In a move that is growing in popularity across the North American sports world, the Vancouver Canucks have introduced a team dog.
The team has actually partnered with BC Guide Dogs to sponsor a litter of puppies, but one of those service dogs will be raised by the club this season.
A fan contest decided names for the litter and they have all been named after hockey terms or former Canucks.
There’s Gino and Hank, named after Gino Odjick and Henrik Sedin, along with Rookie, Hattie and Jersey.
Then, there’s the puppy that will be raised by the club this year, who has been named Ryp.
Of course, that’s an ode to one of the most popular Canucks in recent memory, the late Rick Rypien, who wowed fans with his enforcer skills despite being undersized.
Rypien’s Canucks career spanned from 2005-11, but he sadly took his own life in August 2011 after a battle with depression.
“A hockey hero, a son, a brother, an uncle, a teammate, a friend - former Canuck Rick Rypien meant so much to so many,” explained a statement from the Canucks.
“He accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time, and has left a legacy of support that has helped countless fans around the world through the Hockey Talks program.”
In that sense, Ryp was a perfect name for the team dog given what he is being trained to do.
“To us, the name Ryp represents the ultimate teammate,” the Canucks statement added.
“Ryp is courageous, kind, determined and supportive. He is a helper. We know Ryp will make a tremendous impact on the life of his forever teammate following his training.”
Once his training is complete next spring, Ryp will work with a visually-impaired client, a child with autism or a veteran or first responder living with PTSD.
“Service dogs play a vital role in our community by improving the quality of life for many, including assisting in mobility, lowering stress, and increasing happiness,” the Canucks statement noted.
“But they are in high demand. The Canucks pup is a special opportunity to help meet this need and make a positive impact in our community.”
BC Guide Dogs is in urgent need of volunteers in the Vancouver area and donations can always help the organization as well. Click here to learn more.
