America’s VetDogs, a New York-based national nonprofit that provides specially trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities and the Worcester Railers Hockey Club, have shared that they will co-raise a future service dog for a United States veteran or first responder with disabilities.
In a fan vote hosted on the Railers’ social media, supporters chose “Deke” as the official name of the 14-week-old future service dog.
The name is a perfect fit — in hockey, a deke (short for “decoy”) is a clever move with the puck to fake out a defender or goalie, creating an opening to skate past, keep possession, or score.
Deke is a black Labrador Retriever who will undergo basic training and socialization with the Railers players and fans for the next 14 to 18 months.
The pup will have a home in the Railers front office and attend select events at DCU Center to expose him to various environments that will help mold him into a confident and calm future service dog.
John Miller, President and CEO, America’s VetDogs shared: “New England has always been an important region for America’s VetDogs and we’re expanding our presence here to better serve veterans and first responders with disabilities.
“We’re especially excited to partner with the Worcester Railers in co-raising a future service dog puppy.
“Together, we’re helping to change lives by giving the gift of independence to those who have sacrificed so much for our country and communities.”
Chief Operating Officer Michael G. Myers said: “The Railers are a community first organization and have instilled that philosophy in our office culture.
“This is a way for our employees to give back in a more personal way that will benefit local non-profits not just monetarily, but also with their time.”
America’s VetDogs and the Worcester Railers Hockey Club, have shared that they will co-raise a future service dog for a United States veteran or first responder with disabilities.
