Tails were wagging in Tewksbury, as a Boston Bruin scored a nifty new title.
The Weymouth native and Boston Bruins hockey player Charlie Coyle was officially appointed “hometown treat officer,” as Wellness Pet Co. celebrated ahead of National Take Your Dog to Work Day this week.
Dogs of all breeds and sizes gathered on the company grounds to commemorate the day, while welcoming Coyle, along with his two golden retrievers, Bodie and Gracie, for the festivities.
“This is great,” said Coyle. “I feel honored. I love my dogs. I love being a dog parent, and I love giving them treats, so if I can be the treat officer for the day here with these guys it’s very humbling.”
The event featured over 100 employees and their dogs engaging in arts and crafts, canine fitness, sensory activities, and mobile grooming.
Both of Coyle’s dogs came dressed for the occasion, sporting custom-made purple pullovers with his name and familiar No. 13 emblazoned on them.
“The jerseys are a little different, but they look good,” said the veteran NHL center, who played two seasons at Boston University from 2010-12.
Coyle’s appointment was met with a round of applause, as well as a few barks from several four-legged companions in attendance.
“We’re getting a lot of good barks over here, so you must approve,” said Wellness Pet CEO Reed Howlett. “We’re excited to be partnering with a hometown hero like Charlie. We’re obviously a Massachusetts company and Charlie grew up in Weymouth, so he’s a hometown guy. He’ll be out there spreading the word about Wellness, talking to pet parents, and highlighting pet parents who care as much about pets as we do.”
Coyle’s dogs are half-siblings, sharing the same dad. He first got Bodie four years ago as a puppy, before getting Gracie two years later.
“We started with one puppy living in a condo downtown,” said Coyle, who currently resides in the Boston Seaport. “Then we thought Bodie needs a buddy. It was the best thing we’ve ever done. They are just so cool with their personalities, and how different they are. It’s awesome to see.”
The partnership comes at an exciting time for Coyle. The Bruins enjoyed a record-breaking regular season run, before an early exit in the playoffs. He and his wife, Danielle, are also preparing to welcome a baby this summer, only adding to their family dynamic.
Both dogs are the perfect companions.
“Whether I’m coming home from the rink from practice or games, I always look forward to seeing these guys,” said Coyle. “It doesn’t matter if I had a great game or a bad game, they really don’t care. They’re wagging their tails and are just so excited to see you walking through that door. It really lifts you up.”
As hometown treat officer, Coyle is helping pet parents achieve mutual wellbeing with their pets during any season, on and off the ice, with key tips on healthy habits and making the most out of time together.
“As a dog dad of two, I love spending time with them,” said Coyle. “I want a good life for my dogs, and I know that Wellness Pet is all about that vision. That’s a company I want to work with, one that creates good habits, good routines, good nutrition for dogs. I want them to live a long happy life and spend as much time together. That’s what Wellness Pet is about.”
Coyle’s first order of business was to present the inaugural Hometown Treat Award to Erin McMahon, of Belmont, New Hampshire. The award is presented to a local pet parent who understand the mutual benefits of healthy activities and quality time with their pets.
McMahon and her 10-year-old pug, Woof, have climbed the New Hampshire 48, four dozen mountains in the state that top out at 4,000 feet or more. She recently adopted another hiking companion, a 3-year-old pug named Lemon, who has since summited 34.
“They truly embody what it means to fulfill a life of mutual wellbeing together as they take those experiences to new heights, literally,” said Coyle. “Unbelievable stuff. “
McMahon was presented with a large gift basket for her and her pugs.
As he looked around, Coyle couldn’t help but smile.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and dogs,” said Coyle. “That’s what these guys are for, to meet new dogs and play. They love this stuff. They’ll be a lot of tails wagging.”
And a fun way to spend another dog day afternoon.