Wheaties embrace dog duty

The Brandon Wheat Kings are going to the dogs on Sunday morning, and they couldn’t be happier about it.

A number of players will be involved in the Brandon Humane Society’s annual Wag-A-Tail Walk-A-Thon at Kin Park, including Jaxon Jacobson, who will be attending for the fourth time.

“Everyone enjoys it because you literally get to go out there and hang out with puppies and have a good time in the sun,” Jacobson said. “There’s not really much you want to do more on an off day. It’s always fun.”

The Jacobson family has three dogs, Louie, Ozzy and Frankie, so it’s not like anyone has to twist his arm to get him there.

The Brandon Humane Society, which has been in operation since 1946, began partnering with the Wheat Kings two decades ago when the event originated and was held at the Riverbank Discovery Centre.

It’s now at Kin Park, which is located just north of Crocus Plains off First Street.

Brandon head coach and general manager Marty Murray said it’s not a tough sell to get the players involved.

“I’m a dog guy and it’s pretty fun to go see those dogs wheeling around there,” Murray said. “You wish you could take them all home, and our with our players, a good chunk of them grew up around dogs or have dogs in their house around their household, so there’s no shortage of volunteers for this event, that’s for sure.”

Jacobson, who turns 18 in December and is in his National Hockey League draft season, attended his first Wag-A-Tail when he was 15. As one of the Brandonites on the roster, he can be seen at community events year round, including in the summer when his teammates have often gone home.

He said it’s good for everyone involved.

“It’s very important,” Jacobson said. “The people in the community are the people who are coming to support us when we’re out there to play so us giving back to them means a lot. It means a lot getting out and doing things you don’t usually get to do so it’s always fun.”

Murray sees it exactly the same way, noting it’s good for the players too.

“Hockey is what we’re here for but there are all kinds of responsibilities outside that,” Murray said. “Being in the community and helping out in any way we can is crucial. This weekend we’re working with the Humane Society: We’re out in the community constantly and the people upstairs (in the Wheat Kings office) do a good job of getting our guys out.

“With our kids, it helps them mature as people and understand that they can influence and impact peoples’ lives, and at the same time, those are the people who come to our games. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

The Wag-A-Tail Walk-A-Thon is on Sunday morning from 10 o’clock to noon.

» pbergson@brandonsun.com