This week on Lucky Dog, animal trainer Brandon McMillan takes on a heartwarming challenge: transforming Maverick, a one-year-old Lab mix, into a companion animal for an autistic man striving for greater independence. It’s a tall order, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s McMillan. He’s got the patience of a saint, the heart of a golden retriever, and a knack for seeing the potential in every pup, even the “hard-to-love” ones he rescues from shelters.
Maverick, like many of the dogs featured on the show, arrives at the Lucky Dog Ranch with a past shrouded in mystery. But McMillan isn’t interested in where these dogs have been; he’s focused on where they’re going. For Maverick, that future involves providing companionship and support to a man coping with the challenges of autism. This episode looks at the unique bond that can form between humans and animals, highlighting the ways dogs can enrich the lives of those with disabilities.
McMillan’s training methods are a mix of firmness, positive reinforcement, and a whole lot of love. He understands that every dog is different, and he tailors his approach to suit each individual personality. With Maverick, he’ll need to ensure the dog is not only well-behaved but also sensitive to the specific needs of his future companion. It’s a delicate balance, but one McMillan has mastered over many seasons of Lucky Dog. The episode follows Maverick’s transformation from rambunctious shelter dog to highly trained companion animal, ready to embark on a life-changing partnership.
Lucky Dog airs Saturday, February 22nd at 9:00 AM on CBS.
