Verlander, Upton place service dogs with war vets

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. Justin Verlander and Kate Upton combined two passions, creating the perfect marriage to help veterans suffering from PTSD.

Their program is named Adopt. Rescue. Heal. It trains rescue dogs to become service dogs, then places them with veterans, aiding with the transition to civilian life.

“We’re so excited to finally pair these dogs with their veterans,” said Verlander, the Houston Astros pitcher. “I think we all can agree that animals are so healing — at least in our family they are. I think it’s such a great opportunity to help these veterans heal through animals.”

The first four veterans will receive their dogs, all mixed breeds, this week. The Astros honoured the men and their dogs before Wednesday ’s spring training game against the New York Yankees.

For Coy Webb, who served two naval tours on the USS John F. Kennedy in the Persian Gulf, the occasion marked his public debut with new companion Emily.

“I’m taken aback,” Webb said. “It amazes me that there are still people out there that really care about the vets today in this world with all the things that are going on. It just is real heartwarming. Emily is a lifesaver, a godsend. She’s going to help me so much.”

Verlander and Upton married in 2017. Adopt. Rescue. Heal. is a combination between their philanthropic efforts, Upton’s Grand Slam Adoption pet rescue charity and Verlander’s Wins for Warriors foundation aiding veterans.

“I think dogs are so healing and through some of the stuff that we’ve done and helping empower veterans coming back dealing with PTSD, these service animals really were something that popped up as something that helps these men and women a lot,” Verlander said.