Giving Back to the Community
Every team dog that has been adopted thus far has a purpose, and that is to be a service dog. The respective NHL teams have taken on the responsibility of training their dogs to help people with visual and motor impairment, children and adults on the autism spectrum, and those who have other physical disabilities. Eventually, when their dogs have completed their training, they will go on to aid someone in the community.
Adopting a service dog in training gives the Anaheim Ducks the esteemed opportunity to profoundly change someone’s life in their community for the better. Living with a disability can be a difficult obstacle to overcome.
However, service dogs don’t just act as a guide and mediator for people with disabilities. Service dogs have a special bond with their owners that help to improve self-confidence, motivate those that they work for, and improve both mental and emotional health and well being. Dogs, in general, are also known for helping with the release of endorphins and relieving stress.
The Anaheim Ducks have a huge presence in their community already, and it is something they are often recognized for. The Anaheim Ducks Foundation has been one of the front runners in the NHL for community outreach, and they have taken huge strides in making Orange County a better place through their programs and services. A team dog would take things a step further in a positive direction. Plus, no one else could say that they received a service dog that was raised and trained by the Anaheim Ducks!