Guns & Hoses: Chocolate Lab to Drop Puck at Charity Hockey Game

Amos, a chocolate Labrador in the Canine Advocacy Program (CAP), will be in Royal Oak on Saturday to drop the puck at the Guns & Hoses charity hockey game at John Lindell Ice Arena.

This is the fourth year the Royal Oak Police and Fire Departments will square off on the ice to raise money for a local charity. Proceeds from this year's hockey game go to CAP, a program that benefits child victims throughout the State of Michigan.

When Amos isn't busy being a ceremonial puck dropper, the canine advocate works with children in Oakland County who have been neglected, abused or sexually assaulted. CAP dogs work with prosecutors to help alleviate anxiety and provide comfort to child victims in the criminal justice system. 

[Watch Amos train in court.]

The CAP website lists a dozen dogs, including Amos, that are in the program throughout the state and more are on the way, according to Dan Cojanu, CAP's director. He expects the program to continue to expand as more government officials become aware of it.

"Amos is our founding dog. He's been working in court one-on-one with children for the last four years," Cojanu said. "He's become somewhat of a mascot for Oakland County. People recognize him because they see him in court all the time."

Saturday's event is the first official fundraiser for the non-profit organization and Cojanu is hoping the ice arena will be filled. All proceeds generated from the hockey game will be used to help offset CAP's expenses.

After Amos drops the puck, he will stick around to meet and greet fans and, yes, you can pet him, Cojanu said. And don't be surprised if Amos rolls over for a belly rub.

"People always say to me, 'Oh, look! Amos is relaxing!" Cojanu said. "But he's actually working. That's his job. He comforts people."

"These dogs work wonders," said Sgt. Patrick Stanton, Guns & Hoses event co-organizer. "It's amazing what they can do."

Event has raised $20K for local charities

Since its inception in 2010, Guns & Hoses has raised nearly $20,000 for various charities throughout the Metro Detroit area, according to Stanton. 

"We've had great support for the event from the community," Stanton said. "And the staff at Lindell have been wonderful in making the event a success."

Sponsors, such as Hanna Development & Management Co. and BlackFinn Ameripub, don't bat an eyelash when asked for support. "We barely have to ask," Stanton said.

More than 500 people witnessed the police department beat the fire department 6-1 in 2013. The firefighters hold an overall 2-1 series lead.

"The police department is hoping to build on its winning streak," said Stanton.

If you go

• What: Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game
• When: March 22 at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: John Lindell Ice Arena, 1403 Lexington Blvd.
• Tickets: $10; may be purchased at the Royal Oak Police Station or any of the three Royal Oak Fire Stations. Tickets may also be purchased on game night at the arena. Children aged 5 and under are free.
• More: Amos will stick around to shake a paw and there will be a 50/50 raffle as well as a chance to win some cool prizes, including a baseball autographed by the Detroit Tigers.
• Discover: Find out more about Amos and other dogs in the the Canine Advocacy Program by visiting www.capmich.com. Get updates and reminders about Gun & Hoses by "liking" the charity hockey game on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RoyalOakGunsAndHoses.