The Los Angeles Chargers newest addition to the roster, a 12-week-old yellow Labrador Retriever named Brisket, is the result of Canine Companions teaming up with the NFL team for a second consecutive year in service dog partnership sponsored by Lazy Dog Restaurants.
Brisket, who will enroll in a 16-to-18-month program with Canine Companions to ultimately enjoy a fulfilling life as a service dog for a veteran, child or adult with disabilities, will be cared for by two volunteer puppy raisers that will socialize and teach him more than 30 different commands to prepare him for his future home. During the year – and to show off his socializing (and licking) skills – he’ll also attend various community and media events, practices and select home games to cheer on his Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Once the initial training is over, Brisket will move on to professional training for 6-9 months where he’ll learn more advanced commands to become an expertly trained service dog. Upon passing a final test and graduating, Brisket will find a forever home of his own with an individual who can benefit from his assistance.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Brisket to the Chargers family,” said Chargers Owner Alexis Spanos-Ruhl. “As we saw with our first service dog in training, Bolt, Brisket will be a wonderful ambassador for Canine Companions and our organization’s animal welfare platform. We love that we can use our reach to share Brisket’s training journey – and how adorable he is for that matter – while shining a light on the important work Canine Companions does to enhance the lives of those living with disabilities.”
“We’re excited to partner together with the Chargers to support Brisket on his journey to become a service dog,” said Chief Marketing Officer for Lazy Dog Restaurants John Williams. “It’s inspiring to see the impact that the Canine Companions team have in the community, and we are looking forward to watching Brisket land in his forever home to help someone in need.”
Brisket got his name through a Chargers fan vote held on the team’s Twitter account in November 2021. The name pays tribute to the celebratory BBQs hosted by quarterback Justin Herbert following Chargers wins called “victory brisket” day.
Canine Companion and the Los Angeles Chargers first partnered together in 2020 to bring awareness to animal welfare by welcoming their first service dog in training, Bolt, sponsored by Lazy Dog Restaurants. Bolt, named through a fan vote after the team’s logo, received 18 months of training with a volunteer raiser who brought him to special events such as Chargers Training Camp and home games at SoFi Stadium.
Chargers fans, puppy fans and basically any fan of wholesome content can follow Brisket’s progress and football adventures on Instagram (@chargerspup).
Click here to learn more about Brisket.*
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