Games

Capital One Arena – Gone to the Dogs: A Recap of Caps Canine Night

By Michael Fleetwood·

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.

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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.

The Capitals and Wolf Trap Animal Rescue partner on the team’s annual Canine Calendar, which showcases available dogs/puppies for adoption.

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.

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.

By Michael Fleetwood