ARLINGTON, V.A. — When Tom Wilson isn't throwing his opponents into the boards, dropping the gloves or putting up career-best numbers with the Washington Capitals, you can usually find him working with puppies.
The power forward may have a reputation as not the nicest player to line up against, but in reality, his kindness goes a long way, especially in the D.C. community, as he spends his downtime in Merrifield, Virginia, working with Wolf Trap Animal Rescue.
"(My wife) Taylor's mom has thousands and thousands and thousands of hours at Winnipeg Humane Society. They're a huge dog rescue, animal-loving family," Wilson said. "I grew up with dogs and love dogs, so when Taylor and I were kind of sitting around years back, we rescued our dog and wanted to get involved and help out."
Every other Saturday, Wolf Trap Animal Rescue will rescue dogs in Mississippi and transport them up to Virginia.
The Wilsons are involved every step of the way, arriving at the shelter around 7:30 a.m. to take the dogs off the truck. Then, they will give the dogs a bath, get them their vaccinations and checks and then give them their collars before sending them on their way to their foster families.
For Wilson, volunteering has been a "full circle" experience that he's taken quite a bit away from.
"It really helps the dogs, but then you can see, it makes the people's lives and days as well, it makes them happy. The dog's getting a way better life, and you're saving a life that way, but a lot of people, dogs are their bright point in their day every day," Wilson said. "It's really cool to see that cycle of dogs helping people and people helping the dog."
Captain In Waiting: The 'Selfless' Evolution Of Tom Wilson & What He Means To The Capitals
ARLINGTON, V.A. — There's no question in Alex Ovechkin's mind when it comes to who the next captain of the Washington Capitals will be when he eventually hangs up the skates.
Over the last few years, Wilson has brought several teammates to volunteer with him at the rescue while convincing a handful to adopt, including linemate Pierre-Luc Dubois and St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk.
"The first day this year, I think two or three guys went home with dogs. It's hard when the puppies are giving you the puppy eyes and looking at you walk away without taking one home," Wilson laughed.
The 30-year-old has his own rescue from Wolf Trap, a lab mix named Halle. Wilson has had Halle for nearly five years, and raising a puppy has been a life-changing experience for him.
"She's the best. She's super gentle and good (with my son). Just the joy in your day (she brings), doesn't matter whether you're minus-3 or plus-3 or two goals or no goals, the dog's happy to see you," he smiled.
Ultimately, though, the most rewarding part of the experience has been getting to give back to the D.C. community while helping people form lifelong bonds with their pets.
"When you get the dog off the truck and you hand it over to the foster and you see the smile, or the kids are there and they're just so excited, it's so genuine and authentic and it's a feeling that I don't think is that easy to come by in life," Wilson said. "People's bond with their dog is so incredibly special and strong, and it's just really cool. I know a lot of people, veterans that the dogs have changed their lives for the better.
"It's not just an animal, it's something way more. It's a companion, it's a best friend and for me to see the impact and the power of what a dog can bring to somebody's life, it's pretty cool."