Enter the world of wagging tails and microphones.
Howie Rose, the mythical voice of the New York Mets, has not only captivated fans from the broadcast booth for four decades but now leaves a living, breathing legacy on four paws. The iconic sportscaster is honored through a courageous little golden retriever, ready to serve a higher purpose.
At Citi Field, this aspiring service dog is honing his skills, carrying the distinguished name of the veteran radio announcer—a tribute that Rose considers more meaningful than any collectible or award.
“This tops my list!” Rose shared with The Post, glancing down at the serene puppy named Howie seated by his side.
Rose expressed, “It is truly a tremendous honor. Our veterans give so much of themselves. For those who have sacrificed limbs or other capabilities, receiving assistance from a devoted, gentle creature is a heavenly gift. Dogs embody love and loyalty—just like our veterans, don’t they?”
The 4-month-old yellow Lab is the fourth being raised in partnership between America’s VetDogs and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, following in the pawprints of Shea, Seaver and Buddy.
Ironically, Rose is allergic to his furry namesake and joked that the only other thing they have in common is that they both “like meat.”
But John Miller, CEO of America’s VetDogs, said the pair of Metsies both share an overwhelming sense of loyalty.
“It’s a tribute to Howie Rose’s career and his lifelong commitment to the Mets and the Mets fans. It was a natural thing,” said Miller, who runs the Long Island-based nonprofit.
Rose will officially hang up his microphone in September, but his namesake will continue to patrol Citi Field for the next year — using the chaos of the crowds to eliminate any fears of noise, lights, smells and swarming so that he will be ready for his future veteran.
Little Howie will also receive three months of specialized training for 30 different tasks, ranging from medical episode detection to waking his owner up from a nightmare.
“He’s a very confident dog — Mr. Brave,” said Sarah Zagaja, who is Howie’s official “puppy handler” alongside her husband, Bob.
“Some of the fans can be a little over the top — stopping us, yelling, ‘We need a picture!’ But it’s all fun.”
The couple — who had previously helped to raise Buddy — patrol Howie throughout Citi Field at least two times per week when the Mets are playing.
The tiny, furry critter typically starts his exposure shift on the field during batting practice — unsurprisingly pulling attention from both the fans and the players themselves.
Franscisco Lindor frequently comes over to give Howie a pet on the head, Sarah Zagaja said.
Howie Junior is often stationed at the stadium’s promenade to meet the mob of fans as they swarm inside and seems almost indifferent to the constant “Oos” and “Aws.”
The tiny pup then spends the rest of the game expertly weaving through the crowds of fans dashing from their seats to the bar cart.
For now, fans are allowed to pet and take pictures with the pup — and can even take home a Howie playing card — but the Zagajas warn that come next season, little Howie will be as untouchable as Juan Soto.
“We want every interaction to be positive, and as we interact with the fans, we get to tell the story of what his purpose is and get the message out about what America’s VetDogs does and what the Amazin’ Mets Foundation does,” said Bob Zagaja.
“It’s really a win-win for us, Howie, the fans, the players, and then ultimately the veteran who gets him.”