Cleveland Monsters, Cavaliers welcome service dog

Cleveland Monsters, Cavaliers welcome service dog

CLEVELAND — There’s a new team member coming to Cleveland, though he won’t be skating on ice or dunking on the court.

Rock Entertainment group announced the NBA’s first team service dog in training Friday who will be raised by the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Monsters. The teams are partnering with America’s VetDogs.


What You Need To Know

  • Reggie is an 11-week-old male Labrador Retriever 
  • The Cavaliers are the first NBA team to raise a service dog through America’s VetDogs Puppy with a Purpose initiative
  • Once fully trained, Reggie will serve U.S. veterans or first responders with disabilities
  • He will socialize and receive basic training for the next 14 to 18 months

Reggie is an 11-week-old male Labrador Retriever who will have basic training and socializing with the Cavs and Monsters teams over the next 14 to 18 months. Reggie will join the teams in their front office, at community events, practices and select home games to develop into a future service dog.

“Our entire team at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse could not be more excited to welcome Reggie to the family,” said Pam Frasco, Cleveland Cavaliers VP of Social Impact and Executive Director of the Cavs Community Foundation. “We’re committed to creating positive outcomes in our community and supporting local veterans. We look forward to the opportunity to support America’s VetDogs in their mission to help those who have honorably served our country live with dignity and independence.”

The Cavaliers are the first NBA team to raise a service dog through America’s VetDogs Puppy with a Purpose initiative, a national nonprofit that provides service dogs at no cost to veterans and first responders with disabilities.

“America’s VetDogs is thrilled to partner with the Cleveland Cavaliers on their first-ever NBA Puppy with a Purpose initiative,” said John Miller, President & CEO of America’s VetDogs. “The Cavaliers’ commitment to supporting our nation’s heroes aligns perfectly with our mission to provide trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities. This partnership offers a unique and enriching environment for the puppy to grow and thrive. A well-socialized pup will have fewer adjustments when they return to America’s VetDogs for advanced training, and that confidence will ultimately help their future handler overcome challenges as a team. Together, we are making a life-changing difference for those who have served our country and communities.”

Following his basic training, Reggie will head to America’s VetDogs campus in Smithtown, NY for his formal service dog training.

Once fully trained, Reggie will serve U.S. veterans or first responders with disabilities.

Reggie makes his debut with the Cavaliers on Sunday, Feb. 2 when they take on the Dallas Mavericks at 3:30 p.m. He will join the Monsters on Sunday, Feb. 23, against the Belleville Senators at 12 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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