Bedford Police Department Welcomes Newest Member – Future BluePath Service Dog Maverick

The Bedford Police Department has recently grown in size with the addition of future BluePath service dog Maverick. The yellow Labrador – Golden cross will be cared for by the entire department, with four officers serving as lead puppy raisers – Andrew Klein, Zach Leone, Mark Montanaro, and Joe Sagliano, on his journey to become an autism service dog for a family in need.

From the age of eight weeks to roughly 18 months, pups are nurtured and guided by volunteer puppy raisers before they return to BluePath Service Dogs for formal training. BluePath places service dogs with children with autism, helping to ameliorate dangerous wandering behaviors. Beyond unparalleled safety, BluePath dogs reduce stress in transitions, facilitate connection, and often become a child’s best friend.

“The department is committed to promoting the overall health and wellness of our officers,” said Bedford Police Chief Melvin Padilla. “Raising Maverick is a unique approach to reducing job-related stress while also offering us new ways to connect with local residents and give back to our community.”

The Bedford Police Department will spend the next year and a half raising, training, and socializing Maverick, who spends time in the station’s headquarters and at appropriate public events. This includes teaching basic obedience skills, appropriate home behavior, and exposing the eager pup to all the world has to offer. As lead puppy raisers, Officers Klein, Leone, Montanaro, and Sagliano share with their families the additional responsibility of taking Maverick into their homes.

“We rely on the generosity of volunteers to raise our life-changing service dogs,” said BluePath Vice President of Marketing and Development Michelle Brier. “National volunteerism rates are declining, presenting a serious challenge for the nonprofit sector. We extend our gratitude and admiration to Bedford Police Department for stepping up at this critical time and investing in their community in this way.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of every 44 children born today will develop an autism spectrum disorder. It is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States.

Each BluePath dog comes with thousands of hours of training from dedicated volunteers and professional staff. While the cost to prepare these incredible dogs is upwards of $40,000, BluePath provides its service dogs – and intensive, ongoing follow up support – completely free of charge. Reduced stress, improved sleeping routines, and more meaningful social interactions can allow families to feel a renewed sense of hope and empowerment.

“Wesley was diagnosed with autism at two years old, and community outings have always been a challenge,” shared Kate Petersen, whose five-year-old son was matched with BluePath service dog Reba. “The grocery store felt like a war zone with meltdowns and escape attempts. Then we received Reba. Now Wesley is calm and content, and instead of running at the supermarket, he began talking to us to communicate his wants and needs.”

Petersen continued, “Wesley has gained so much confidence that he even speaks to other shoppers; he loves to tell them about his dog. I could never have imagined the magnitude of Reba’s impact. Now Wesley moves through the world thoughtfully instead of reactively. I feel like I can breathe again and, as a family, we have so much hope for the future. Reba has been the most incredible gift.”

BluePath Service Dogs, Inc. is located at 8 Country Club Road in Hopewell Junction. They can be reached at 845-377-0477 or by visiting www.bluepathservicedogs.org. For the latest news and updates, follow @BluePathServiceDogs on Facebook and @BluePathDogs on Instagram.

About BluePath Service Dogs, Inc.

BluePath Service Dogs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2016 to provide autism service dogs, offering safety, companionship, and opportunities for independence. The organization transforms lives by providing families with expanded opportunities to unlock life’s potential. BluePath receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to fulfill its mission. For more information, visit www.bluepathservicedogs.org. Follow BluePath on Facebook at www.facebook.org/bluepathservicedogs.

Photo Caption: Bedford Police Officer Joe Sagliano works on basic obedience skills with future BluePath service dog Maverick.