Last week, United States skier Gus Kenworthy lit the Internet on fire when he rescued and posed for a picture (above) with four stray puppies in Sochi. Kenworthy became enamored with the pups (and their mother) and has put his silver medal celebration back home on hold to adopt all five of them.
Kenworthy, 22, has forgone his travel plans and is stuck in Sochi trying to go through the adoption process in Sochi and bring the dogs to the States with him. Now, it looks like some of the hockey players in Russia want to do the same.
Team USA and St. Louis Blues forward David Backes – also a huge animal activist – reached out to Kenworthy on Twitter to figure out the details of the adoption process, saying some of the players would like to bring back some four-legged friends as well.
Hey @guskenworthy wondering what vet you are working with in Sochi. A bunch of hockey guys would like to get some dogs back as well. Thanks!
— David Backes (@dbackes42) February 17, 2014
@dbackes42 @guskenworthy I'd love to know too! I want to bring one home!
— Kelli Stack (@kstack16) February 17, 2014
Between the paperwork, the shots and the travel arrangements, it won’t be an easy process but the fact that they’re making the effort to save the dogs is pretty great to see.
Update: It looks like the guys are well on their way to bringing home some new friends.
Meet Sochi Jack and Sochi Junior with @dbackes42 and @shattdeuces during the @Sochi2014 with @USOlympic. pic.twitter.com/FFOW3t2hlR
— Athletes For Animals (@A4A_org) February 18, 2014
Family hotel mascot! Couple stray dogs have been cleaned up and adopted by players. pic.twitter.com/uRXTlGALKI
— Ryan Miller (@RyanMiller3039) February 18, 2014
