Smithtown, New York and Washington, D.C., Oct. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Link for Photos:
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, October 23, 2025 (Smithtown, NY and Washington, D.C.) – America’s VetDogs, a New York-based national nonprofit that provides specially trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities is thrilled to announce they have named a service dog “Ovi” in honor of Washington Capitals’ superstar Alex Ovechkin. This tribute comes in celebration of Ovechkin’s monumental achievements surpassing the all-time NHL goal record with his 895th career goal and as he becomes the 23rd player in NHL history to play in 1,500 career games on Saturday, Oct. 25 vs. the Ottawa Senators in Washington, D.C.
Ovi is an 18-week-old black Labrador Retriever that is being raised in Virginia by an America’s VetDogs’ volunteer puppy raiser. During the next 14-18 months, Ovi will undergo basic training, learning obedience, good house manners and the fundamentals of service dog training. At the end of his time with the puppy raiser, Ovi will return to America’s VetDogs campus in New York where he will work with a certified service dog instructor to learn skills to mitigate the disability of a U.S. veteran or a first responder – these skills include retrieving dropped items, nightmare interruption, opening handicap doors, and more.
America’s VetDogs has proudly partnered with the Washington Capitals since 2019, when the two teamed up to raise Captain, a future service dog, through the organization’s Puppy with a Purpose® program. Captain was later placed with a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and first responder, marking the beginning of a meaningful collaboration. Since then, the Capitals have remained dedicated supporters, helping to raise a second dog, Biscuit, who now serves as a facility dog at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Since teaming up with America’s VetDogs, the Washington Capitals have raised crucial awareness and funding for service dogs who assist veterans and first responders. From honoring veterans on the ice during Caps Canine nights to players Nic Dowd and Dylan McIlrath adopting retired service dogs, the partnership continues to make an inspiring impact.
In an intimate meet-and-greet on October 18, Alex Ovechkin met Ovi and presented the pup with his very own Ovechkin jersey. Links to photo and video capturing this moment can be found in the above links.
“We are honored to name a future service dog ‘Ovi’ in celebration of Alex Ovechkin’s incredible contributions to the sport, but also his legacy of determination and excellence—qualities that mirror the spirit of the life-changing service dogs trained by America’s VetDogs,” said John Miller, president and CEO of America’s VetDogs. “We are also incredibly grateful to the Washington Capitals for their continued partnership and deeply value their long-standing support.”
For more information on America’s VetDogs and its service dog programs, visit VetDogs.org.
About America’s VetDogs
For more than 20 years, America’s VetDogs (www.VetDogs.org) has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to veterans with disabilities from all eras. In 2015, VetDogs opened its programs to first responders, including fire, police, and emergency medical personnel. America’s VetDogs is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation and serves clients from across the United States. VetDogs relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to help those who have served our country live with dignity and independence. It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but America’s VetDogs provides its services completely free of charge to the individual. America’s VetDogs has been accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.
- Alex Ovechkin meets “Ovi,” a future service dog who will one day assist a veteran or first responder through America’s VetDogs.
- Alex Ovechkin meets “Ovi,” a future service dog who will one day assist a veteran or first responder through America’s VetDogs.