After sustaining a traumatic brain injury during his final deployment, Michael faced a new and unexpected battle—an eye disease that took most of his vision. Coming home was anything but easy. Though he completed blind rehabilitation and learned to navigate with a white cane, the transition to civilian life left him feeling overwhelmed and alone.

That all changed the day he met Maverick—a long-haired King German Shepherd and his future service dog in training.

“I didn’t think I deserved a service dog, especially one I’d have to train myself,” Michael admitted. “But Victory Service Dogs welcomed me with open arms, and that’s when everything began to shift.”

With the support of Victory Service Dogs, Michael began working with Maverick through weekly one-on-one sessions. Step by step, they tackled every challenge together—from neighborhood walks to international flights. What began as a training process soon became a transformative bond.

More than just a guide, Maverick brought Michael something he hadn’t felt in a long time: structure, purpose, and true independence.

Today, Maverick helps Michael navigate daily life everywhere from Colorado Springs to Albuquerque—and even across borders to the Netherlands and Canada. The only time they’re apart? When Michael’s racing his tandem bike. Maverick proudly waits at the finish line, sporting his signature custom socks 🧦.

“Victory Service Dogs didn’t just give me a guide—they gave me my life back,” Michael says.

We’re honored to be part of Michael and Maverick’s incredible journey—and we’re reminded every day that healing doesn’t happen alone. It happens together.