Washington Capitals fans by now are familiar with the team’s service-dog-in-training, Captain. Now there’s another new pup to fall head over heels for.
Monumental Sports and Entertainment have taken in a second dog, Scout, who will spend the next 14-16 months around the Capitals, Wizards, Mystics and Monumental staff before it trains to become a service dog.
Teams around the NHL increasingly are sponsoring puppies that will grow up to become guide dogs or service dogs after spending a year or so with the team. The New York Islanders, along with the Capitals, are already working with their second dog.
Scout is an 8-week-old yellow Labrador retriever, seen here playing with his new big brother:
@CapsPup aka Captain playing on the ice with the new @MSE service dog in training, Scout!! As always thanks to @AmericasVetDogs for all they do!! @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/A8yUVY9IcK
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) January 30, 2020
Join us in welcoming our newest addition to the family, Scout! #RaisetheGame | #BeMonumental pic.twitter.com/rt1jXA0LjE
— Monumental Sports (@MSE) January 30, 2020
Like Captain, Scout frequently will attend the Capitals’ practices and games, but will also be seen at Wizards and Mystics games and practices. Spending time in the often noisy environments and becoming friendly with humans is important for the dogs’ socialization and training.
Monumental is partnered with the nonprofit America’s VetDogs, which provides service dogs to first responders and veterans with disabilities. Monumental CEO Ted Leonsis and wife Lynn Leonsis donated $50,000 to cover the cost of sponsoring Scout.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.