Shea, service dog in training, a source of relief for Mets
The Mets have a new way to deal with the dog days of summer.
His name is Shea, and he is a 6-month-old Labrador retriever who is in training to become a service dog for a veteran or first responder.
Shea can be found on the field and in the stands before most Mets games, and his cuteness and soothing presence is just the relief the team needs during the pressures of a pennant race.
“He is one of the most popular guys on the team,” first baseman Pete Alonso said. “There’s nothing better than having a dog around to put you in a good mood before a game.”
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation partnered with Smithtown-based non-profit America’s VetDogs to give the puppy a bustling training environment as he works toward becoming a service dog, a process that can take up to 16 months.
America’s VetDogs has provided specially trained service dogs to veterans since 2003 and opened its programs to first responders, including fire, police and emergency medical personnel, in 2015. After having success working with the Islanders, the VetDogs’ staff met with the Amazin' Mets Foundation to discuss another New York sports partnership.
"We couldn't have asked for a better partner for our first service dog in the league,” America’s VetDogs president and CEO John Miller said. “The Amazin’ Mets Foundation has helped us raise funds and gain awareness with the fans. Everything we do is volunteer-based, so it helps us bring in more volunteers. It’s a win-win.”
According to America's VetDogs, it typically costs about $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place an assistance dog. The VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the recipient. Partnerships such as these not only provide financial assistance but increase the likelihood that the well-socialized puppy will become a confident service dog.
“It’s really great for sports organizations to get involved with this because there’s so many different sights, smells and people around,” Mets player relations and community engagement manager Tony Croslin said. “It’s the perfect socialization environment for training service dogs.”
Shea's popularity continues to grow with fans at Citi Field, but it’s the players who anticipate his arrival more than anyone else.
“I've always wanted a dog, but with our lifestyle, it can be hard,” reliever Drew Smith said. “Whether we’ve had a rough game or a great one, seeing Shea certainly boosts the team’s morale.”
Before he became the team’s unofficial cheerleader, Shea was with the VetDogs for his first eight weeks. Tom and Deb Rubing of Manorville were selected to be his puppy raisers for the next 14 to 16 months as he builds his foundational skills in what the Rubings refer to as his “high school” education.
“Shea is the perfect Mets dog,” Tom Rubing said. “He has just the right temperament, and you can clearly tell he loves being here.”
Shea then will graduate to enter his “college” education with trainers and will learn specific commands that are based around the individual’s needs. He likely will go to a high-energy, active veteran or first responder based on his current training environment.
Shea will be paired with his new owner by July of next year, and the team will hold an on-field graduation ceremony before a game in September, which also is National Service Dog month.
Said Miller, “Being present at almost every home game provides the perfect atmosphere for him to succeed wherever he may go.”
