Phillies Introduce Tugger as New Service Pup

The Philadelphia Phillies have introduced Tugger, a 10-week-old yellow Labrador retriever named for Phillies legend and U.S. Marine Corps reservist Tug McGraw, as their new service pup-in-training. Tugger was introduced ahead of the July 1 game against the San Diego Padres and will participate in Phillies events as part of his two-year training. Through a partnership with Team Foster and Warrior Canine Connection, Tugger will learn to support veterans with disabilities, especially those suffering from invisible wounds like PTSD. Phillies Charities, Inc. is supporting the initiative, which follows the successful placement of their first service pup, Major, with a veteran. Tim McGraw, Tug McGraw's son and a veterans' advocate, praised the program's impact and its tribute to his father. The initiative underscores the Phillies' ongoing commitment to honoring and supporting military veterans.