Here’s how you can vote to name the Nationals’ new team dog.
WASHINGTON — Many professional teams have added dogs to their rosters recently, and the Nationals want to cash in on the trend. On Monday, the Nationals announced they will be adding a team dog, but want the fans to name it.
In partnership with Canine Companions and Eukanuba, the Nationals are calling on fans and dog lovers alike to help select the new pup’s name from a list of four options, including Cherry, Monty, Natty and Tater. Fan voting is now open Nationals.com/TeamDog until Wednesday, March 18, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Once a name is selected, the Nationals will officially introduce their Team Dog this season.
“We are thrilled to partner with Canine Companions and Eukanuba to welcome the first-ever Team Dog to the Nationals roster this season,” said Nationals President of Business Operations Jason Sinnarajah. “We are excited to be part of this puppy’s impactful journey to becoming a service dog, and we know our team, fans, community and ballpark will offer a wonderful training environment.”
The selected dog will undergo basic training and socialization with Nationals staff, players and fans for the next 18 months under the supervision of it’s caretaker from Canine Companions program. The Nationals will welcome their official Team Dog at community events and select home games, helping to raise a confident and calm future service dog.
Following the initial puppy raising, the future hero will continue to formal service dog training. Canine Companions provides service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professional working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings.