Washington Capitals players pose with puppies for a cause.
Alex Ovechkin loves dogs.
He has four German Shepherds at home in Russia, a black Lab here in D.C. and for the past three seasons, has participated in the “Caps Canine Calendar” to benefit Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. Last Monday, he posed with two shelter dogs in front of the U.S. Capitol Building for the 2017 calendar, which will feature hockey players holding pups in front of Washington landmarks.
“I’m definitely a dog person,” Ovechkin told us. “They’re part of families, and they’re very smart.
If you’re in a bad mood, they always help you bounce back.
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The team captain appeared very patient with the dogs, and helped coax Toby and Chewy to stay still and look at the camera.
We also caught up with Braden Holtby in front of the U.S. Supreme Court Building. The goaltender said he’d definitely have a dog at home if his wife didn’t suffer from allergies.
Scroll through our slideshow above for adorable outtakes from the day. And pick up your Caps Canine Calendar for beginning Nov.
18, when the Caps take on the Detroit Red Wings. The players’ wives (including calendar photographer Taylor Winnick, wife of Daniel) will be at the MSE Foundation table located in front of Section 104 on the main Verizon Center concourse.
The Caps have raised nearly $114,500 for Homeward Trails through sales of the Canine Calendar since 2014. Learn more about Homeward Trails Animal Rescue and these adoptable pups here.
