[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] The Cavaliers are the first NBA team to raise a service dog through America's VetDogs Puppy with a Purpose initiative

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Cleveland Monsters, Cavaliers welcome service dog in training
Spectrum News 1

January 31, 2025

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio, (SPECTRUM NEWS 1) - 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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