Mr. Met will have some competition for the hearts and minds of Mets fans.
The Amazin' Mets Foundation (AMF), the charitable arm of the New York Mets, announced a partnership with America's VetDogs in which the team will sponsor a future service dog, the Mets announced on Monday.
America's VetDogs is a New York-based nonprofit that provides specially trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities, to name and co-raise a future service dog.
Alex Cohen, the President of AMF said in a statement, "We are very excited to be sponsoring our first service dog with America's VetDogs. 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."
The AMF Pup is an 11-week-old, male, yellow Labrador Retriever, who will undergo basic training and socialization with the AMF staff, Mets players and fans for the next 16 to 18 months, basically through the summer of 2023.
The pup will take residence in the Mets 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 this adorable pup's actions on Instagram at @MetsVetDog to keep up to date on his training and appearances. Fans will also have a chance to help name him by casting their vote on his name through the @Mets Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages. Voting will run from today, March 21 through Tuesday, March 22 and the winner will be announced this Wednesday, March 23.
It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog. VetDogs' services are provided at no cost to the individual, with funding from the generosity of individuals, corporations, and service and fraternal clubs.
John Miller, the president and CEO of America's VetDogs, said in a statement, "America's VetDogs is thrilled to partner with the Amazin' Mets Foundation on co-raising the team and league's first future service dog. 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."
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