America’s VetDogs, a national nonprofit that provides specially trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities, has announced it is joining forces with the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving back to the community and Team Foster, an organization dedicated to honoring veterans and military families by partnering them with service dogs.
Funded by Flyers Alumni, together the three organizations are thrilled to announce the co-raising of a future service dog for a veteran or first responder with disabilities. The puppy is a seven-week-old male Labrador Retriever.
Over the next 14 to 18 months, the pup will begin his journey of basic training and socialization alongside Flyers Alumni and Team Foster fans, staff and supporters.
He’ll be a familiar face at community events, where he’ll gain exposure to a variety of environments that are essential to shaping him into a confident and calm future service dog.
After completing his basic training, the puppy will return to America’s VetDogs headquarters in Smithtown, NY to begin his formal training. There, he’ll prepare for his ultimate mission of being placed with a veteran or first responder with disabilities.
The public will have a chance to help name the new pup by choosing from an option of names selected by Flyers Alumni via a poll on the official Philadelphia Flyers’ website. Voting will run from Tuesday, April 22 – Friday, April 25 at 11:59 PM EST. Flyers Alumni will announce the official name of the puppy via social media in May.
People can follow the pup’s journey via the Flyers Alumni social media accounts on Facebook and, X, to stay up to date on his training and local appearances.
Brad Marsh, Presidents of Flyers Alumni said: “Flyers Alumni is thrilled to partner with America’s VetDogs and Team Foster for this exciting initiative. This is more than just naming a dog — it’s being part of a journey that will transform someone’s life.
“It is because of our fans and their support of our charitable giving that we are able to make this mission possible and we want to give them the opportunity to name the newest member of the Flyers Alumni family.”
Nick Liermann, Founder and Executive Director of Team Foster said: “We’re incredibly grateful to partner with Flyers Alumni and America’s VetDogs on this life-changing initiative.
This isn’t a pet or emotional support animal; this pup is going to train for two years to become a service dog and help a veteran or first responder with disabilities.
“Involving the fans in naming this dog is a fun and meaningful way to showcase what these partnerships are all about: community, support and changing lives together.”
John Miller, President and CEO of America’s VetDog shared: “We are proud to partner with the Flyers Alumni and Team Foster on this extraordinary journey as a part of our ‘Puppy with a Purpose program.
“This partnership reflects our shared values of service, community and unwavering support for those who have bravely served our country.
“We look forward to watching this puppy grow and develop into a life-changing service dog for a veteran or first responder.”
The Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Association and Team Foster, has announced a new partnership with America’s VetDogs to help raise a seven-week-old puppy to become a future service dog.
