PHOTOS: Meet Biscuit, the Capitals' lovable new service dog in training
The Washington Capitals made a big reveal on Monday, introducing 'Biscuit,' a nine-week-old chocolate Labrador who will spend the next 14 to 16 months around the team.
Meet Biscuit
Biscuit will undergo basic training and socialization with the Capitals staff, players and the general public over the next year and change, before returning to America's VetDogs for formal service dog training. Afterwards, Biscuit will be paired with a veteran or first responder with disabilities.
Meet Biscuit
Biscuit's arrival follows the success of Captain, who joined the Capitals in Oct. 2019 and has since been placed with retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Mark Gwathmey after completing his training in June. Part of Biscuit's time with the Caps will be spent in the front office, at community events, practices and select home games, in an effort to raise this lovable pup into a confident and calm service dog.
Meet Biscuit
America's VetDogs has been training and placing guide and service dogs since 2003, with the aim of providing independence, enhanced mobility and companionship to veterans with disabilities from all eras. VetDogs opened its programs to first responders in 2015, to include fire, police and emergency medical personnel.
Meet Biscuit
"We are thrilled to partner again with the Washington Capitals on co-raising 'Biscuit' to become a service dog for a veteran or first responder with disabilities," said John Miller, president and CEO of America's VetDogs. "The ownership, team, staff and fans have all embraced America's VetDogs' mission and partnerships like these are vital to the growth and socialization of a future service dog. We saw a wonderful outcome with Captain being placed with his veteran and look forward to seeing Biscuit do the same."
Meet Biscuit
"Following Captain's successful journey and placement with retired Marine Corps veteran Mark Gwathmey, the Capitals organization is excited to once again partner with America's VetDogs to begin Biscuit's journey as an integral part of Capitals Canine programming," said Capitals vice president of marketing Amanda Tischler. "America's VetDogs has an incredible impact in the military and first-responder community, and we look forward to being a part of Biscuit's formal training over the next season as he begins to learn how to best serve his future partner."
Meet Biscuit
Biscuit was born on July 23 and officially joined the Caps on Sept. 22, the first day of training camp. Fans can follow Biscuit on Instagram and Twitter @CapsPup to stay up to date on his training and local appearances.
Meet Biscuit
Meet Biscuit
Meet Biscuit
Meet Biscuit
All images courtesy of the Washington Capitals.