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BEHIND THE STRIPES

Lyndsee Hewston

By Atlanta United FC

August 26^th, 2020

An exuberant, smiling Labrador retriever in a white and gold trimmed service dog in training vest looks up expectantly at his puppy raiser. Lyndsee Hewston and service dog-in-training Spike have been together since January 2020 when the club announced its partnership with America’s VetDogs.

Back in 2019, Hewston volunteered to raise the Atlanta United and America’s VetDogs’ puppy with a purpose.

“Before meeting Spike, I was honored to have the opportunity to apply for a chance to raise a dog for America’s VetDogs. I knew Spike would bring awareness to America's VetDogs’ mission in the city of Atlanta. The program is near and dear to my heart and I would do just about anything to help their cause,” Hewston gushed. “I was also shown a picture of Spike and his chubby puppy self and there was no way I was not going to have him in my life. Best and easiest decision I have ever made.”

Seeing the two interact, it is clear why they are such a great fit for each other. Despite a rapidly growing Spike, who’s approaching Lyndsee in height and weight , the two-work hand in hand (paw) to prepare Spike for his life as a service dog. Together, the two have used experiences at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Facility and Mercedes-Benz Stadium as ways to prepare and learn skills that will help Spike succeed as a future service dog. Perhaps the most memorable experience for the pair thus far was Spike and Lyndsee’s very first matchday.

“Spike and I will never forget entering the stadium as we walked through the crowd of people to take Spike to sign the golden Spike. Spike was such a champ the entire matchday, even as a puppy. He confidently strutted into every situation and just had fun. He was even a champ rolling up on the field in his toy Mercedes-Benz G Wagon. My favorite part of the night was when the stadium started to clear, a group of fans started chanting ‘we love spike!’ Spike loved it.”

Before Spike, Hewston already loved Atlanta United and the culture it embodies. However, getting to be a part of it firsthand has shown her just how true her first impressions were. United is not just a tagline for the club, but the spirit that it hopes to project.

“I always loved Atlanta United and how inclusive they are to all communities. Their matches bring people together from all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. In my life I have never experienced anything that can rival the week in and week out experience of Atlanta United,” Hewston said with a smile. “Nothing will ever touch Atlanta United games because they will forever hold such a special place in my heart .”

Outside of matchdays, it is pretty hard to miss the duo walking around together in Atlanta. Hewston quickly realized how wonderful the 17s are. She and Spike are constantly greeted by fans and finding new ones whenever they go out. Spike loves all of the attention and Hewston loves seeing how Spike learns from each exchange.

“Every single fan has been kind and super excited to meet Spike. You all are dog lovers at heart and who can’t get behind that?! Spike and I will never forget all of you who waited in line in the rain to meet him at his meet and greet,” Hewston reminisced. “You all have positively impacted his training in so many ways and we are so thankful for your excitement and the time you have spent supporting Spike.”

While Hewston is not as familiar with training a celebrity like Spike, this is her second time training a service dog. Before Spike, she raised Shirley for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, America’s VetDogs’ sister organization. Helping prepare service dogs for their handler has changed her life. Through America’s VetDogs, she has found a way to combine her passion for animals with her connection to veterans and the military.

“Once I realized that America’s VetDogs provided service dogs for Veterans and first responders I was immediately all in and had to be a part of the program. My family has served our nation just as many other American family members have done before,” Hewston continued. “My brother served in the Army, my brother-in-law currently serves in the Air Force, and my Grandfather served in the Army. That is why it is so special to me that Atlanta United has a program where they give back to veterans.”

Being able to help veterans has been her way of giving back and saying thanks to her family members who have served. Hewston is motivated by helping people and having a purpose. Making a difference is what drives her and, of course, getting to come home to her animals at the end of a long day. Something Hewston does for herself is spending time with her horse, Forest, and her personal dog, Goose. When Hewston isn’t working and attending Atlanta United functions with Spike, she is spending time with her horse, Forest, and her personal dog, Goose.

“I love horses and enjoy horseback riding! My horse and I compete in jumpers and we live to trail ride around Atlanta,” Hewston shared. “There are some absolutely beautiful horse trails around Atlanta. A ton of my days are spent at the barn with my horse and Spike just hanging out.”

Exploring Atlanta with Forest helped make the city she moved to in 2015 feel more like home. She attended Auburn University and used to always drive through Atlanta to get home from school. Seeing the city and all it had to offer made it an easy decision when she and her husband, Drew, were figuring out where they wanted to put down roots after graduating from Auburn. While at Auburn, Hewston played on an intramural soccer team and got her first real taste for the sport. She never dreamed she would get to work for a soccer club, and in such a unique way.

Meeting the players and seeing how they interact with Spike has made her fall in love with the club even more, but there’s one player in particular who stands out in her mind.

“All of the players Spike and I have met have been super friendly and are HUGE dog fans! I would say that my favorite player right now is Laurence Wyke. Spike and I met him when he read a children’s book to Spike,” Hewston enthused. “He was super patient with puppy Spike and told me all about his Labrador retriever he has at home. I love meeting other Labrador retriever fans.”

Every person Hewston has met through Spike has reaffirmed how important his training is and how lucky his handler will be to have Spike. As she watches him interact with players and fans one-on-one, Hewston is positive that Spike will be a great service dog when the time comes. As much as the fans love Spike, he loves each person he is around just as much.

“I have and am positive I will never meet another dog that inherently loves people and wants to be near them and impact their lives like Spike does. He goes up to everyone he meets like he has known them his whole life and just loves on them. It is powerful to see him in action. Spike is also the most confident dog I have ever seen. Nothing scares him and he takes every new encounter head on and with spunk. Spike also LOVES what he does and he enjoys working.”

Hewston has watched Spike grow from a chubby little puppy to an excited, hard-working service dog-in-training. Watching him learn and train, Hewston is confident Spike will be a great asset for the veteran he ends up with. Until then, you can find puppy and puppy raiser together. Just look for the white vest with gold trim and the Atlanta United symbol.

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