Colorado Avalanche Welcome New Service Dog in Training
The team is partnering with Freedom Service Dogs to sponsor a new canine companion for a veteran.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Dogs
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The Colorado Avalanche have introduced Maxy, the first service dog in their new partnership with Freedom Service Dogs in Englewood. Fans are invited to participate in an online survey to help name the puppy who began training at two days old.
Why it matters
The program provides essential support for veterans facing mobility challenges and PTSD by covering the significant costs associated with service dog training. This collaboration bridges the gap between professional sports and vital community health initiatives.
The intensive training program costs $50,000 per dog and lasts for a duration of two years. Maxy is learning specific physical tasks including how to pick up dropped items and press buttons for automatic doors.
The players
Colorado Avalanche
This professional hockey team plays in the National Hockey League and is based in Denver.
Freedom Service Dogs
This organization located in Englewood provides custom-trained service dogs to individuals with disabilities.
The details
The Colorado Avalanche and Goodheart are sponsoring the service dog program, which is based at the Freedom Service Dogs facility in Englewood. Once fully trained, the dog will be paired with a veteran to assist with specific mobility and mental health needs.
Timeline
Maxy is expected to graduate from training in December.
Culture Shift
This initiative follows a pattern set by the Assistance Dogs International training standards for mobility and psychiatric support. It reflects a growing societal trend where professional sports organizations leverage their platforms to support specialized veteran assistance programs.
Denver residents can participate in the team's naming process via an online fan survey. This provides a direct opportunity for the community to engage with a charitable initiative that supports long-term veteran care.
The takeaway
Supporting high-cost service dog programs requires long-term commitment and professional partnership between public figures and specialized trainers. Fans can contribute to the mission by engaging with team-led awareness campaigns that benefit local veterans.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving role of canine companions in the community, explore our section on Dogs.
More information
To learn more about the training process and the organization, visit the Freedom Service Dogs website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Krystal 93 - Summit County Local Radio.
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Should professional sports teams prioritize charitable community programs like service dog training?
