The yellow Lab with a big mission and even bigger heart joins the Phillies to support veterans. On Tuesday, July 1, the Philadelphia Phillies welcomed a furry new teammate to Citizens Bank Park. Tugger, a 10-week-old yellow Labrador retriever and service pup-in-training, is the newest member of the team.
Phillies welcomes Tugger to the team
Before the game against the San Diego Padres, the club introduced Tugger as a part of a powerful partnership with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection. Both nonprofits actively support veterans by providing highly trained service dogs. Indeed, Tugger’s journey is just beginning, but his mission is deeply meaningful. Tugger will train to become a lifesaving service dog for a veterans living with visible or invisible wounds of war.
“Ya gotta believe young Tugger’s going to be a hero for a veteran with an invisible wound of war,” said country music superstar Tim McGraw, whose late father, Tug McGraw—a Phillies legend and U.S. Marine Corps reservist—is the pup’s namesake.
“The thought that this little pup will one day contribute to enhancing the quality of life for a veteran is truly remarkable,” said McGraw.
A meaningful mission
Born on April 24, 2025, just two days before the 50th anniversary of Tug McGraw’s Phillies debut, Tugger is the second pup sponsored by the Phillies through a Phillies Charities, Inc. grant.
Important to note, over the next two years, Tugger will undergo training that includes
- helping veterans with everyday tasks
- calming anxiety
- disrupting nightmares.
Nick Liermann, founder of Team Foster, emphasized the need: “Properly trained service dogs can change and save lives… but it’s extremely difficult for veterans to get service dogs because there are so few resources available, so we fill that huge gap.”
Rick Yount of Warrior Canine Connection added, “It’s a meaningful way to carry forward [Tug McGraw’s] legacy—one rooted in strength, service and impact.”
Tugger’s training progress will be shared on the Phillies’ social media platforms. Fans will have a chance to follow along on his inspiring journey.
So next time you’re at the ballpark, keep an eye out! You might just catch a glimpse of Philly’s cutest rookie on a mission to change a life.