Patriots’ Pawtriots Program Connects Shelter Dogs With Families

Debuting last year, the New England Patriots' Pawtriots initiative has been a game-changer for animals awaiting adoption.

Since its launch, the Animal Rescue League of Boston and partner groups have reported successful dog adoptions following a large food drive and community promotions that have helped hundreds of dogs.

According to a Boston Herald report, Dana Kraft, the wife of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, launched Pawtriots on the first day of the team's training camp last year in partnership with animal shelters across New England.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has been instrumental in the effort, changing not only the team's overall tone but also its support for animal adoption.

“When Vrabel was starting, I felt that this was the time to launch it because there was such a changing culture,” Dana Kraft told the Herald. “He has instituted such a fraternity or brotherhood; everybody at Gillette is shown respect.”

The Herald noted that Heisman, a 4-year-old Portuguese Water Dog that Robert Kraft received as a 2021 birthday gift, inspired the Pawtriots. This dog has brought “so much joy” to the family that the Krafts chose to dedicate a portion of the Patriots Foundation to helping shelter dogs find their forever homes.

The Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Boston is one of several beneficiaries of the Krafts' initiative. According to the Herald, the ARL received 25,000 meals from a food drive the Pawtriots held during the Patriots' Week 18 game at Gillette Stadium. Donations from this event supported more than 200 dogs, noted Edward Schettino, the ARL's president and CEO.

“As soon as the dogs came into the room, it changed everything,” Schettino said, recalling the reactions when five Patriots players visited the ARL's Dedham shelter last summer. “These gigantic men melted.”