America’s VetDogs Partners with Amazin’ Mets Foundation to Raise Third Future Service Dog
May 01 2024 - 10:10AM
America’s VetDogs, a New York-based national nonprofit that
provides specially trained service dogs to veterans and first
responders with disabilities, and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, the
philanthropic arm of the New York Mets, are thrilled to announce
they will co-raise a future service dog for a United States veteran
or first responder with disabilities. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation
has funded $150,000 in grants to America’s VetDogs to date.
The New York Mets were the first-ever MLB team
to raise a future service dog with America’s VetDogs. The newest
Amazin’ Mets Foundation Pup is a handsome 11-week-old, male, yellow
Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever Mix, who will undergo basic
training and socialization with the Amazin’ Mets Foundation staff
and the New York Mets players and fans for the next 14 to 16
months. The pup will have a home in the Mets front office and
attend select events 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, X, and
TikTok at @MetsVetDog to stay up to date on his training and
community appearances.
“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation’s goal is to make a
positive impact in people’s lives, and our partnership with
America’s VetDogs is just one of the many ways we’re able to
achieve that goal,” said Alex Cohen, President of the Amazin’
Mets Foundation and New York Mets Owner. “Service dogs bring
hope, joy and companionship to our veterans and first responders,
and we are thrilled to continue to provide these life changing
experiences.”
Fans will have a chance to help name the new
Mets Vet Dog by voting for their preferred name via a poll on the
@Mets X account. Voting is now open, and the winning name will be
announced at Citi Field on Thursday, May 2 as the Mets take on the
Chicago Cubs at 1:10 p.m. ET.
"America’s VetDogs is proud to continue working
with Alex Cohen and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation in raising another
future service dog," said John Miller, president & CEO of
America’s VetDogs. "Over the past several seasons, the Mets
organization has consistently shown their unwavering commitment to
supporting veterans and first responders in this truly unique way.
The new puppy will undoubtedly become a cherished member of both
the team and front office, and we are excited to watch the newest
MetsVetDog begin this journey.”
For more on America’s VetDogs and ways to get involved, visit
VetDogs.org.
About America’s VetDogsFor more than 20 years, 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 more than $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.
About the Amazin’ Mets FoundationThe Amazin’ Mets
Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets. The
Foundation is committed to providing needed services and
opportunities to children, families, and underserved groups. Since
its inception in 2021, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation has funded over
$10 million in grants to over 160 organizations in its community,
including the communities surrounding affiliate teams. Learn more
at amazinmetsfoundation.org.
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- The New York Mets were the first-ever MLB team to raise a
future service dog with America’s VetDogs.
Jamie Shrewsbury
America's VetDogs
304-839-2551
jamie.shrewsbury@guidedog.org