When David welcomed Certified Hearing Dog Maverick into his home, he gained far more than a Service Dog — he gained confidence, companionship, and peace of mind.
“There is joy with having such a loving, playful, and hardworking friend in the house,” David shares.
David with Hearing Assistance Dog Chelsea at work in 1992
David has been part of the Dogs for Better Lives community for decades. He first received a Hearing Dog from the organization — then known as Dogs for the Deaf — back in 1992.
Today, after receiving cochlear implants, he still faces complete silence when his processors come off at night. For both David and his wife, MaryJo, that reality brought understandable concern, especially when MaryJo traveled and David was home alone. The couple decided it was a good time to apply for another Hearing Dog from DBL.
“If an alarm sounds, I would not know it was going off. But now, with Maverick, I’m confident that he would let me know, so I feel much safer,” David explains.
That sense of security is life-changing. Maverick alerts David to critical sounds like smoke alarms, home security alarms, the doorbell, and even keys dropped in public. But it’s often the everyday moments that mean the most.
“I would say that the name-call alert is the biggest day-to-day change in my life,” David says. “When I’m in a different room or floor and MaryJo calls me, Maverick can be so enthusiastic in his response by alerting me and taking me to her.”
David with Certified Hearing Dog Maverick
And, like any Labrador, Maverick has his favorite sound.
“Probably Maverick’s favorite sound is the oven timer,” David laughs, “given that it is in the kitchen where all the food is located.”
Beyond his skilled alerts, Maverick’s calm presence continues to amaze David and MaryJo. Whether quietly resting under a restaurant table or lying patiently at David’s feet during church, Maverick demonstrates the dedication and training that make Dogs for Better Lives dogs so extraordinary.
“For a two-year-old dog with all that energy to be able to wait quietly is truly incredible,” David says. “Kudos to his Puppy Raiser, Gwen, and DBL’s trainers!”
Gwen, DBL’s interim CEO, raised Maverick. She says watching the partnership between David and Maverick grow has been especially meaningful.
“Maverick came into my life as an eight-week-old puppy full of energy, curiosity, and heart,” Gwen says. “I watched him grow, learn, and discover the world, so seeing him now with David is incredibly emotional and rewarding for me. Watching a dog you helped raise go on to change someone’s life in such a meaningful way is one of the greatest gifts imaginable.”
Maverick has also woven himself seamlessly into David and MaryJo’s family life. Together, the trio enjoys road trips, games of fetch and frisbee, and looking forward to warmer days when Maverick can splash and play in the Puget Sound. Through it all, Maverick continues opening unexpected doors for connection.
“Having Maverick has opened the door to many conversations,” David says. “Through Maverick, we have conversations with vets, groomers, store owners, and people on the street, everywhere we go.”
As an introvert, David admits those interactions can sometimes feel challenging. But he also recognizes the opportunity to educate others about Service Dogs and the independence they provide.
“I’m often reminded that I am representing the world of Service Dog handlers,” he says.
David and MaryJo with Maverick
For longtime supporters, stories like David and Maverick’s are a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact made possible through generosity, training, and partnership. And for those considering a Hearing Dog for themselves or a loved one, David’s experience speaks volumes.
“I’m impressed with how much the DBL organization has grown from its small beginnings,” he says. “The support I get from everyone at the organization is amazing.”
Because of that support — and because of compassionate donors and volunteers — David faces each day with greater confidence, connection, and safety, knowing Maverick is always by his side.
Would you or someone you care about benefit from a Hearing Assistance Dog? Visit dogsforbetterlives.org/hearing-dogs to learn more about their work, and apply.
