Howie Rose’s legacy at Citi Field has found an unlikely new carrier: a 4-month-old yellow Lab named Howie who is being trained as a service dog at the Mets ballpark. The puppy is spending his early months around the noise, lights and packed crowds of game days so he can one day help a veteran who needs a working companion.
Rose, the longtime Mets radio voice, said the naming honor means more to him than a plaque or bobblehead. He told The Post that the tribute sits at the top of the list for him. Rose also described the work of service dogs as a gift for veterans who have sacrificed limbs or other abilities and need support in daily life. John Miller, the CEO of America’s VetDogs, said the choice was a fitting salute to Rose’s career and his long connection to the Mets and their fans.
The dog is the fourth to be raised through a partnership between America’s VetDogs and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. He follows Shea, Seaver and Buddy. Rose joked that the only things he and the puppy have in common are a love of meat and the fact that he is allergic to dogs, but Miller said both share a strong sense of loyalty. That bond, he said, made the naming a natural fit.
Rose is set to step away from the microphone in September, but the puppy named after him will keep working at Citi Field for another year. During that time, the dog is being exposed to the busy stadium environment so he can grow comfortable with the kinds of distractions that could otherwise interfere with service work. The goal is to build confidence around crowd noise, bright lights, strong smells and the constant movement that comes with a major league park.
After that, the dog will go on to three months of specialized training covering 30 tasks. Those skills include medical episode detection and waking his future owner from a nightmare. Sarah Zagaja, the dog’s official puppy handler along with her husband, Bob, said he is a confident puppy and called him “Mr. Brave.” The couple previously helped raise Buddy and now bring Howie through the stadium at least twice a week when the Mets are playing.
