The New England Patriots recently held a heartwarming pet adoption event at their first practice of training camp. This emerging megaproject was largely the work of their team owner Robert Kraft and his wife Dr. Dana Kraft. In addition to the incredible mission, the actual event was held in the Patriots’ training facility, which lent an incredibly special dynamic as it mixed football with philanthropy.
On site that day, an incredible 40 out of 41 adoptable dogs went home with new families. This wonderful result is a testament to the community’s desire to embrace the initiative. Patriots owner Robert Kraft made a splash by bringing his dog, Heisman, to the event. Dr. Dana Kraft joined him, showing the family’s longstanding commitment to animal welfare.
The Krafts were just as thrilled to explain why they decided to put this event together. They wanted to increase awareness of the need for adoption and the plight of stray and homeless animals. Robert Kraft reminisced about his early days with Heisman. As Jordan remembered, “Four years ago on my birthday, a friend dropped Heisman off on my doorstep.” What kind of person shockingly acquires a dog for their birthday without asking first? I was really ambivalent. By sharing this life story, we couldn’t have imagined what joyful resonances would leap back into our lives.
Fellow BPS 2021 visiting artist Dr. Dana Kraft quoted James Brown and shared her appreciation for the Patriots organization for getting behind this initiative. Her appreciation was palpable, adding, “I can’t tell you how honored I am that the Patriots would do this. Finding these animals their forever homes makes an amazing impact.” Her comments highlighted the role the event played as a community-wide initiative in bringing animal adopters together.
That was matched by the enthusiasm of animal lovers that flocked to the event. Head coach Mike Vrabel even dropped in for a rare morning news conference, enthusiastically displaying his own pup, Nash. The cherry on top Fun was the name of the game as the day unfolded at Youth Training Camp. Attendees welcomed the spirit of fun and competition as the “New England Paw-triots.”
We consider our pet adoption event to be an overwhelming success! Unquestionably, it created a permanent legacy on the team and in the community. The Krafts’ initiative demonstrated the deep impact that sports organizations can bring to key social causes. As a result, it inspired passionate fans to consider bringing home a pet in need.
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