Smithtown, NY & Philadelphia, PA, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- America’s VetDogs , a national nonprofit that provides specially trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities, is proud to join forces with the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving back to the community and Team Foster, an organization dedicated to honoring veterans and military families by partnering them with service dogs. Funded by Flyers Alumni, together the three organizations are thrilled to announce the co-raising of a future service dog for a veteran or first responder with disabilities. The puppy is a seven-week-old male Labrador Retriever. Over the next 14 to 18 months, this adorable pup will begin his journey of basic training and socialization alongside Flyers Alumni and Team Foster fans, staff, and supporters. He’ll be a familiar face at community events, where he’ll gain exposure to a variety of environments that are essential to shaping him into a confident and calm future service dog. After completing his basic training, the puppy will return to America’s VetDogs headquarters in Smithtown, NY to begin his formal training. There, he’ll prepare for his ultimate mission of being placed with a veteran or first responder with disabilities. The public will have a chance to help name the new pup by choosing from an option of names selected by Flyers Alumni via a poll on the official Philadelphia Flyers’ website. Voting will run from Tuesday, April 22 – Friday, April 25 at 11:59 PM EST. Flyers Alumni will announce the official name of the puppy via social media in May. Fans can follow the pup’s journey via the Flyers Alumni social media accounts on Facebook and, X, to stay up to date on his training and local appearances. For more on America’s VetDogs and ways to get involved, visit VetDogs.org. “Flyers Alumni is thrilled to partner with America’s VetDogs and Team Foster for this exciting initiative. This is more than just naming a dog — it’s being part of a journey that will transform someone’s life,” said Brad Marsh, President of Flyers Alumni. “It is because of our fans and their support of our charitable giving that we are able to make this mission possible and we want to give them the opportunity to name the newest member of the Flyers Alumni family.” “We’re incredibly grateful to partner with Flyers Alumni and America’s VetDogs on this life-changing initiative,” said Nick Liermann, Founder and Executive Director of Team Foster. “This isn’t a pet or emotional support animal; this pup is going to train for two years to become a service dog and help a veteran or first responder with disabilities. Involving the fans in naming this dog is a fun and meaningful way to showcase what these partnerships are all about: community, support, and changing lives together.” “We are proud to partner with the Flyers Alumni and Team Foster on this extraordinary journey as a part of our ‘Puppy with a Purpose program.’” said John Miller, president and CEO of America’s VetDogs. “This partnership reflects our shared values of service, community, and unwavering support for those who have bravely served our country. We look forward to watching this puppy grow and develop into a life-changing service dog for a veteran or first responder.” 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 over $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. About Flyers Alumni Association The Flyers Alumni Association is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since its founding, the Association has grown both nationally and internationally, with its membership composed of former Philadelphia Flyers players. True to its roots, the Flyers Alumni Association remains deeply committed to giving back to the Delaware Valley community. Flyers Alumni members continue to engage with fans and communities around the globe, regularly participating in charity games and various philanthropic initiatives throughout the year including the upcoming inaugural Flyers Alumni Charity Classic Weekend. About Team Foster Team Foster is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 in honor of U.S. Army Captain Erick Foster after he was killed in action in 2007. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Team Foster’s mission is to support accredited, life-saving service dogs for injured and disabled Veterans. Through funding, education, advocacy and community building, Team Foster positively impacts thousands of Veterans every year. Learn how you can #ShowUp4Vets at TeamFoster.org.

Click here to learn more about becoming a puppy raiser and supporting Team Foster's mission in providing service dogs to injured and disabled Veterans. sit, stay, say goodbye In the year since Pat and Jane Hipsley brought home Pogo, they’ve spent hours teaching the Labrador puppy how to walk by their side and ignore cooing strangers; how to roll, retrieve her leash and ride an escalator. They’ve learned that Pogo is not a fan of tight spaces, and that her favorite snack is a carrot. Every night, Pogo has fallen asleep at the foot of their bed. Each morning, she has greeted them with a wagging tail. And in a few weeks, as with 17 other puppies that came before her, the Hipsleys will say a tearful goodbye to Pogo, maybe forever. In the world of service dogs, the Hipsleys are known as “puppy raisers,” volunteers who house, socialize and transport puppies to and from weekly classes from their first weeks until they’re ready for formal training, at around 18 to 24 months. The work is done to benefit a stranger, someone who will rely on the dog to treat a disability or live more independently. While service dogs were once mainly used as a navigational tool for the blind, the animals have proven to be an effective therapeutic tool for conditions as varied as autism, epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today, people count on dogs to alert them to dangerous changes in their blood sugar, to disrupt panic attacks and to detect the smell of allergens. But as demand for the dogs increases, the organizations that provide them are facing a shortage of volunteers to raise them as puppies. It’s a challenging, time-consuming gig that typically pays nothing and requires forging an intimate bond with a dog only to give it away. This “critical” volunteer shortage is leading to yearslong wait times for service dogs, according to Assistance Dogs International, the accrediting body for nonprofit service dog providers. The nationwide nonprofit Canine Companions needs about 500 new puppy raisers a year to keep pace with demand, and its wait times for a service dog can reach 18 months, said James Dern, who leads the organization’s puppy program. At some other organizations, people may have to wait even longer. Ashley Frantz, a 40-year-old woman in Virginia Beach, Va., who sustained physical and emotional trauma while serving in the Navy, waited two years to be matched with a dog. The experience, she said, was “incredibly defeating.” “Puppy raisers are the backbone of our organization,” said Molly Elmore, the volunteer program manager at Warrior Canine Connection, a service dog nonprofit in Boyds, Md., that pairs service dogs with wounded veterans who have mobility issues, traumatic brain injuries or PTSD. “They’re the only way it all happens.” Finding a New Purpose Amid Grief On a Saturday morning in February, at the Hipsleys’ home in Catonsville, Md., Pogo was asleep at Ms. Hipsley’s feet, cuddled up with two other puppies the Hipsleys had raised: Blair, who was back for a visit, and Devin, whom the Hipsleys later adopted. Four-month-old Marita, who had arrived the previous week, stood at the edge of the dog pile, unconvinced she needed a nap. The Hipsleys began puppy raising in 2015, less than a year after their son Chris died by suicide. Chris, a decorated Army medic, had developed severe PTSD during three tours in the Middle East. The Hipsleys had pleaded with him to apply for a service dog, but he was resistant. After Chris died, the couple felt compelled to help other veterans, but weren’t sure how. Then a friend told them about Warrior Canine Connection, the nonprofit in Maryland that helps wounded veterans. “It was just like fate — this is what we were supposed to do,” Ms. Hipsley said. Soon, a bouncy black lab puppy named Jack moved in. The busyness of “all things puppy,” Mr. Hipsley said, was a comfort. “Jack probably saved our lives,” said Mr. Hipsley, 71, a retired business executive. As Mr. Hipsley talked, Pogo moved from the floor to his side, where she pushed her nose between his clasped hands, demonstrating a skill she’ll use when her future handler experiences distress. “She feels the tension in me,” he said, rubbing her ears. “She’ll do that,” Jane explained. “She gets the stress cues.” Making It Work Today, the Hipsleys typically raise two or three dogs at a time, often taking on the organization’s most challenging dogs; one had a leaky bladder, one was recovering from shoulder surgery and another liked to hurdle other dogs in class. They try to divide responsibilities evenly. Ms. Hipsley focuses on walks, Mr. Hipsley on teaching commands. Potty training is a team effort. “It’s just like a baby,” Mr. Hipsley said. “Whose shift is it?” The time commitment can sometimes keep people from volunteering. Michael Yau, 42, and his wife figured they were too busy to become puppy raisers. The couple, who live in Orinda, Ca., both work, and they have three children under 7, as well as a pet golden doodle. But Mr. Yau, an entrepreneur, was inspired to volunteer after attending a Canine Companions fund-raiser that showcased client testimonials; it was the first time Mr. Yau’s wife had ever seen him cry. Expectations for puppy raisers can differ by organization. But their most important assignment is socialization. Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, service dogs are allowed in most public places. But staying focused despite the sights, sounds and smells of the world takes a lot of practice. When the Hipsleys’ puppies are young, socialization is mostly about exposure; their youngest puppy has been getting accustomed to the sound of traffic at an intersection near the couple’s home. Older dogs go on longer excursions and face greater temptations. At 21 months, Pogo recently lounged beneath the table of a busy Panera while the Hipsleys ate lunch with friends. Despite their own busy lives, the Yaus have been able to make it work. “The puppy gets fully integrated into your life,” Mr. Yau said. The family even took the first puppy they raised, a yellow lab named Fonzi, to Disneyland by plane. At Fonzi’s graduation ceremony, the family was able to pass the Labrador’s leash to his new handler, a young man with autism. “It was a bittersweet moment,” Mr. Yau said, “and such a seminal moment for our kids to learn about service.” Today, the Yaus are on puppy number two. Bittersweet Goodbyes Every once in a while, the Hipsleys receive photos, updates and heartfelt thank yous from the people who have benefited from their efforts. One of them is Ms. Frantz, the former member of the Navy who waited two years for a service dog. She was ultimately paired with a black lab named Patty, whom the Hipsleys raised. The effect, Ms. Frantz said, has been profound. She once chewed her fingernails down to the quick, avoided social interactions and couldn’t go to Walmart without having a panic attack, she said. Patty has changed that. Ms. Frantz’s anxiety has dissipated, and she he has found herself striking up conversations with strangers while shopping. She is well aware of the role the Hipsleys played in her improvement. “Just look at what they did for someone that they didn’t know,” Ms. Frantz said. “I wouldn’t be getting better without them.” In the Hipsleys’ home, a photo of Patty sits on one of their living room shelves, along with the rest of their “sorority,” as they call it, since 16 of the puppies have been female. “At this point, we have more pictures of dogs than we do our grandchildren,” Mr. Hipsley said. After 18 rounds of puppy raising, the Hipsleys have learned how to soothe the sweet sorrow of parting with a dog: by getting another one. So in the weeks leading up to Pogo’s departure, the couple brought home Marita. “I haven’t had a dog yet that I didn’t cry about,” Mr. Hipsley said. “There is pain, but when you see the good that it does, well, that takes the pain away.” New York Times: Sit, Stay, Say Goodbye https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/well/service-dog-shortage-volunteer-puppy-care.html?unlocked_article_code=1.7E4.ON8e.mb9Gs904_78p&smid=url-share

Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a nonprofit dedicated to training service dogs for Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other disabilities, has honored the memory of Captain Erick Foster in a truly meaningful way by naming one of its service dogs in his memory, ensuring that his legacy of service and sacrifice continues to inspire and support those who need it most. Cpt. Erick Foster was a born leader. No one pushed himself harder or cared for his teammates more. Naming a dog after Cpt. Foster is more than a tribute; it’s a powerful reminder that the service and dedication that defines our heroes can be carried forward in many forms. The dog will train to help Veterans regain their independence. The honor of having a service dog named in his memory will undoubtedly resonate with Cpt. Foster's family, friends, and fellow Veterans. It’s a lasting tribute that ensures his legacy will continue to have a meaningful impact for years to come. WCC Erick has been added to Warrior Canine Connection’s " Hall of Heroes ".

We have exciting news to share with our Team Foster community! On October 29, 2024, we received our Certificate of Registration for our new logo, TF TEAM FOSTER EST. 2014, under Registration No. 7,549,749 in International Class 36. This marks a significant milestone for our organization as we prepare to celebrate a decade of making a difference! Receiving this trademark registration is not just about having a logo; it symbolizes the hard work, dedication, and commitment we’ve put into our mission over the past ten years. Our logo represents our values and the community we’ve built, and now it’s officially recognized as a unique identifier of Team Foster. As we approach our 10th anniversary, we reflect on all we’ve accomplished together. From supporting veterans and their families to raising awareness about the challenges they face, Team Foster has made strides that wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our community. This trademark is a testament to our growth and our future. To commemorate this achievement and our upcoming anniversary, we’re planning a series of celebrations! Stay tuned for events, activities, and ways you can join in the festivities. We want everyone to be a part of this special moment as we honor our past and look forward to what’s next. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without each of you—our dedicated supporters, volunteers, and partners. Your commitment to our mission fuels our passion and drives our efforts. As we embark on this next chapter, we’re excited to continue working together to create positive change in the lives of those we serve. Join us in celebrating our new trademark registration and the incredible journey of Team Foster. Here’s to the next ten years and beyond! Stay connected with us for updates and celebrations. Thank you for being an essential part of Team Foster!

In a world where Veterans often face unique challenges, especially when transitioning back to civilian life, service dogs have emerged as a transformative force. These loyal companions offer not only physical assistance but also provide emotional and psychological support that can make all the difference in a Veteran's life. Team Foster is proud to collaborate with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), one of its three key training partners, to provide these life-changing service dogs to Veterans in need. Warrior Canine Connection has long been at the forefront of training service dogs for Veterans, but what makes their partnership with Team Foster so significant is the way they’ve worked together to expand access to these critical resources. Through this collaboration, Team Foster has helped establish an almost identical program in Pittsburgh, which mirrors WCC’s successful model in Philadelphia. With Team Foster's backing, the Pittsburgh program is now one of the first accredited service dog programs for Veterans in the region, offering a new lifeline to those in the area who might otherwise have gone without this essential support. The Pittsburgh program, funded and initiated by Team Foster, is a significant step forward in providing Veterans in Western Pennsylvania with access to accredited service dog programs. This accreditation means that the dogs trained in this program meet the highest standards of service and care, ensuring that Veterans receive the very best support possible. You can read more about the program in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . While service dogs provide immense benefits to Veterans, the training process itself is equally important. Warrior Canine Connection's unique approach goes beyond just pairing dogs with Veterans. They actively engage Veterans in the dog training process, allowing them to participate as trainers, mentors, and caretakers of the dogs during their training journey. This model not only provides dogs with the skills needed to serve their future handlers but also gives Veterans a sense of purpose, achievement, and a deeper connection to their canine companions. The process has proven to be therapeutic, as it helps Veterans build confidence, develop leadership skills, and foster a sense of camaraderie and responsibility. For many Veterans, working with dogs helps to reduce the symptoms of PTSD and other service-related conditions, giving them a renewed sense of hope and direction.  If you’re inspired by the work of Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, there are many ways to get involved. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about the importance of service dogs for Veterans, every little bit helps to ensure that this life-changing work continues. Together, we can make sure that every Veteran has access to the support they deserve.

Read the full article by Siobhan Nolan on The Hockey News .  On Nov. 11, Veterans Day, the Philadelphia Flyers paid a stirring tribute to those who have served the United States, hosting a heartfelt Military Appreciation Night that captured the spirit of respect, camaraderie, and honor that runs deep in the military community. To kick off an evening of unfeigned gratitude and solemn tribute, at center ice, the spotlight fell on Sgt. Josh Chilcote of the Flyers Warriors, a team dedicated to military veterans with disabilities, who stepped forward for the ceremonial puck drop alongside his service dog, Turbo. Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale met with Chilcote and Turbo during the game, presenting Chilcote with a custom military Flyers jersey. For the Flyers, honoring those who serve isn't just a tradition; it's a deeply personal cause embedded in the team's ethos, with their efforts going above and beyond for the service members that benefit from the Flyers' active involvement. "I think it's really easy to say 'thank you for your service,'" said Nick Liermann, founder of Team Foster, an organization that "raises money to provide accredited, life-saving service dogs to injured and disabled Veterans." "One of the things I think the Flyers and our community are really good at is actually supporting our veterans, especially our veterans who need it the most. I think [Military Appreciation Night] is a really great example of our community coming together to do just that, and you realize how much our veterans really are supported." Beyond the ceremonial moments, the Flyers' commitment extended to their training facility, where they opened their doors to veterans prior to game night. Players stayed on the ice after practice to spend time skating and conversing with these men and women—an experience that was as enriching for the players as it was for the veterans themselves. In the shared space of the rink, the veterans were no longer spectators but participants, welcomed into the fold by a team that views them as an essential part of the Flyers family. This opportunity was not just a token experience, but a chance to be seen, heard, and appreciated. "A professional athlete has a demanding schedule, so any time they carve out time to spend it with someone, you know it matters," Liermann said of the experience. "It's not just lip service." Honoring those in the military is a cause particularly close to the heart of Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella , and he has personally made significant efforts to support organizations like the Flyers Warriors and Team Foster—a gesture that doesn't go unnoticed. "I know he's very protective of his time," Liermann said. "I also know that Torts has two passions—one is animals, the other is the military, in large part because his son is in the Special Forces. We had the good fortune that Torts actually came out to one of our fundraising events in the spring. I've had conversations with him, and it's very obvious in every interaction with him how personally he takes this mission." For Team Foster, the recognition from the Flyers is a small piece of their ambitions to not just provide service dogs to veterans who need them, but "educating the public about what it means to have a service dog, what it takes for a service dog to get properly trained, what our handler's rights are, but also what business and the public's rights are as well. So the more opportunities we get to talk about what we do and the impact of these service dogs, the better." (A fun side note: Team Foster partnered with the Philadelphia Phillies have a "team dog" named Major, who is with the team training to be a service dog—and the content is adorable.)

As Team Foster expands our footprint, we are excited to share a feature on how our partnership with Warrior Canine Connection and Duquesne University supports the Veteran community in Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding communities.

Team Foster Fall Newsletter is Here! Catch up on all the exciting updates from this season, including recaps of Ruff Ride Philadelphia, Ruff Ride Pittsburgh, and the Foster 100 Classic! Plus, get a sneak peek at our upcoming events, ways to get involved, and how your support is changing lives for Veterans in need. Stay connected and be a part of our mission—check out the newsletter today!

This year marks a significant milestone for Team Foster and our community of supporters and participants—the 10th Annual Foster 100 Classic. What began as a heartfelt tribute to honor the memory of Cpt. Erick Foster has grown into a powerful movement dedicated to providing service dogs to injured and disabled Veterans. This year’s event was not only a celebration of our achievements over the past decade but also a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and mission that defines Team Foster.  The Foster 100 Classic is not just a ride; it's a journey of honor and remembrance. Cyclists from all over the greater Philadelphia area, embark on the 100-mile challenge. As the sun rose, the air was filled with a palpable sense of excitement and purpose as platoons checked in to ride at Veterans Island in Pennsauken, NJ. Each pedal stroke represented a tribute to Erick Foster’s legacy and a commitment to supporting our nation's heroes. This year’s 100 mile cycling event ended in Cape May at Naval Station Wildwood featured a particularly poignant moment—a champagne toast and a special speech by one of Erick Foster’s childhood friends. The gathering paused as glasses were raised under the memorable Team Foster arch and finish line in memory of Erick and in celebration of the mission that bears his name. The speech was a moving tribute, filled with personal anecdotes and reflections that brought Erick’s spirit to life for those who knew him and those who never had the chance. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look to the future with renewed determination. The road ahead is long, and there is much work to be done in the Veteran community. But with the continued support of our community, we are confident that we can achieve even greater heights. Every dollar raised, every mile ridden, and every story shared brings us one step closer to our goals. We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you participate in the ride, volunteer, or donate, your support makes a difference. Together, we can honor Erick Foster’s legacy and continue to provide life-changing support to those who have given so much for our freedom. Thank you to everyone who made the 10th Annual Foster 100 Classic a resounding success. Thanks to our participants, donors, and volunteers, we were able to raise over $160,000. Here’s to many more years of riding, remembering, and making a difference—one mile at a time. A special thank you to our sponsors at Aetna, Power Home Remodeling, Elliot Lewis, Comcast Military, and Cuhaci Peterson.