Maverick "Therapy K-9" Wilson

Maverick, A Therapy K-9, passed away in peace Tuesday, August 7th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family, fire / law enforcement friends and K-9 Handlers at the Lake City Animal Health and Wellness Center.

Maverick was born early 2013, living the first months an unhealthy life, until collected by the Kosciusko County Sheriff Department for safekeeping. At the age of approximately 7 months old Maverick was malnourished, extremely sick with bronchitis and pneumonia as he started his life rough due to abusive situations. On September 27th, 2013 Maverick was welcomed to the Wilson household to be held as evidence of an animal abuse case. From that date, miracles happened.

Maverick would go to the McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel daily with Michael, where he would be found visiting with families, young and old, during viewings, visitations, and funeral services. Numerous times he would be found lying at the feet or on the pew beside those suffering through the loss of a loved one. Here he showed what he started life as one needed care and compassion.

When Maverick wasn’t at the Funeral Chapel, you would find him at the Kosciusko County Court House with Tracy visiting the different offices, sharing his love for treats, and with the Prosecutors Office. The special work he did with the Prosecutors Office was an important job with the Victims’ Assistance Program where he would provide comfort to the victims of abuse, both during interviews and in the courtroom while they testified. Mavericks’ professionalism within the court room did lead to a new law, nicknamed “Mavericks Law” permitting children who are victims of abuse the right to have a therapy animal with them during court proceedings.

Another great attribute of this K-9 was when Michael and the Critical Incident Stress Management Team was working with groups of emergency responders, he would “work the room” and snuggle or lay at the feet of these emergency responders during the stress debriefings.

But at home, this is where he really was himself. As he went to work every day with Michael, when he arrived home, he would strut towards his loving Mom, wagging his tail, would snuggle with us and all the family on the couch, and just be a loving dog. When the car was ready to leave the driveway, Maverick would be in it ready to go wherever he could be with the family. He rarely missed a trip.

Maverick was an exceptional K-9, many knew him, many loved him, from the young children in schools, to students in the halls of the High School, to infants, kids and adults within the Funeral Chapels, emergency responders in all aspects, he was a true loving K-9. More importantly, he loved his family, always happy, always sharing his love. For this, he will be deeply missed. Run free dear Maverick, always in our hearts, your love will be.

Michael and Tracy Wilson, and family.