actively involved in educational initiatives, teaching the public about the roles and differences between therapy and service dogs.

Katie Harris [25:58]: "If the dog is in public, it's a service dog. Therapy dogs can only be in public where they're working."

They emphasize the importance of respecting the work these dogs do and educating others to ensure that their focus remains undisturbed.

Katie Harris [26:33]: "Always ask first. It's a best practice."

The Hero Dog Awards and Capitol Hill Launch

The episode also covers the 2024 Hero Dog Awards, an annual competition recognizing America's most inspiring dogs across various categories, including law enforcement, military, service, therapy, emerging hero, and shelter dogs.

Launch Event on Capitol Hill: Kelly and Katie share their experiences from the launch event, where they educated members of Congress about the significance of hero dogs and the impact of the Hero Dog Awards.

Kelly Brownfield [31:06]: "I really hope it brings a larger awareness of the Hero Dog Awards... and bring additional support to the awareness of the USOK Night program."

Katie Harris [32:06]: "Being able to be part of that and be able to talk to so many influential people was just an opportunity that never would have been able to happen."

Superpowers of Maverick and Moxie

The hosts pose a heartfelt question about the superpowers of Maverick and Moxie, highlighting their unique abilities to effect change and provide support.

Kelly Brownfield [29:26]: "Maverick's superpower is the ability to bring calmness and peace to anyone in any situation."

Katie Harris [30:18]: "Moxie's superpower is her ability to recognize my needs and bring joy and laughter wherever she goes."

Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Dr. Robin Ganzert concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to adopt from local shelters, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond.

Dr. Robin Ganzert [35:02]: "If you're looking for that why in life, please go to a local shelter and adopt. Adopt a dog. Adopt a cat."

She also urges listeners to nominate their hero dogs for the Hero Dog Awards, celebrating these unsung heroes.

Dr. Robin Ganzert [35:30]: "Let's get our best friends nominated again. Thanks so much for being part of our family here at Robin's Nest."

Conclusion

This episode of Robin's Nest beautifully illustrates the transformative power of the human-animal bond through the stories of Maverick and Moxie. Kelly Brownfield and Katie Harris’s testimonies not only honor these incredible dogs but also inspire listeners to recognize and celebrate the heroism found in their own animal companions. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the compassion, resilience, and unwavering support that animals bring into our lives, fostering a more humane and connected world.

Notable Quotes:

• Kelly Brownfield [04:40]: "We always say Maverick was born to serve... just to watch Maverick work with the children of the fallen..."

• Katie Harris [21:41]: "Moxie means to overcome obstacles with spirit and courage. With kindness, courage, and a little bit of moxie, anything is possible."

• Katie Harris [19:22]: "Moxie brought purpose to me. I have to take her out, feed her, and that gave me a reason to get up each day."

• Dr. Robin Ganzert [35:02]: "If you're looking for that why in life, please go to a local shelter and adopt."

Resources Mentioned:

• American Humane Website: americanhumane.org

• Hero Dog Awards: herodogawards.org

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting the inspiring journeys of Maverick and Moxie, their handlers' resilience, and the broader mission of American Humane in promoting animal welfare and the human-animal bond.