Meet Biscuit—the chocolate Labrador puppy who is the Washington Capitals’ newest team dog. Biscuit will work with the players and staff for the next 14 to 16 months to help him become a service dog. He’ll learn basic obedience skills that can be built upon once he goes back for formal training with the New York–based organization America’s VetDogs. The team’s last pup, a yellow Labrador named Captain, was paired with a retired veteran this summer, so the doghouse was empty.
That name: It comes from the hockey phrase “put the biscuit in the basket,” referring to knocking the puck into the net.
Age: Three months (his birthday is July 23)
Sign: Leo
Personality: Leos are known for being joyful and warm—and loving the spotlight—and Biscuit is no exception. “His first time being on the ice, he sniffed it, then felt it with his paw before taking a giant leap out onto the ice,” says Erica Sandidge, a Capitals spokeswoman. “Before we knew it, he was chasing pucks and sliding across the rink. He will definitely live up to his sign.”
Treats of choice: Kibble, which, as a service dog in training, he’s rewarded with each time he follows a command. Bones, from time to time. Hockey gloves and pucks, as chew toys to play with.
Favorite players: Team captain Alex Ovechkin has already forged a special bond with Biscuit, much as he did with Captain. “He just has a way of capturing these dogs’ hearts,” says Sandidge. Biscuit is also especially chummy with forwards Nic Dowd and Garnet Hathaway.
Feature image courtesy Washington Capitals
This story originally ran in our November issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
