MLS Atlanta United FC

Atlanta United partners with America's VetDogs to raise second future service dog

Published on September 1, 2021 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Atlanta United FC News Release


ATLANTA - Atlanta United today announced the club has once again partnered with America's VetDogs, a New York-based nonprofit organization that provides service dogs to U.S. veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities. Through this partnership, Atlanta United will be co-raising a male, 12-week-old black Labrador retriever, who will be trained in the Atlanta area for the next 16-18 months with the purpose of becoming a service dog. Atlanta United will host the puppy at community events and select home games to assist in raising and socializing him to be a confident and calm future service dog.

After holding a vote through the club's website, the puppy's name was chosen by supporters to be King. Media assets can be found here.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with America's VetDogs and reach our goal of improving the life of a veteran through this excellent program," Atlanta United President Darren Eales said. "Supporting our military is a foundational part of the club and the Blank Family of Businesses and successfully placing King with a veteran or first responder would be a privilege. We look forward to introducing King to our fans, giving them the opportunity to engage with him and educating the public about service dogs and the ways we can all support the veteran community."

To learn more about the partnership and King's journey, visit atlutd.com/pup. You can also follow him at @ATLUTDPup on Instagram and Twitter.

"America's VetDogs is thrilled to partner with Atlanta United for a second time on co-raising the team and leagues' second future service dog," said John Miller, president & CEO of America's VetDogs. "Atlanta United's passion for supporting our nation's heroes aligns with our mission to provide trained service dogs for veterans and first responders with disabilities. This opportunity offers a unique environment for the pup to grow and thrive in. A well-socialized puppy will have fewer adjustments to make when he returns back to VetDogs for advanced service dog training. When it's time, that confidence will help someone with disabilities conquer any challenges they may face together as a team."

King will be trained by an Atlanta-based puppy raiser over the next year. Following his puppy raising stage, King will return to the America's VetDogs campus in Smithtown, New York, to begin his advanced service dog training with a certified service dog instructor. When his training is complete, King will be matched and placed with a veteran or first responder with disabilities at no charge to the individual. Funding comes from the generosity of individuals, businesses and community organizations.

For more on America's VetDogs and ways to get involved, visit VetDogs.org.

PUPPY PROFILE

Name: King

Position: Service dog in training

Birthdate: June 5, 2021 (age: 12 weeks)

Birthplace: Smithtown, New York

Nationality: USA

Breed: Labrador Retriever

Transaction: Atlanta United signs King Sept. 1, 2021

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