At least the Mets have something going for them.
The ball club’s philanthropic arm, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, and America’s VetDogs, a locally based national nonprofit, are co-raising a future service dog for a United States veteran or first responder with disabilities.
Howie, named for legendary New York sports broadcaster Howie Rose, will undergo basic training and socialization with foundation staff, Mets players, and Mets fans for the next 14 to 18 months.
He’ll 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.
The 11-week-old Labrador Retriever is named after legendary New York sports broadcaster Howie Rose, who plans to retire after this Mets season following four decades in the booth. The name was selected through a vote by Mets employees in tribute to his extraordinary career and lasting impact on Mets fans.
Fans can meet Howie the service dog at the Mets game on Wednesday, July 8 against the Kansas City Royals. To date, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation has funded more than $200,000 in grants to America’s VetDogs.
Mets
Mets
The franchise hit a home run with Howie. It’s not doing that on the ballfield. The Mets are currently last in the National League East, with a .420 record that undercuts all but two teams in the league.
Mets
Mets Howie the service dog at Citi Field.
