The Nationals’ Newest Rookie Has Four Paws
By • May 21, 2026 0 743
The Washington Nationals have unveiled their newest member. He’s furry, has a tail, and adorable floppy ears. No, he’s not the newest outfielder or first baseman, although he may enjoy catching a ball or two!
Natty, a 9-week-old golden retriever and labrador mix, is being trained as a service dog with his puppy raisers, Jackie and Laura, over the next year-and-a-half. To sharpen his socialization skills, little Natty will be spending lots of time at Nationals Park to interact with staff, players and fans.
Players are already smitten. Earlier this month, when the Nationals debuted Natty (on Hot Dog Night, appropriately) pitchers Jake Irvin, Brad Lord and Mitchell Parker, along with infielder Nasim Nuñez, interacted with the puppy.
The Nats partnered with service dog organization Canine Companion and Eukanuba dog food company to add Natty to their roster.
Photos by Miles Eichner
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- Running the bases! Photo by Miles Eichner.
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- Screech, the Washington Nationals mascot, holds the team’s tiniest new addition, Natty.
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- Natty and his puppy handler.
