Expect to see Barney, an 11-week-old black Labrador retriever from Warrior Canine Connection, at future Commanders games. The team added the pup to the team roster as “wide receiver” on Monday.
The new team dog will make appearances at games and various events.
Barney will train with the Warrior Canine Connection for two years to support a veteran. “This includes WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program, which helps veterans with increased impulse control, sleep and emotional regulation, as well as decreased levels of stress, depression and hypervigilance,” a news release said.
His arrival is the start of a partnership with the Commanders and the nonprofit. The Washington Commanders Foundation will cover the dog’s training expenses.
“The Commanders are proud to support the country’s largest community of active-duty military personnel, veterans, retirees, and their families,” said Commanders President Jason Wright, in a statement. “We are honored to partner with the Warrior Canine Connection in our efforts to give back to those in the DMV who have bravely served our nation.”
Barney is named in honor of Col. Harvey Curtiss “Barney” Barnum Jr., a retired United States Marine Corps officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.
During training, Barney is expected to impact the lives of up to 60 veterans.
The announcement of the team dog comes a couple of months after the Washington Capitals added Judy, a black Labrador retriever, to the team. Capitals forward Nic Dowd and his wife, Paige, will be sponsoring a future service dog through a collaboration between the Capitals and America’s VetDogs.
“Supporting the community is very important to us, and we’re very grateful to those who have served our country,” said Nic Dowd in April.
Feature image of Barney by Kourtney Carroll/Washington Commanders
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s News newsletter.
