FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Team’s new pup – named after beloved Phillie and Marine reservist Tug McGraw – will embark on a mission to support a veteran with a disability, thanks to Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection
On Tuesday, July 1, the Phillies will officially welcome Tugger, a 10-week-old service pup-in-training, to the club’s off-the-field roster before that night’s game against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park. Through a partnership between Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, Tugger will begin his lifesaving mission of becoming an accredited service dog, with the goal of being placed with a veteran with a disability.
A yellow Labrador retriever, Tugger was born on April 24, 2025, which is two days prior to the 50-year anniversary that his namesake, 1980 World Series champion and U.S. Marine Corps reservist Tug McGraw, made his debut with the Phillies.
“Ya gotta believe young Tugger’s going to be a hero for a veteran with an invisible wound of war,” said music superstar and three-time Grammy Award winner Tim McGraw, son of the late Phillies reliever, who has been a longtime advocate for veterans and worked with the Tug McGraw Foundation. “My father loved the Phillies and took immense pride in his service with the United States Marine Corps. The thought that this little pup will one day contribute to enhancing the quality of life for a veteran is truly remarkable. We can never do enough to honor our veterans, and I am certain my father would have felt deeply honored to have Tugger named in his memory.”
Team Foster, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit, supports injured and disabled veterans through accredited, lifesaving service dogs. Tugger will spend two years in his special service training through Team Foster partner, Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with service members and veterans with visible and invisible wounds.
During this time, Tugger will work with dozens of veterans receiving treatment for physical and psychological wounds. When his training to become a service dog is completed, Tugger will be able to do everything from helping a veteran put on their socks to disrupting nightmares to detecting anxiety attacks.
Tugger will then be placed with a veteran with a disability. Team Foster, whose motto is “No Hero Left Behind,” has helped to connect over 500 veterans with service dogs.
The Phillies’ service pup initiative with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection was made possible through a Phillies Charities, Inc. grant. This is the second service pup sponsored by the Phillies, with the first being Major, who was recently placed with a veteran.
“Properly trained service dogs can change and save lives. I’ve seen it myself so many times,” said Nick Liermann, founder and executive director of Team Foster. “But it’s extremely difficult for veterans to get service dogs because there are so few resources available, so we fill that huge gap. The Phillies and Warrior Canine Connection are incredible partners in that mission.”
“We’re incredibly honored to have a future service dog named in honor of a Phillies legend,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “It’s a meaningful way to carry forward his legacy—one rooted in strength, service and impact. This special partnership with the Phillies and Team Foster is making Tugger’s mission possible and exemplifies the power of community coming together to support our nation’s veterans.”
“The impact that a service pup like Tugger has on veterans battling invisible wounds of war is truly lifesaving,” said Phillies Director of Community and Charity Events Michele DeVicaris. “It’s our honor to join Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, who have been a catalyst for making a difference in the lives of so many who have served.”
For more information, follow the Phillies on their social platforms, which will be providing updates on Tugger’s service training.
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ABOUT TEAM FOSTER
Based in Philadelphia, Team Foster was founded in 2014 to honor Army Captain Erick Foster after he was killed in Iraq. It provides a crucial lifeline to injured and disabled veterans at no cost by funding lifesaving, highly trained, accredited service dogs and offering lifetime support to veteran-service dog teams. The organization has raised over $2.25 million while advocating for veterans and their service dogs in the community, workplace and legislatures.
ABOUT WARRIOR CANINE CONNECTION
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities.
ABOUT THE TUG MCGRAW FOUNDATION
The Tug McGraw Foundation, founded before Tug McGraw’s passing in 2004, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with brain tumors. In 2009, the foundation broadened its mission to include support for post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. It partners with other organizations to speed up treatment advancements and improve the quality of life for those dealing with brain-related military trauma and glioblastoma. Nationwide, the foundation provides education, resources, and wellness programs at its headquarters at the Veterans Home of California in Yountville.
CONTACTS:
Deb Rinaldi, Phillies, drinaldi@phillies.com, 267-408-9545
Jonathan Lowe, Team Foster, JonathanLowe@TeamFoster.org, 215-808-0022
Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org, 719-216-3206
WCC Dog Days of Summer
But beyond the fun and wagging tails, Dog Days of Summer was designed with a dual purpose: to celebrate the incredible volunteers and Puppy Raisers who make our mission possible and to open our doors to new faces in the community. This event offered an open house feel, inviting guests to learn more about how they can get involved and help nurture future service dogs who change the lives of Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.
To all of you already part of our pack, we say an enormous THANK YOU! Your time, love and commitment truly make a life-changing difference. And whether you joined us for the event and felt the pull of puppy love—or you’re just discovering our mission now—there’s always room for you in our growing pack. WCC is always in need of more caring Puppy Raisers and volunteers. If you’re ready to unleash your impact, we’d love to have you join our team! Learn more and fill out an application here.
And don’t miss highlights from the event—check out our Dog Days of Summer recap video here.
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Creighton & Papa: Continuing to Serve
As graduates of WCC’s Class of 2024, Creighton and Papa are powerful reminders of the impact these dogs have on the lives of those who served. Their journey reflects the heart of WCC’s mission and sets the stage for the next chapter with the upcoming Class of 2025. Watch Creighton and Papa’s story here.
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Meet Tugger, the Phillies’ Rookie with a Mission
All WCC’s dogs are named after Veterans past and present. Tugger is named in honor of beloved Phillies icon Tug McGraw, the legendary relief pitcher who helped lead the team to its first World Series title in 1980. Off the field, McGraw also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Tugger is the second pup sponsored by the Phillies and Team Foster, following WCC service-dog-in-training Major. Over the next 18–24 months, he’ll take part in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program, training alongside Philadelphia-area Veterans. This process not only prepares Tugger to become a future service dog for a Veteran with visible or invisible wounds but also provides therapeutic benefits to those helping train him—like reduced anxiety, improved communication, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Tugger’s journey is just beginning, and he’s already captured hearts with his big-league energy and wagging tail. Backed by the Phillies, Team Foster, The Tug McGraw Foundation and Warrior Canine Connection, he’s more than a lovable pup—he’s training to become a life-changing service dog for a Veteran in need. As he embarks on this important mission, the city of Philadelphia is behind him, ready to cheer him on every step of the way.
Watch Tugger’s national TV debut on Good Morning America here.
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From Fear to Friendship: Healing Through Puppies
Though the couple had raised three dogs back in India, their son had always been terrified of animals, especially dogs—an issue that became particularly challenging during trips home, where stray dogs are everywhere.
“We didn’t want to adopt a dog since we weren’t sure he’d ever be comfortable,” said Vijayakumar. “But when I saw that post about WCC looking for volunteers, something told me to learn more.”
That decision would change the trajectory of their family’s life.
Vijayakumar attended an interest meeting at WCC’s headquarters in Boyds, Maryland, and quickly fell in love with the organization’s mission of healing Veterans through the power of human-animal connection. Though she and her husband couldn’t become puppy parents due to demanding jobs, they found other ways to get involved.
“I signed up to volunteer as a puppy watcher in the evenings,” she recalled. “I loved spending time with the dogs—and my husband was jealous! So, I started signing him up for puppy petting sessions, which he’d happily take time off work to attend.”
Eventually, Vijayakumar became a certified puppy sitter, bringing WCC’s service-dogs-in-training into her home for short stays. With every visit, her son slowly but surely began to change.
“Since 2018, we’ve welcomed 45 puppies into our home,” she said. “Each one brought us joy, and every single one helped my son grow more comfortable. Today, he will not only pet the dogs—he’ll kiss them on the forehead when I ask.”
The transformation wasn’t just emotional, it was profound.
“These dogs have understood my son in a way few people ever could,” Vijayakumar said. “They sense his energy, give him space and wait until he’s ready. Even in training, their intuition and empathy are incredible.”
As a puppy sitter, Vijayakumar saw firsthand how each pup, while preparing for a future of service, was already making an impact long before graduation. The experience, she said, taught her lessons in unconditional love, patience and purpose.
Chitra’s kindness and commitment didn’t just benefit her—they also greatly enriched the lives of WCC’s puppies and helped strengthen the organization as a whole.
“Chitra has always gone above and beyond to take on pups that needed a temporary place to stay,” said Lauren Tyler, WCC breeding and puppy development manager. “She’s always done it with a smile, and no matter what the puppies threw at her, she thought they were all equally wonderful. I could always trust that when Chitra took a pup home, she gave them a lot of love and care, and I have always been grateful for her unconditional support—she will be missed.”
Now, after more than two decades in the U.S., the Vijayakumars are preparing to move back to India—this time, for a new chapter centered around long-term care and community for their son. They’ve found a residential model where adults with special needs live semi-independently alongside family members in a shared community setting. It’s the kind of opportunity they once crossed oceans to find.
As their departure nears, Vijayakumar reached out to WCC to say goodbye—but more importantly, to say thank you.
“I’m so glad I came across that Facebook post seven years ago that led me here,” she wrote. “Every puppy I’ve sat with has brought genuine happiness—and perhaps most movingly, they have understood my son better than many people do.”
Though leaving is bittersweet, she says her family will carry WCC—and the dogs who changed their lives—with them always.
“I feel truly honored to have been part of this compassionate and impactful organization,” Vijayakumar said. “I will miss it deeply, but I’ll be cheering WCC on from afar.”
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Save the Date: Warrior Canine Connection’s 2025 Graduation and Celebration
Then, keep the celebration going in person! WCC will host a post-graduation reception at its Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland at 1 p.m. ET. Graduates, families, friends and supporters are invited to enjoy food, music, photo ops, WCC gear, fun activities and of course—lots of dogs!
Reception registration opens August 20 on WCC’s website—stay tuned for more details and make plans to join the pack!
And don’t miss the EPW happy hour the night before graduation! This fun-filled event will raise funds to support WCC’s mission while bringing together dog lovers and supporters. All are welcome to join! Learn more and register here.
This Baseball Teams Service Dog is a Major Hit
Tugger the service dog trainee is hitting a home run with the fans.
It’s baseball season in the US and what can possibly beat going to a stadium, enjoying hot dogs, and cheering on your favorite team? Nothing unless you pair America’s favorite summer sport with an adorable puppy. Read the story from Goodnet.
Warrior Spotlight: Angela Bonanno Finds Healing Through Service and Dogs
She’s a mom, a wife, a dog lover, an X-ray and MRI tech and a Coast Guard Veteran. And now, she’s training to become a Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Team Leader and preparing to raise her first Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) service dog in training.
It’s a life full of movement and purpose—traits that first led Bonanno to military service. But behind her drive and positivity are the lasting, invisible wounds she carries from that time. Her journey from injury to healing has been long—and ongoing—but throughout it all, a deep commitment to service has remained her compass.
“9/11 played a major role in my decision to join the Coast Guard,” she says. “I was in college when the towers fell, and it changed everything. A month later, I was in the recruiter’s office enlisting—I felt a strong pull to do something that truly mattered.”
Bonanno served for six years, including aboard the U.S. Cutter Jarvis and at Sector San Francisco, where she worked as an electrician. But it was during her time at sea that everything changed. A military sexual trauma and traumatic brain injury altered the course of her life—and her career.
She was discharged in November 2007. What followed was one of the darkest chapters of her life.
“I felt completely lost,” she says. “The first year out was brutal. I didn’t know where to turn. I had no direction, and I was in pain—emotionally and physically.”
Then she found the Wounded Warrior Project.
“I started with baby steps,” she says. “Just showing up to events, meeting other Veterans who got it. That connection saved me.”
WWP introduced her to a supportive community—and to Warrior Canine Connection. Dogs, as it turns out, had always been part of her story.
“I grew up with Labs. After my first therapy stay at the Menlo Park VA in 2010, I met some of the service dogs on site and just fell in love,” she recalls. “There’s always been a dog in my life helping me stay grounded.”
In 2024, Bonanno participated in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program at the Menlo Park VA, where Veterans help train future service dogs for fellow Warriors.
“I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I started working with the WCC dogs. My mood shifted. I felt calmer, more present. I knew then—I wanted to raise one of these dogs.”
That dream is now coming true. Angela has completed puppy-sitter training and will soon become a WCC Puppy Raiser. She and her family are preparing to welcome Rudy, a service dog in training, into their home. Her 3-year-old daughter Gianna is equally excited.
“She’s obsessed with dogs,” Bonanno laughs. “She makes report cards for the Puppy Raisers and brings them to training sessions. She’s going to be the best helper.”
Her husband, Robert, a firefighter, is fully onboard. WCC puppies have even visited his fire station.
As if that weren’t enough, Bonanno is also training to become a WWP Team Leader, which will allow her to host peer-support events and help guide other Veterans on their own paths to healing.
“I’ve been through it—I am still going through it,” she says. “But now I know how to navigate it, and I want to help other Veterans find that light too.”
That’s exactly what WWP and WCC have given her: belonging, purpose and hope. Whether through raising service dogs, mentoring others, or simply showing up, Bonanno is committed to continuing her mission of service.
“Service was what led me into the military,” she says. “And service is what’s helping me heal. This is the next chapter, and it’s a good one.”
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Meet Tugger: The Phillies’ newest service pup in training
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A service puppy in training will make his big debut at Tuesday’s Phillies game against the Padres.
Tugger is a yellow labrador retriever. He was born on April 24, just two days before his namesake, 1980 World Series champion and U.S. Marine Corps reservist, Tug McGraw, made his debut with the Phillies. Listen to the full story on KYW Newsradio here.
Phillies introduce new furry addition to roster
Philadelphia Phillies spokesperson Michele DeVicaris introduces Tugger, a 10-week-old service dog-in-training, a new addition to the team’s off-field roster. Watch the full story on Good Morning America here.
Ya Gotta Believe in Tugger! Phillies’ New Service Pup-in-Training for a Veteran with Invisible Wounds of War to Make His Major League Debut at Tuesday’s Game
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Team’s new pup – named after beloved Phillie and Marine reservist Tug McGraw – will embark on a mission to support a veteran with a disability, thanks to Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection
On Tuesday, July 1, the Phillies will officially welcome Tugger, a 10-week-old service pup-in-training, to the club’s off-the-field roster before that night’s game against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park. Through a partnership between Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, Tugger will begin his lifesaving mission of becoming an accredited service dog, with the goal of being placed with a veteran with a disability.
A yellow Labrador retriever, Tugger was born on April 24, 2025, which is two days prior to the 50-year anniversary that his namesake, 1980 World Series champion and U.S. Marine Corps reservist Tug McGraw, made his debut with the Phillies.
“Ya gotta believe young Tugger’s going to be a hero for a veteran with an invisible wound of war,” said music superstar and three-time Grammy Award winner Tim McGraw, son of the late Phillies reliever, who has been a longtime advocate for veterans and worked with the Tug McGraw Foundation. “My father loved the Phillies and took immense pride in his service with the United States Marine Corps. The thought that this little pup will one day contribute to enhancing the quality of life for a veteran is truly remarkable. We can never do enough to honor our veterans, and I am certain my father would have felt deeply honored to have Tugger named in his memory.”
Team Foster, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit, supports injured and disabled veterans through accredited, lifesaving service dogs. Tugger will spend two years in his special service training through Team Foster partner, Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with service members and veterans with visible and invisible wounds.
During this time, Tugger will work with dozens of veterans receiving treatment for physical and psychological wounds. When his training to become a service dog is completed, Tugger will be able to do everything from helping a veteran put on their socks to disrupting nightmares to detecting anxiety attacks.
Tugger will then be placed with a veteran with a disability. Team Foster, whose motto is “No Hero Left Behind,” has helped to connect over 500 veterans with service dogs.
The Phillies’ service pup initiative with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection was made possible through a Phillies Charities, Inc. grant. This is the second service pup sponsored by the Phillies, with the first being Major, who was recently placed with a veteran.
“Properly trained service dogs can change and save lives. I’ve seen it myself so many times,” said Nick Liermann, founder and executive director of Team Foster. “But it’s extremely difficult for veterans to get service dogs because there are so few resources available, so we fill that huge gap. The Phillies and Warrior Canine Connection are incredible partners in that mission.”
“We’re incredibly honored to have a future service dog named in honor of a Phillies legend,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “It’s a meaningful way to carry forward his legacy—one rooted in strength, service and impact. This special partnership with the Phillies and Team Foster is making Tugger’s mission possible and exemplifies the power of community coming together to support our nation’s veterans.”
“The impact that a service pup like Tugger has on veterans battling invisible wounds of war is truly lifesaving,” said Phillies Director of Community and Charity Events Michele DeVicaris. “It’s our honor to join Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, who have been a catalyst for making a difference in the lives of so many who have served.”
For more information, follow the Phillies on their social platforms, which will be providing updates on Tugger’s service training.
###
ABOUT TEAM FOSTER
Based in Philadelphia, Team Foster was founded in 2014 to honor Army Captain Erick Foster after he was killed in Iraq. It provides a crucial lifeline to injured and disabled veterans at no cost by funding lifesaving, highly trained, accredited service dogs and offering lifetime support to veteran-service dog teams. The organization has raised over $2.25 million while advocating for veterans and their service dogs in the community, workplace and legislatures.
ABOUT WARRIOR CANINE CONNECTION
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities.
ABOUT THE TUG MCGRAW FOUNDATION
The Tug McGraw Foundation, founded before Tug McGraw’s passing in 2004, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with brain tumors. In 2009, the foundation broadened its mission to include support for post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. It partners with other organizations to speed up treatment advancements and improve the quality of life for those dealing with brain-related military trauma and glioblastoma. Nationwide, the foundation provides education, resources, and wellness programs at its headquarters at the Veterans Home of California in Yountville.
CONTACTS:
Deb Rinaldi, Phillies, drinaldi@phillies.com, 267-408-9545
Jonathan Lowe, Team Foster, JonathanLowe@TeamFoster.org, 215-808-0022
Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org, 719-216-3206