Monumental Sports Entertainment, which owns the Capitals, announced that Scout, an 8-week-old Labrador retriever, will live with and be raised by the company while he trains to become a service dog for a veteran or a first responder with disabilities.
1/5
Captain and Scout at the Capital One Arena. (Washington Capitals/Jess Rapfogel)
The newest member of the Washington Capitals doesn’t have a lot of experience, but is showing tremendous potential.
2/5
Captain uses his size advantage. (Washington Capitals/Jess Rapfogel)
Scout joined Captain, who became part of the team last October, for the Caps鈥� game Wednesday night against the Nashville Predators.
The dogs will attend some home games at the Capital One Arena, as well as Monumental events in the community.
3/5
Scout and Captain tussle at the Capital One Arena. (Washington Capitals/Jess Rapfogel)
The training process, run by America鈥檚 VetDogs, takes 14 to 16 months, during which time Scout will undergo basic training and socialization. After that, he (and Captain, when his basic training is over) will head to New York for advanced training before he鈥檚 matched up with a human.
4/5
Scout gets the jump on Captain in the battle for — well, the dog equivalent of a rebound. (Washington Capitals/Jess Rapfogel)
鈥淲e are thankful to the entire MSE organization for supporting the VetDogs mission,鈥� said John Miller, the group鈥檚 president and CEO, in a statement issued by the team, 鈥渂ut also for joining our dedicated group of volunteer puppy raisers to provide Scout with a unique and enriching environment that will ultimately mold him into a confident and well-socialized service dog.鈥�
5/5
Scout on the breakaway! (Washington Capitals/Jess Rapfogel)
Scout isn鈥檛 on social media yet, but .
And so is , who also recently placed a dog with Atlanta鈥檚 MLS team. Just in case these guys aren’t adorable enough on their own.
