Mavvy James

I sit here on a cloudy Monday evening after a really difficult 72 hours with him in his spot. You see, for three years now, Maverick (aka Mavvy James) goes everywhere I go. Most notably, he sits to my right every evening, his head on the pillows tucked under my elbow.

Every once in awhile, he picks up his head or moves it just enough to make eye contact with me. I am certain it is his way to just check on me and make sure I am ok.

Today is his birthday.

Since he became part of our lives three years ago, Maverick has been through it all with us. He has seen our personal struggles, health issues, and job changes. He sat at my feet as I held his sister the night we put her down, and licks whatever tears I have cried in front of him…right off my face. When I leave him for the gym each morning, I rub his ears and tell him I love him. When I get back? He is right where I left him…laying in the kitchen probably never having moved.

Dogs don’t have to do much for us to become our best friends. All Maverick had to do was come home with me that September day in 2020. Since then, he provided such a rare type of joy and laughter. There were the early stages when one of his ears lifted and the other stayed floppy. As he has gotten older, I have loved watching him take off every time I open our sliding door and watch him do wind sprints through our backyard. His in-house zooms always come at the best times, like he knows I need them to brighten my day. The way he silently plods up the steps at bedtime, carrying one of his favorite toys in hopes it can come to bed with him. And then there are the daily walks. The question, “Mav, do you want to go for a walk,” is met with the bullrush, jump, and hug. The best part of any day is a Mav hug.

When I started working from home, I was sort of at a loss. It was probably evident to him that I was confused without my daily human interaction, So what did he do? Once an hour, he would bring a toy into the office and leave it at my feet. We would build quite a collection by 4:00 PM. They would all get put in their rightful spots after the work day only to be brought back 24 hours later.

And as I wrote my upcoming book, he sat right behind my chair for every word only moving when I took the short expedition down the steps to fill my cup with whatever was that night’s drink of choice. Each frustrating moment when I would slam the keyboard looking for the next idea was met with a gentle tan paw on my lap, encouraging me to take a breath. Every once in awhile, I would look at him and ask for the word I could not find the keys to type. Maverick would sit up, tilt his head just slightly in what felt like a reminder that I would figure it out…and I always did. And no one sensed when I needed a break more than Mav. He would start doing his hop when he sensed I needed to step away, and I knew it was time for a break for his walk. Just me and my buddy. He probably deserves the longest acknowledgement in the book for the dedication he showed throughout the process.

I will never know a love like Maverick’s. Now, that might piss off some people. But let me explain. Everyone who has loved me or does love me has been angry with me, frustrated with me at some point. Never Mav. Sure, he hates when I pull out my suitcase now and lays on my clothes as I pack them. His eyes just glancing up as a plea for me to stay. That is the most wrath that he will show. But when I get home from that trip, his tail could put a hole through the wall and his head doesn’t leave my lap.

Dogs don’t ask much of us in return for their loyalty. They have no ulterior motives, just going about their lives, loving us for who we are: Imperfect Humans. Dog owners know what I mean. When I sit down in the living room on the edge of the ottoman, it is within seconds that he is between my legs, nose pushing against my leg. That might be his greatest ask.

“Just a pet, Dad,” is what I imagine him to be saying. And that is all it takes for the tongue-out smile to appear over his shoulder.

We can learn so much from our dogs. How to live in the moment. To love unconditionally. Forgiveness. Sniff out our next opportunity. Accepting the flaws of those around us. Loyalty. Greeting anyone we meet with enthusiasm. Be ourselves. And plainly enjoy life.

I have learned all of this and more from Mavvy.

So on his third birthday, I want to thank whoever left his mother on the side of a lonely Texas road. I want to thank them for the gift of my number one dude.

And, more importantly, I want to thank him. For being my sidekick. For teaching me that it is ok to sit in the sun, chill in the shade, and chase down dreams (in your case, a tennis ball or bird). Thanks for taking up 90% of the storage space on my phone. I value your company, slobbery kisses, and for listening to all my nonsense and secrets.

You’re the sweetest, goofiest, and most handsome good boy there is. My worries are lighter because of you. My heart is bigger. You are my heart dog, imprinted on my soul, Sir Maverick James.

You are more than a pet, more than even family.

You’re my best friend. Happy Birthday, Bubba.