The Philadelphia Phillies added a new team member this week, and he’s already winning hearts at Citizens Bank Park.
Tugger, a 10-week-old yellow Labrador retriever, made his Phillies debut during Wednesday’s doubleheader against the San Diego Padres. He was spotted cuddled in the arms of reliever Orion Kerkering and sharing a moment with the Phillie Phanatic, becoming an instant fan favorite in the process.
Tugger isn’t just here for the photo ops. He’s training to become an accredited service dog through a partnership between Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, with the ultimate goal of being placed with a veteran living with a disability.
He’s also carrying a legacy in his name. Tugger is named after Phillies great Tug McGraw, the 1980 World Series champion and U.S. Marine Corps reservist. His son, country music star Tim McGraw, praised the project in a statement through the Tug McGraw Foundation.
“Ya gotta believe young Tugger’s going to be a hero for a veteran with an invisible wound of war,” McGraw said. “The thought that this little pup will one day contribute to enhancing the quality of life for a veteran is truly remarkable. We can never do enough to honor our veterans, and I am certain my father would have felt deeply honored to have Tugger named in his memory.”
Tugger’s mission will span two years of training with Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit that breeds, raises and places service dogs with veterans who have physical or psychological injuries. During that time, Tugger will work with dozens of veterans undergoing treatment and eventually learn to perform tasks ranging from detecting anxiety to interrupting nightmares to assisting with mobility.
Nick Liermann, founder and executive director of Team Foster, said partnerships like this one help bridge a significant gap in care for injured veterans.
“Properly trained service dogs can change and save lives,” Liermann said. “But it’s extremely difficult for veterans to get service dogs because there are so few resources available, so we fill that huge gap. The Phillies and Warrior Canine Connection are incredible partners in that mission.”
Rick Yount, executive director of Warrior Canine Connection, added that the partnership honors more than a name.
“It’s a meaningful way to carry forward [Tug McGraw’s] legacy — one rooted in strength, service and impact,” Yount said. “This special partnership is making Tugger’s mission possible and exemplifies the power of community coming together to support our nation’s veterans.”
The Phillies announced Tugger’s arrival earlier in the week, and fans wasted no time embracing him. After the team took the second game of the doubleheader with a 5-1 win over the San Diego Padres, the team’s social media account joined in the fun: “Won one for Tugger.”
This is the second service pup sponsored by the Phillies through a Phillies Charities, Inc. grant. The first, Major, was recently placed with a veteran after completing his training.
“Tugger is already part of our Phillies family,” said Michele DeVicaris, the team’s Director of Community and Charity Events. “The impact a service pup like him can have on veterans battling invisible wounds of war is truly lifesaving.”
From clubhouse cuddles to life-changing service work, Tugger has a big journey ahead — and Phillies fans will be cheering him on every step of the way.
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