Read 3 minutesJune 26, 2026 04:40 PM IST
The US Men’s National Team has a unique way of de-stressing during the 2026 World Cup. The team, who lost 3-2 to Turkey, but still topped their group, had a special guest waiting for them on their return to their training base in California. According to The Athletic, the USMNT has partnered with their first official pet care partner in Purina to introduce three terrier/mixed breed puppies to the team. They are Bud, Dew Drop and Bloom.
The Athletic reported that U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino approved of the initiative, and both U.S. Soccer and Purina noted that the season was so successful that they are discussing a second visit for the knockout rounds.
Future visits may have different pups. Bud, Dew Drop and Bloom were introduced to the training center through Wags and Walks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing euthanasia at local shelters and promoting the adoption of rescue dogs.
Social media was filled with adorable clips of the US team relaxing with puppies at its Irvine headquarters. Yet integrating dogs into a professional sporting environment is a concept already familiar to followers of the new Premier League champions.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta presented the team with a chocolate Labrador named Win in 2023. Arteta shared on the club’s official site that Winn’s presence has helped foster a more family atmosphere at the training facility.
In a conversation with The Athletic, assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kerry Rodriguez spoke about her recent study in which she observed that interacting with dogs “was effective in reducing heart rate and anxiety symptoms during stressful experiences.”
“Interestingly, dogs were more effective at lowering heart rates during stressful situations than being with another person, such as a friend or family member. We think this is because dogs provide non-judgmental support,” she added.
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According to academics, it can be said “with confidence” that “dogs change our brain and body chemistry,” she says. Such interactions can affect levels of cortisol and oxytocin, the latter often referred to as the love hormone.
Dr. Annie Waluska, Purina’s pet behaviorist, told The Athletic, “When people look into a dog’s eyes, we release the hormone oxytocin. It’s called the cuddle hormone. You can see that the mother is looking at her newborn… So when we look into the dog’s eyes, they also release it, so it warms up. Because of the relationship they have with us, the fuzzy feelings and we know that they form a very deep bond with us.” These hormones on both sides form the oxytocin loop.
The USMNT will play Bosnia and Herzegovina, their first round of 32 opponents, on Wednesday and will be hoping the puppy therapy will help them maintain a calm and focused mindset heading into the match.