Photo: @Capitals
While the Washington Capitals’ Thursday night tilt against the Anaheim Ducks marked captain Alex Ovechkin’s long-awaited return to the lineup, the night also happened to be Caps Canine Night at Capital One Arena.
The Capitals and the Pedigree Foundation partnered to bring awareness to the importance of adopting rescue and shelter dogs. The Caps’ players entered the arena with some special, four-legged companions: puppies and cats available for adoption through the local Wolf Trap Animal Rescue.
Look at the face on Tracy (and Kuzy!) pic.twitter.com/xzAd9F98G9
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2023
Here’s Dowder with Tiffany pic.twitter.com/nyb8OYcWYg
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2023
Not sure who’s more photogenic, Tom or Peppermint pic.twitter.com/4amn2FzjGV
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2023
Also in attendance were the Capitals’ team dog Biscuit (aka Caps Pup), who partook in a ceremonial puck drop. As if the current team dog was not enough, Biscuit’s predecessor Captain, and his veteran partner (through America’s VetDogs organization) Mark Gwathmey were also in attendance for the special occasion. Biscuit, like Captain, will one day be paired with an Armed Forces veteran or first responder.
Thanks to our very special friend Bisky on helping with this evening’s #CapsCaninesNight puck drop!#ALLCAPS 🐶 pic.twitter.com/XWvICEVX7D
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2023
Looking majestic as always, Captain!#CapsCaninesNight | #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/LpBNVEcJP5
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2023
The Capitals and Wolf Trap Animal Rescue partner on the team’s annual Canine Calendar, which showcases available dogs/puppies for adoption.
Since 2008, @PedigreeFound has given more than $11 million to help dogs and last year alone, they helped 66,000 dogs.
They’re hoping to do even more this year and you can help by donating to dogs in need at https://t.co/CUjO1gSqbf#CapsCaninesNight pic.twitter.com/FRj5S67gTf
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2023
The Caps also welcomed US Marine Corps veteran Ryan Grosse and his dog Fred, whom he rescued while on deployment in Afghanistan in the midst of the battlefield.
Learn more about Craig & Fred and their amazing story in this @MonSportsNet short documentary, Rally Cry: Stubborn Positivity https://t.co/S6S6wcWFUN
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2023
While the Caps’ sixth straight loss was not by any means a bright spot, the presence of some furry friends in the building surely lightened the mood on the night “The Vault” went to the dogs.
.@tarynbray chats with @tom_wilso about tonight’s puppy arrivals and the great work @PedigreeFound and @WTARescue are doing for animals. pic.twitter.com/vjy4OABIf0
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 23, 2023
🚨PUPPY ON THE ICE ALERT I REPEAT WE HAVE A PUPPY ON THE ICE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/ropsvNUfSo
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 23, 2023
By Michael Fleetwood
okay so good news: Locker’s best friend has been giving input as to how the Caps can beat the Ducks 🐶
Tune into @NBCSWashington NOW to catch the end — and more dogs — as the @Capitals and Ducks are tied 2-2! pic.twitter.com/ZzOrz64tYR
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) February 24, 2023
Captain! I miss that dude.