We saw that Whiskey Toller, canine actor, athlete, and influencer, had a blast with some of her doggy influencer friends at a recent Caps Canines night, hosted by the Washinton Capitals. So we got in touch to get the behind-the-scenes scoop from a canine NHL fan’s perspective!
Celebrity Pets: Hey Whiskey, thanks for sitting down with us again. So what was it like being a VIP (Very Important Pup) at a Washington Capitals game?
Whiskey: Being a VIP at the Washington Capitals game was the highlight of our year! Going to a Caps game is a highlight in itself, the added bonus of them WINNING an awesome game and getting to get the VIP pup treatment at the Caps Canines night was such an honor! And my mom made a fun gallery of photos and videos to share with my fans.
CP: What were some highlights from the big night?
Whiskey: Well first off, the Caps winning 3-0! Secondly, I got to escort the talented Dylan Strome into the arena! I’m not sure who was more star struck 😉 They also surprised me with a custom jersey with my name on it! It made me feel like I was really part of the team.
CP: So you hit it off with Dylan Strome? You two end up grabbing a drink or some treats after the game?
Whiskey: I could tell Dylan is a dog guy just by how nice and polite he was to me! I think he would be down for a game of fetch with me. And it would be fun to one day meet his two pups, Benny and Ollie! (@thegoldenstromes)
CP: How did the fans react when they saw you and your canine crew there? Did you get a lot of attention and pets?
Whiskey: The Caps fans were so welcoming, everywhere I went they were taking photos and videos of me. I even got loads of messages from fans online asking “…was that Whiskey I saw on the big screen during the caps game? Did I just see Whiskey on my TV during the Caps game?!” That was a fun surprise. I loved getting to meet and greet the fans after the game and I think they became fans of me too.
CP: As a canine celeb and performer, did you end up doing any tricks for the crowd or the players?
Whiskey: I did show off a few tricks after the game to some fans, and it turns out if you can kiss and hug fans and friends for photos, you’ll get a line of people waiting for their own photos.
CP: So who was part of your canine influencer crew that night? And any fun memories (or gossip) you can share?
Whiskey: Yes there were a few other special dog influencer guests that joined me in the special suite for the Caps Canines night! I heard that Sir Bentley the mini golden doodle might have a little crush on me… 😉 I’ll list their Instagrams so you can all give them a follow (if you’re not already) and check out their posts from the big night: @madmax_fluffyroad, @hammyandolivia, @with.love.kaden.and.adalynn, @charlie.the.shorkie, @kingstreetwestie, and @minidoodlebentley.
CP: What’s the deal with “Caps Canines” night? And what do you hope it conveys to Caps fans about dogs and the human-doggy bond?
Whiskey: The Caps Canines Night celebrates the bond between people and their dogs. It is Pawsented by Pedigree Foundation, the Official Dog Club of the Washington Capitals. Pedigree Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to helping dogs in need find loving homes. They showcased puppies in need of homes on the big screen during the game and bring awareness and help dogs in need.
I’m really proud to be included in the Caps Canines night and you can actually make your pup a part of the Caps Canines Club with special gear and goodies too.
CP: Being a talented athlete yourself, have you ever played hockey? or have plans to give it a go?
Whiskey: Why THANK YOU for pointing that out. Between you and me, I’m patiently waiting for the Caps to ask me to shoot a couple shots on the Ice with the team! I can hold a mini hockey stick, and shoot my shot, I just gotta work on my aim a bit more.
CP: Do you have any advice for our canine readers who may attend Caps Canines Night or a busy public event such as this?
Whiskey: Going to really busy places like this can be overwhelming for some pups. It’s important to take it easy and not rush your pup into busy environments. I always say that play is incompatible with fear. So if your pup is a little unsure about something, play a game with them! This will help them feel more comfortable and confident.
CP: Thanks for sharing your epic night with us!
And for anyone who missed it, check out our interview with Whiskey Toller: Trick champion, accomplished actor, and service dog.