Hero Dogs Maverick and Moxie

Summary

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

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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."

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Resources Mentioned:

• American Humane Website: americanhumane.org

• Hero Dog Awards: herodogawards.org

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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.

Transcript

[Dr. Robin Gansert]

Welcome to Robin's Nest. So many of us have a deep connection with the animals around us and want to protect them from the pets in our homes to endangered species in the wild. That's why I joined American Humane. As one of the oldest and most effective animal protection groups, we help billions of animals around the world. Join us as we explore how we can build a more humane world together. Hello and welcome to Robin's Nest. I'm Dr. Robin Gansert and this is the official podcast of American Humane and Global Humane, the nation's first and most experienced humane organization focused on the humane treatment of animals all over the world. From certifying zoos to being the first boots on the ground in crisis and rescues helping to ensure that animals are safe in the filming of movies on sets globally and that 1 billion animals in farms are treated humanely. And our military veteran and military dog programs, we are also proud to host the annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards. Now in its 14th year, this nationwide competition searches for and recognizes America's most inspiring dogs. These are often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things, from saving lives on the battlefields to lending sight or hearing to a human companion, or helping people achieve their goals. Each year we receive hundreds of nominations for heroic canines creating impact throughout their communities, our country and even globally. We recognize dogs from five categories including law enforcement and first responder dogs, military dogs, service and guide and hearing dogs, therapy dogs, emerging hero and shelter dogs. After voting by the American public, winners in each category are honored at the star studded American Humane Hero Dog Awards Gala in Palm beach hosted by Carson Cressley and Christie Brinkley. At these awards, just one of the category finalists receives the crowning hero dog title, an honor that symbolizes the important and inspiring role that canines play in our lives. That's why today I'm excited to welcome the human companions or handlers of two past winners of the Hero Dog Awards.

[Host]

Well, today in Robin's Nest, I'm so excited to have these incredible inspirational ladies and also some incredible dogs. We're here today with Kelly Brownfield. She is the2024 pet parent handler of Maverick. Maverick is the USO therapy dog who claimed top honors in our 2023 Hero Dogs. I'm so happy, Kelly, to have you with us. Thank you so very much.

[Kelly Brownfield]

Thank you for having us Thrilled.

[Host]

And we also have Katie Harris in the house. Katie is Moxie's mom and our 2023 service dog Hero Dog of the Year with Moxie. And Moxie's mission, I know, is so important to you. Oh, gosh, so great to see you again. We had a wonderful time celebrating your huge awards just so recently, and the television special on AE and FYI was gorgeous. And most of all, your stories that you shared with all of America has really touched so many lives. So thank you for having so much courage to share your story, open up and tell everybody how much these incredible hero dogs mean to you.

[Katie Harris]

Well, thank you for giving us the opportunity to be able to share what they mean to us and what we're able to do.

[Host]

Well, you are inspiring and paying it forward to so many by being able to share. Your stories are indeed stories of hope, and they're also stories of the healing power of the human animal bond. And I want to get into them right now because this is so, so very, very special. Kelly, we'll start with you. And I know that Maverick is this incredible beauty, and you not only have Maverick at home, you've got another Great Dane at home. But I want to start with Maverick's story and how when you and Maverick came together and started this incredible journey together.

[Kelly Brownfield]

You know, we always say Maverick was born to serve. And from the day he was till the day he was at my house, so the day I had him, he served our military and their family members. And that was his mission, and that is his mission to help in any way he can. And just to see how he lights up their faces when they have a bad day or just to see, you know, I think you all have experience seeing how someone's body language can go from tense to just completely relaxed. And I don't think everyone realizes just the power that animals in general have. They each have their own superpower. We say yes. And 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, you know, serving and working alongside our amputees as they're having their prosthetics fitted. You know, that's a hard time during that service member's life. And just to have Maverick by their side changes their whole trajectory of the day. Just when they see him come in and go, oh, you know, I have Maverick today. Forget, forget the physical therapist. You know, those four guys are put to the side sometimes, you know, but just to have Maverick there and he has such a wide range of those he helps, you know, we. Not only. We don't only have good times, you know, there's bad times and good times, but it's those times that are the hardest. The work he does Again with the children of the fallen or going on the stand to sit with children while they testify. Those are the hardest times, are, I think, the most important times, and those are when the impact is felt most.

[Host]

So I know he's not in the studio with us today, and I know we'll show our listeners to Robin's Nest some photos. And of course, everyone can see more about maverick on the americanhumane.org website and herodogawards.org website, too. Describe Maverick because he is so, so huge. And so when you meet Maverick for the first time, it's a little overwhelming.

[Kelly Brownfield]

He is a majestic giant.

[Katie Harris]

Yes, that's the best word for him.

[Kelly Brownfield]

He is a European blue great dame, merely 150 pounds. That's it, you know, only 150 pounds. And he truly lives up to the gentle giant term that they always tag with Great Danes. He is big, yes, but he is so gentle, and he has such a calming demeanor over him. And I joke that sometimes I might have trained him to be too nonchalant, you know, during training, you know, he had to be able to get through a.21 gun sloop. He needed to get through certain noise barriers so that he wouldn't react in situations. And so sometimes I think he's almost too stoic. And it's like, hey, you can loosen up a little. But I think that's what draws people to him, too, is just, you know, he's not bouncing around or anything. So having him there just standing there is just welcoming, though, and, like, you know, come in, get a hug from Maverick. Come say hello. You know, yesterday so many representatives were giving him hugs and they were loving it. And just to see their demeanor change was amazing.

[Host]

That's exactly right. And we're going to talk about our moment on Capitol Hill 2 in just a few minutes because that was so impactful. But I want to go back to something you went through really quickly in talking about Maverick and his story, because this just gives me the goosebumps and a lot of tears. You share with us that Maverick is a USO therapy dog. And in that role, he sits with the families of the fallen. Please tell us what that means.

[Kelly Brownfield]

So it touches my heart every time. And I don't care if it's raining or sunny, I have to have those sunglasses on when I'm working with them out there. And when he's sitting with families, the fallen, we team up. And they will actually escort. Maverick will sit by that child's side or children, if there's multiple kids during the service. Member's burial. And so.

[Host]

So this is a gold star family type of situation where a service member's been lost in the line of duty.

[Kelly Brownfield]

Absolutely.

[Host]

And they have children. And that funeral has to be so confusing and so emotional and so tragic for the child. And there you are with this gentle giant.

[Kelly Brownfield]

You know, I always say he's there to be their rock. And when that parent sees this is the usok, it almost gives them a sense of relief to where they can take time to focus on something else, you know, because there's so much going on during that day. And I always gave each child Maverick's challenge coin, his military coin. And I always say, if you need anything or if you're having a hard time during the service, just squeeze it. And I can't tell you how many times I just see the children just squeeze it. But Maverick will literally back up and sit on the chair next to them, and you'll just see the child holding onto him, literally being their rock. And then at times, we also get requests from family of the fallen where they've never seen their loved ones. Tombstone in place.

[Host]

Oh, my.

[Kelly Brownfield]

And that's the first time that they see the name on that headstone.

[Host]

Oh, my.

[Kelly Brownfield]

A very emotional time. And so we'll get requests for Maverick to escort the children to the gravesite and sit with that child. Why they process that moment, because seeing that the name in stone makes it real in a way. So we usually will lay Maverick down with the child a lot of times, depending on their age, sometimes that child will write a therapeutic letter to that fallen member, whether it be a. A father, mother, sister, brother, and just write a letter while leaning on Maverick. And we give them all the time they need. But it is one of the most important missions, I believe, that's needed.

[Host]

I would agree with you so much. And it's not just Maverick doing this work. Kelly, you are too such an angel. Such an angel. There's another group of people that you. You and Maverick help. It's incredible. Those who are on suicide watch or are wounded warriors facing PTS and TBI and they're on suicide watch. Tell me, what do you and Maverick do in those cases?

[Kelly Brownfield]

You know, I think that is the most. It's hard. You go in and as one soldier told me, that's when she realized the true meaning of unconditional love. She had been there a little bit, and no one. She wasn't accepting any visitors, anything, but she didn't know we were there for her. Because I'm allowed to go into the ward at any time.

[Host]

Yes.

[Kelly Brownfield]

And we were asked to go see her, and I just remember her seeing Maverick. Maverick jumped up on the couch with her and just her holding him and just rocking, and just to see that rock. And it was emotional, like no words had to be spoken. And it was a couple years later that specific soldier came to the USO to thank me. And that's when she told me the moment she saw and had Maverick in her arms was when she realized what unconditional love was supposed to be.

[Host]

Isn't that beautiful?

[Kelly Brownfield]

And that she was actually processing out of the military. But she wanted to come by and make sure that we knew how important that moment was in her life. And that was the moment that changed her mindset, and that made her want to take the steps to get better. It was incredible.

[Host]

When I think about this work, it has to be very taxing on your heart. And for those of us in Robin's Nest, you also need to know Kelly is a cancer survivor. She rang that bell. I'm so happy. And I know at the same time you're fighting the battle against cancer, you're also helping so many people who are just in such tragic circumstances. So how do you do it, Kelly? How do you do it?

[Kelly Brownfield]

You know, it kept me going, no matter the circumstance. I don't think it would have. I don't know if I would have made it if I had just stayed home.

[Host]

Right.

[Kelly Brownfield]

But I also, as I've told you before, contribute my wellbeing and me making it through three cancer diagnoses in seven years to American Humane, because a lot of people don't realize I had applied and put in Bandit, our original therapy dog, and then Maverick for the last eight years in American Humane. But I think everything was meant to be.

[Host]

Yes.

[Kelly Brownfield]

Because, you know, every year we would get to those top three almost, and. But I would use that time to promote and get out. No matter what was going on, whether it was chemo or radiation, American Humane helped me get out of the house and interact with people. And I think it would have been a lot different if I didn't have the hero dogs to, you know, go out and talk about and say, vote for this dog, please. And so it's just really neat to me that Maverick won when he did. At the end of my journey, it was almost like, all right, it's your time now. You're done with your health battle. Now is your time.

[Host]

It's all you.

[Kelly Brownfield]

Yeah. And so I always have said all those years, yes, it was a lot of work, but at the same time, it did keep me going. So I do appreciate that.

[Host]

Oh, I love that. I love that. We're going to talk about your next phase here soon, but in this journey with the Hero Dog Awards, you've met a wonderful new friend with Moxie and Katie. Isn't this exciting? The Hero Dogs community is such a great family, and it does span generations of hero dogs and generations of nominees. And I love, love, love that story. And we're going to pivot now to Katie and Moxie's in the house today. Katie, tell us about your incredible journey with Moxie. And I think you celebrated an anniversary just yesterday of six years of bringing Moxie into your life.

[Katie Harris]

Absolutely. And it just. When I saw that come up on Facebook, memories, it was like, wow, six years ago, I got Moxie, this little bundle of fluff that just came prancing around. She was the runt of the litter.

[Host]

And I can't believe she was the runt of the litter.

[Katie Harris]

No, she was the runt. She was meant for me. She was reserved there. And never, ever in a million years when I got that dog did I think that we would be here, that she would be a hero dog, that we would be on the hill, continuing to make change. I mean, to say that Moxie has not only saved my life, but impacted my life is the understatement of the year. Before I got Moxie, I have a condition called Ehlers Danlos, which is a connective tissue disorder.

[Host]

Say that again.

[Katie Harris]

So our listeners can hear Ehlers Danlos. And basically, and there's a lot of different types of Ehlers Danlos. Mine, the collagen inside of our body, mine is defective. So it just kind of like if you take toilet paper and you pour water on it, and it just. That's what's happening inside of. Inside of me. And none of my joints stay in place, but because the collagen is breaking down, it causes all of these other health struggles. Right now, physically, I was struggling, but.

[Host]

Mentally, man, that was a diagnosis like that just had to get you right here.

[Katie Harris]

It did, because I was struggling for so long and nobody knew what was going on. And it just kept getting worse and worse. And then we got the diagnosis, and then things just continued to keep getting worse. At that time, I was completely wheelchair bound. Couldn't even go to the refrigerator to get water. I couldn't play tennis. I lost all hope, purpose, and I had no idea what my why was anymore. And every. Every day I woke up and I was fighting not to end my life. And it was a purposeful fight because my brain kept saying, you don't want to live this way in this pain, in this pain, in this pain. And there was never relief. So I just kept trying to keep going and going, but you get to the point that it just gets too much.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

Then I got Moxie. And there was no guarantee that she would make it through the train.

[Host]

Right? Right.

[Katie Harris]

To be honest, I was a little spicy as a little puppy, but it was because she was so motivated to work. But she just brought purpose to me. She brought hope to me. She brought a reason for me to get up because I got to take her out to go to the bathroom. I have to feed her.

[Host]

That's right.

[Katie Harris]

But I remember the specific day, and I was sitting in my bed and I was in so much pain. Everything was shut down. I couldn't see. And I was like, I'm going to. I'm going to end my life today. Like, I can't. I can't believe this.

[Host]

The death of despair.

[Katie Harris]

I can't imagine it, like, hit me in the gut. And I started literally grieving my death and grieving my dreams that I had because I had so many dreams.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

And I had that, you know, that loud, wailing cry that just comes deep from your stomach. I just let that out. And all of a sudden, this little moxie comes running up. She jumps on the bed, and she just wrapped her paws around me and squeezed.

[Host]

Oh, gosh.

[Katie Harris]

And it was in that instant, looking in her beautiful big brown eyes, something shifted.

[Host]

Right.

[Katie Harris]

And I was like, you know what? I have got to stop focusing on all these things I can't do.

[Host]

Right.

[Katie Harris]

I have to find something I can do. I have to find a purpose. I have to find a why.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

And knowing how much Moxie has already impacted me before she was trained.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

In the process of training, I thought, you know what? So many people could benefit from a service dog.

[Host]

Right.

[Katie Harris]

But they can't afford a fully trained one. They can't wait the wait list, and they don't have a trainer to train their dog.

[Host]

Right.

[Katie Harris]

So I thought, what if we can pay it forward and fully fund a service dog for someone in need? I could do that from the hospital bed. I could do that from home. So we did it, and we raised that money for that first service dog. Her name was Grace, or is Grace. They're doing incredible now.

[Host]

That's wonderful.

[Katie Harris]

She was never. She was a teacher. She wasn't able to teach in person until she got this dog.

[Host]

Oh.

[Katie Harris]

And then it was like, you Know what? We're not done. So we continued. We started the nonprofit Moxie Mission. We wrote a little children's book, and now we just continue to travel around and talk about awareness and hope. Moxie means to overcome obstacles with spirited courage. And that is exactly what she does for me every day. Every day.

[Host]

Say that again, because I just want our listeners in Robin's Nest to remember this.

[Katie Harris]

Moxie means to overcome obstacles with spirit and courage. And the last line in her children's book that I always tell people because we talk about how everyone has hard times, but with kindness, courage, and a little bit of moxie, anything is possible. And I believe that with kindness and courage and that perseverance, we can overcome things.

[Host]

Look at what you've done with your life.

[Kelly Brownfield]

Yeah.

[Host]

Look at what. And you know what I love is you've defined your why now, and your why is so selfless. It's all about serving others and paying it forward. It's beautiful.

[Katie Harris]

Well, and I think about back when I was sitting on that bed and I couldn't even go to the refrigerator to get some water, and I lost all hope. I. One of the biggest things that I missed was tennis, and it was like, I can't play tennis anymore. I can't do this. I can't do anything anymore. And now I look where I am right now. Not only. Not only am I able to walk some now without the wheelchair.

[Host]

It's great. I saw you walking some yesterday. It was beautiful.

[Katie Harris]

Yes. I am now playing wheelchair tennis.

[Host]

Bravo.

[Katie Harris]

And I'm traveling nationwide playing tennis. And if I would have quit back then, none of these things would have happened.

[Host]

Yes. Yes.

[Katie Harris]

And it's not always easy.

[Host]

No.

[Katie Harris]

There are still plenty of times that I'm like, I don't know if I could keep living like this. It just gets exhausting. But you just keep going. It's kind of like what Kelly said. And I think this is why we connected so well. We met last the year before when we both ran together.

[Host]

Oh, I love it.

[Katie Harris]

And it brought us together together. And I'm gonna be hurt. I'm gonna be sick. So why not do something with it and not just sit at home and be sick? And so it just really has given me that determination. And Moxie's just so cute.

[Host]

Moxie is so cute.

[Katie Harris]

So stinking cute.

[Host]

She is.

[Kelly Brownfield]

I mean, so adorable.

[Host]

A little goldendoodle, by the way, friends. And she's here working today right beside Katie. She is so precious. I just. I'm sitting here in the presence of two amazing, humane angels. Really, women who have faced adversity, trials, tribulations that we can't even imagine, and look at what they've done through the healing power of the human animal bond. You two should be so very proud of yourselves, because the healing power of the bond has given you a platform to help so many other people. It's so remarkable.

[Katie Harris]

We. We go into schools now with Moxie, and it's always so fun because we'll be in the gym already and the kids will come in and they'll be like, oh, me? We know it's always about moxie, but it's just. There was a story that I had at one of our schools that we went to, and a teacher came up and said, we have a student that has a service dog now, but they've never met anyone with a service dog. And Mary just want to meet you. Can she have, like, a few minutes with you after the presentation?

[Host]

I was like, oh, I got all.

[Katie Harris]

After nothing. Absolutely. So he came up and he had his service dog, and you were talking about the trading and just the pride and just.

[Host]

And how old was he?

[Katie Harris]

He was maybe 8 or 9.

[Host]

I think that's spectacular.

[Katie Harris]

And it just seeing how Moxie brings joy to so many people.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

Not just me and being able to educate. How do you. What is the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog?

[Host]

Absolutely.

[Kelly Brownfield]

How do you team up on that?

[Katie Harris]

Yes. We want to write a book.

[Host]

Wonderful, wonderful. Because people get very confused when they see a therapy dog. And we see them at airports now. You use them through the uso, which is so important. We see them in children's hospitals, and then we have service dogs. So what's a good rule of thumb for our listeners to know the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog?

[Katie Harris]

I always say if the dog is in public, it's a service dog. Because therapy dogs can only be in public where they're working.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

And Moxie doesn't wear a vest because it's not legally required. So we have a leash wrap. And so sometimes people will be like, well, she doesn't have a vest. She's in public and she's working.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

And I think that, to me, always asking first.

[Kelly Brownfield]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

I mean, I have people.

[Kelly Brownfield]

That's the biggest thing is no matter who the dog is. Absolutely. Whether it's at the dog park, at an airport, in an office. Ask first.

[Host]

Yes. Before you approach. Always a best practice. Absolutely, Absolutely. But you're right. Service dogs are in public with one person, and a therapy dog is in a setting where they're brought into work. A children's hospital, an airport. I love the therapy dogs at airports. Now, for people who are nervous fliers, of course, the incredible work you're doing with the uso. But we see them now in nursing homes, too. They're going to a job. They're not out in public with one person. I think that's a really great distinction. And always ask.

[Kelly Brownfield]

And I think some of the things, I go into the schools quite a bit. And so I think it's just a natural fit to team up with Katie where we can both go into schools together to explain the differences and show them therapy dog versus service dog. And I always say, and especially for younger children to remember, therapy dogs are for the use of others. Where a service dog is for someone's individual use, medical need.

[Host]

Wonderful, wonderful. And then they can understand that.

[Katie Harris]

Yeah, yeah. And being able to educate, I mean, the amount. I don't think people realize that when we're out working, the distraction is really dangerous.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

And if she misses an alert or she's not focusing on me, I tell the students, when you're all doing math and English, if your neighbor's like, hey, hey, hey, hey. I'm just. It's hard to work.

[Host]

You can't focus.

[Katie Harris]

That's right. It's the adults that you really have to educate.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

My. Not my favorite story, but my biggest frustration is when people will come up and go, I know that you're a working dog, so I'm not going to talk to you because you are a working dog.

[Kelly Brownfield]

And so you.

[Katie Harris]

And I'm like, they don't know those words. And so just ignore the service dog.

[Host]

Right.

[Katie Harris]

Talk to the handler.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

You can always ask them, can I pet your dog?

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

More often than not, if I'm having an okay day, yes, I will say yes. But I unleash her. I say the command that she can be pet so that she knows that.

[Host]

She doesn't have to focus on you for a minute.

[Katie Harris]

Correct. And to me, it gives me an opportunity to show awareness and let a little child know what is a service dog and do education with that.

[Host]

Beautiful.

[Katie Harris]

But some days, no, you can't pet her.

[Host]

No.

[Katie Harris]

Or some service dogs. No, it doesn't work with that dog. And you have to respect that and know they are working, and it really does make a difference.

[Host]

I'm going to ask you this wonderful question we ask of all hero dogs as we're talking about hero dogs, literally. But heroes on both ends of the leash. What is Maverick's superpower? And What's Moxie's superpower?

[Kelly Brownfield]

Oh, I think with Maverick, it's the ability just to bring calmness over anyone in any situation. And just that approach of you just see their whole body change their whole body language. So, you know, if there is ability to have a superpower just to bring calmness, I think peace and peace. You know, I think that's an important term to add to that. Yes, Yes. I love that.

[Katie Harris]

And it's funny because, I mean, Moxie's superpower being able to recognize my needs is there, but I would say. And it's a little similar, but almost the complete opposite. Moxie brings this, like, joy and not calmness when she's, like, not working with it. She's just like this little plushie.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

And so being able to just see the smile that she brings on people and the laughter because she's so goofy.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

She is so serious with her work.

[Host]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

But she's so silly and goofy and funny.

[Host]

She's a goldendoodle. She's living life.

[Katie Harris]

She is living life. But she knows when she has a job, she's got that job. And when she is free, she just has fun.

[Host]

She lives a beautiful life. We're going to pivot here really quickly before we have to close today's episode. I knew everybody would love this episode. We were on Capitol Hill, and we were there to launch the 2024 Hero Dog Awards. Wasn't that wonderful?

[Kelly Brownfield]

So much fun.

[Host]

Tell us your thoughts about our big launch event as we educated members of Congress about heroes on both ends of the leash.

[Kelly Brownfield]

You know, I really hope it brings a larger awareness of the Hero Dog Awards, because every dog, every animal is a hero in my book. But just to have that platform to go further, like, I love what I've done for the last several years, but being a part of the Hero Dog Awards has just helped amplify and share that story, but also has brought interest to others about. Well, my dog would be able to do that, maybe. And bringing additional support to the awareness of the USOK Night program.

[Host]

Yes.

[Kelly Brownfield]

And so seeing you guys get so much publicity, seeing the smiles, the fun we were having yesterday, I just hope, honestly, that everyone submits their dog in any. In each of the categories that for them, and I just hope it brings a lot of more awareness.

[Host]

Yes. Yes. Thank you.

[Katie Harris]

I mean, it's just. It's such a huge meme, and to be 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. But the other thing that I just love about the American human hero Dogs is not only do we have that platform to be able to go out that got the attention to allow Moxie to be part of Dolly Parton's show. I mean, none of that would be happening, but now we're networking. We have a team of hero dogs that we stay in touch with from other years. And, yes, being able to not do the work on our own is huge. And so, I mean, I'll be promoting to anyone to be. Because, like Kelly said, with Moxie, being able to campaign and have tables and to get people to vote for her was dual purpose, obviously, for this. But we were able to share our mission and what we're doing and just get all of that exposure out. So I am very anxious to see the nominees, hear their stories and just watch the whole thing unfold. And I am so excited for the next show that they're gonna have to announce the overall winner again.

[Host]

And the five finalists is just so exciting.

[Katie Harris]

So exciting.

[Kelly Brownfield]

And I think we can't wait to meet them. And we want them to know it doesn't stop at the Hero Dog Awards.

[Host]

Yes.

[Kelly Brownfield]

You know, it is important that they realize what can come from that and keep that mission, whatever they're doing, keep it going.

[Host]

Yes.

[Kelly Brownfield]

And I think that's. It just doesn't stop there.

[Katie Harris]

The momentum.

[Kelly Brownfield]

Yes.

[Katie Harris]

It only begins.

[Kelly Brownfield]

Exactly.

[Host]

It's a platform for advocacy and change, and it's also an opportunity for us to sit back each and every year and be educated, be educated about therapy dogs, service dogs, law enforcement dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, and of course, emerging hero dogs or shelter dogs that do amazing things, like our 2022 winner, overall winner of Hero Dog of the Year, Ethan. And we all remember Ethan and Jeff. They were on Capitol Hill with us yesterday as well, kicking off this year's show. Well, this has been such a joy to hear from both of you and to hear your amazing stories and to have you share your heart with everyone in Robin's Nest. Thank you so much for being here. And I just. I know that you've inspired so many people through sharing, and we're grateful.

[Katie Harris]

Well, thank you for having us and for everything that you're doing for animals. I mean, it truly is amazing the amount of things that you are dedicating yourself to, and I'm so appreciative to be part of the American humane family.

[Host]

Thank you. Well, one thing that you said today, I want to remind our listeners, if you're looking for that, why in life. If you have this moment, please go to a local shelter and adopt. Adopt a dog. Adopt a cat. Bring an animal into your life and experience that unconditional love. And let's empty out those animal shelters right now.

[Katie Harris]

Yes.

[Host]

Thank you so much for being part of Robin's Nest.

[Dr. Robin Gansert]

Wasn't it incredible to have Kelly and Maverick, Katie and Moxie in the nest with us? Hearing these amazing stories of heroes on both ends of the leash reminds me I have to share with you. The Hero dog awards are now open. Please nominate your favorite working dog. We want to celebrate them this year. And remember, there's five categories of hero dogs. There's law enforcement dog, military working dog, your favorite guide, hearing and and service dog, your favorite therapy dog, and of course, your favorite emerging hero dog. Those are shelter dogs who do amazing things. If you have a hero in your life, and I know many of you do, please check out theherodog awards.org today. Let's get our best friends nominated again. Thanks so much for being part of our family here at Robin's Nest. We're so thrown thrilled that you tuned in this week to hear the stories of these amazing heroes. I hope you'll join forces with American Humane to help us build a more humane world. And tune in next time for our next episode of Robin's Nest.

[Host]

Thank you.