Joey and Allison Maxwell added so much joy to their life when they adopted Maverick from a high-kill shelter in
North Carolina. He was just a year old when they got him.
Everywhere they would go, people adored him. No matter their age or disposition towards animals, everybody loved Maverick. He was so popular among strangers that “everybody loves Maverick” became a sort of catchphrase for the Maxwell family.
When Maverick was diagnosed with Lymphoma eight years later, the Maxwells were devastated. After a few treatments it seemed like his condition might improve, but they weren’t so lucky.
“He was anemic, had an infection, and we really thought we were going to lose him,” Joey says. “He spent two nights and three days in the ICU, then they told us that we were bringing him home for Hospice care.”
So the Maxwells began to consider how they could make Maverick’s last few days the best of his entire life. But because he could no longer walk, they weren’t sure what they could do for him.
They decided to go shopping for a wagon that could carry Maverick. They wanted to take him around town one last time to see all of the people that loved him.
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At their local Lowe’s, Joey and Allison realized the wagons that could hold Maverick comfortably were too expensive. After spending thousands of dollars on his treatments, they simply couldn’t afford one.
But after listening to their story, one employee decided to do something for them. He told the Maxwells to come back in an hour.
When they returned, there was a wagon, perfect for Maverick, waiting for them. The employee sold it to them at a discounted price they could afford.
“He had just decided to do that out of the kindness of his heart. So I, of course, lost it, blubbering right there at the cash register,” Joey says. “Then, the cashier broke down, too, and we had a nice little cry together.”
The Maxwells covered their new wagon with a foam mattress and his favorite blankets to make him comfortable on their trip around town.
And so they headed off.
Maverick got to enjoy a burger and some ice cream!
Everyone who encountered Maverick that day fell in love with him. Despite his declining health, Maverick was still winning hearts all over town.
The day was bittersweet for the Maxwells. They were grateful to have such a beautiful memory of Maverick’s last day — or so they thought.
Maverick started getting better.
Ever since his epic “last day” with his family, Maverick’s state has been steadily improving. He is getting healthier.
Because the wagon ride seemed to lift his spirits (and his health!) so much, the Maxwells continue to pull him around town when he’s feeling up to it.
“My wife and I are convinced that, had we gone home last Tuesday and just said our last goodbyes and laid around the house being depressed, that Mav wouldn’t be here today,” Joey says.
“I really believe that what has helped him improve more than anything is all this positivity and love he’s been receiving. He hasn’t had the time to think about being sick because he’s been getting so much love from around the world.”
Maverick is currently resting up and preparing for more chemotherapy. He has been eating well and regaining his energy! And though he had not been walking, he’s now showing some movement in his back legs!
The Maxwells are truly thankful to have their buddy still by their side.
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