Reston Pet of the Week: Maverick

Meet Maverick, our Reston Pet of the Week.

Here’s what owner Brandy had to say about the 2-year-old pit bull she adopted when he was 4 months old.

This puppy was what we call a “Three Strikes.” #1 – He was a Pit Bull. Notorious for having a bad rap and illegal to own in parts of Maryland. #2 – He was black. Black dogs (and cats) are amongst the least desirable pets. #3 – He was sick. He had what is called demodectic mange, a very easily cured, and non-contagious form of mange that causes itchy patches and hair loss. If not treated, it becomes much worse and animals can suffer terribly with it.

I took my family, and our current dog, to meet this puppy. It was love at first sight. We decided to take Maverick in and see how he would do as a member of our family. The first couple of days were a little tough. Our dog, Harper, likes to be in control, and he can sometimes be a bully. But after the two dogs figured their stuff out, Maverick, we knew, were here to stay.

Maverick has grown into an almost 80-pound block of rippling muscle. He is famous at the Reston Dog Park. His giant head is marveled at, his perfect manners revered. Everybody loves Maverick. And a lot of people have had their minds changed about pit bulls because of Maverick.

Maverick is 100 percent what we wanted in a dog. He is the perfect ambassador to his breed. Maverick shows everyone he meets that the American pit bull terrier is not some beast of an animal, bred to kill everything in sight. I have three children, aged 15 to 2. We have another dog. We have several cats, and we foster cats and even tiny newborn kittens. And Maverick is as gentle as can be with all of them. He has never shown an ounce of aggression and is completely committed to being a loyal, friendly, fun-loving pet.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontal photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.