The St. Louis Blues have partnered with Duo to adopt a yellow Labrador Retriever puppy for the season! Since being established in 1981, Duo is a non-profit organization that specializes in training service dogs to assist individuals and facilities.
The Blues' puppy will be raised to become a future assistance dog under Duo's highest criteria.
For the next 18 months, the puppy will undergo basic obedience training, as well as social and environmental stimulations to help it develop into a secure, self-confident, working dog for a future Duo client. As "puppy raisers," the Blues will host the pup in the front office and at home games to assist it in developing its necessary socialization needs.
"We're unbelievably excited for this and the office is through the roof about it," said Randy Girsch, the Blues' Vice President of Community Development & Event Management. "It's a new way to give back to the community in ways we haven't been able to give back before, and the way these dogs work and give back is special. What Duo does is truly amazing."
Instagram from @stlbluespup: Hello Instagram! I'm pawsitive that I'm going to like it here. #stlblues
Once the pup has completed its 18-month training and qualifies for certification, Duo will find its best fit as a service dog.
"We're excited to be involved in this process as the dog will then go to a deserving Duo client," said Hannah Arnold, the Blues' Director of Community Development & Blues for Kids. "Whether that be someone in a wheelchair with limited abilities, or for a child in a courtroom that will be comforted by the dog, we're proud to be involved in the dog's upbringing."
The Blues are making the final arrangements before the puppy's arrival, but there's one thing fans will get to decide. Now through Nov. 8, fans can submit their recommendations for the puppy's name! To submit your vote, visit stlouisblues.com/puppy.
The puppy will be introduced to fans at the Nov. 9 game vs. San Jose.
For the next 18 months, be on the lookout for the Blues' pup at home games at Enterprise Center, and stay up to date on its development by visiting following @stlbluespup on Instagram. To learn more about Duo and their work, visit
www.duodogs.com
.
