The Fourth New York Islanders’ Puppy With a Purpose® Will Be Named “Jethro”
 America’s VetDogs, a New York based national non-profit that provides service dogs to military veterans, first responders and active-duty service members, is thrilled to partner again with the New York Islanders to co-raise
 a future service dog through their “Puppy with a Purpose” program.

Jethro, an 11-week-old, male yellow Labrador Retriever puppy, made his debut with the Islanders on September 14th on his social channel @NYIslesPup asking fans to participate in a name vote. He soon after made an appearance at the Islanders annual golf outing, making fast friends with the team and staff members. Today, October 10th, Jethro’s name was announced during the team’s seventh annual ‘Pucks and Paws 2024’ calendar photoshoot. The calendar, benefitting America’s VetDogs, will go on sale in time for “Black Friday” shopping. Calendars will be available for purchase online via the Islanders website and at home games. 

Jethro, the nickname of late Islanders legend Clark Gillies, is a yellow Labrador. He will undergo basic training and socialization with the Islanders’ staff, fans and public for the next 16-18 months. The Islanders will host Jethro at community events and select home games to assist in raising him to be a confident and calm future guide dog. Fans can follow Jethro on Instagram at @NYIslesPup to stay up to date on his training and local appearances.

Following his puppy raising, Jethro will return to America’s VetDogs campus in Smithtown, NY to begin his formal service dog training with a Certified Service Dog Instructor. Concluding his training, Jethro will be matched at no cost with a veteran or first responder with disabilities.

Hello Islanders fans!  I'm Jethro, the new NY Islanders 4th puppy.

I’m so excited to be the third pup to be drafted by the Islanders.  I know we'll become best friends as you'll be seeing a lot of me at UBS Arena as I spend the next 16 months with you and the team.  I’ll be learning a lot so I can become a service dog, and one day be paired with a veteran or first responder.  I'm looking forward to hangin' with the team at practices, home games, and other special team events.  I've already made a great friend with the team and especially captain Anders. Later skater.

Birthday: August 16, 2023

Lisa holding Monte the tiny black lab pup.Meet Lisa Rossano

When not volunteering her time with America’s VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation, Monte's puppy raiser Lisa Rossano, keeps busy with her two sons, and husband of 34 years Ernie.

Lisa started volunteering at the Guide Dog Foundation 15 years ago when her boys were volunteering their time running and playing with the dogs in the kennel on weekends.  Prior to taking on this experience, Lisa volunteered in the nursey socializing new born puppies, is a member of the speaker’s bureau and adoption team, and is an Area Coordinator for Long Island puppy raisers. 

The first dog Lisa and her family raised was Toby, that experience has since led the family to raise 10 dogs, with Monte making it 11! Six of their dogs have been placed with Veterans and or visually impaired clients. Lisa and her family currently have four dogs at home; Guide Dog breeder Mikey, two released dogs, Bliss and Olympia, and of course little Tori.

“I think raising the Islander puppy with a purpose for the Guide Dog Foundation is going to be my best adventure and a great privilege and honor."