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          Patriots host pet adoption event at first training camp practice

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          • Mike ReissJul 23, 2025, 06:06 PM ET
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              Mike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots. Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.
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          FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Call them the New England Paw-triots.

          During the first practice of training camp, in an effort spearheaded by owner Robert Kraft and his wife Dana, the New England Patriots hosted a successful pet adoption event that saw 40 of 41 available dogs find a home.

          The Patriots worked with the Animal Rescue League of Boston, Potter League for Animals and the Berkshire Humane Society, and in an added twist, players and coaches walked the dogs onto the field before practice.

          Head coach Mike Vrabel arrived for his morning news conference with a dog named Nash.

          The Krafts attended practice with their dog, Heisman, and explained what led to the initiative.

          "Four years ago on my birthday, a friend delivered Heisman to my front door. Who gets a dog as a birthday gift unrequested? I was really ambivalent," Robert Kraft said. "It's unbelievable how he has been so additive to our family and brought so much love. That's really how this day [happened]"

          Dr. Dana Kraft added: "I am so humbled the Patriots would be willing to do this. For these animals to be adopted and be able to connect them is so meaningful."