First-Ever MLB Service Dog Will Be Trained and Placed With Disabled U.S. Veteran or First Responder
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 21, 2022 (Flushing, NY) – The Amazin' Mets Foundation (AMF), the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets, is pleased to sponsor a future service dog in partnership with America's VetDogs, a New York-based national nonprofit that provides specially trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities, to name and co-raise a future service dog.
The AMF Pup is an adorable, 11-week-old, male, yellow Labrador Retriever, who will undergo basic training and socialization with the AMF staff, New York Mets' players and fans for the next 16 to 18 months. The pup will have a home in the Met front office, attend community events and select home games at Citi Field to expose him to various environments that will help mold him into a confident and calm future service dog. Fans can follow the pup on Instagram at @MetsVetDog to stay up to date on his training and local appearances.
Fans will have a chance to help name the new team pup by casting their vote on his name via the @Mets Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. Voting will run from March 21 through March 22 and the winner will be announced the next day, March 23.
"We are very excited to be sponsoring our first future service dog with America's VetDogs," said Alex Cohen, President of AMF. "We hope that this AMF puppy will bring awareness to an organization that provides renewed independence to veterans and first responders, as well as create fun and interactive opportunities for our fans."
"America's VetDogs is thrilled to partner with the Amazin' Mets Foundation on co-raising the team and league's first future service dog," said John Miller, president & CEO of America's VetDogs. "The Amazin' Mets Foundation's passion for supporting our nation's heroes aligns with our mission to provide trained service dogs for veterans and first responders with disabilities. This opportunity offers a unique environment for the pup to grow and thrive in. A well-socialized puppy will have fewer adjustments to make when he returns to VetDogs for advanced service dog training. When it's time, that confidence will help someone with disabilities conquer any challenges they may face together as a team."
It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog; however, all of the VetDogs' services are provided at no charge to the individual. Funding comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations, and service and fraternal clubs.
For more on America's VetDogs and ways to get involved, visit VetDogs.org.
About the Amazin' Mets Foundation
The Amazin' Mets Foundation is committed to providing needed services and opportunities to children, families and under-served groups in our neighborhoods and communities.
About America's VetDogs
Since 2003, America's VetDogs (www.VetDogs.org) has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to veterans with disabilities from all eras. In 2015, VetDogs opened its programs to first responders, including fire, police, and emergency medical personnel. America's VetDogs is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation and serves clients from across the United States. VetDogs relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to help those who have served our country live with dignity and independence. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but America's VetDogs provides its services completely free of charge to the individual. America's VetDogs has been accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.
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