Put it in the woofs.
Legendary Mets sportscaster Howie Rose is leaving behind a living, breathing legacy after four decades behind the mic in the form of a tiny but brave golden pooch.
A service dog-to-be using Citi Field as his training grounds is the first to inherit the long-time radio broadcaster’s name — an honor he said tops any bobblehead or plaque.
Howie is a future service dog being trained at Citi Field. Robert Sabo for NY Post
“This is right at the top of the list!” Rose told The Post as little Howie sat calmly at his feet.
“It is an honor, it’s a big honor … Veterans give enough of themselves. For the ones who sacrifice limbs or other faculties that render them compromised — to have a beautiful, sweet animal to help them out is a gift from above, really. Dogs are just so loving and so loyal. And aren’t veterans?”
The 4-month-old yellow Lab is the fourth being raised in partnership between America’s VetDogs and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, following in the pawprints of Shea, Seaver and Buddy.
Ironically, Rose is allergic to his furry namesake and joked that the only other thing they have in common is that they both “like meat.”
Howie Rose called the namesake “right at the top of the list” of all the honors he’s received over the years. Robert Sabo for NY Post
But John Miller, CEO of America’s VetDogs, said the pair of Metsies both share an overwhelming sense of loyalty.
“It’s a tribute to Howie Rose’s career and his lifelong commitment to the Mets and the Mets fans. It was a natural thing,” said Miller, who runs the Long Island-based nonprofit.
Rose will officially hang up his microphone in September, but his namesake will continue to patrol Citi Field for the next year — using the chaos of the crowds to eliminate any fears of noise, lights, smells and swarming so that he will be ready for his future veteran.
The pup will spend the next year or so training at the stadium. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Little Howie will also receive three months of specialized training for 30 different tasks, ranging from medical episode detection to waking his owner up from a nightmare.
“He’s a very confident dog — Mr. Brave,” said Sarah Zagaja, who is Howie’s official “puppy handler” alongside her husband, Bob.
“Some of the fans can be a little over the top — stopping us, yelling, ‘We need a picture!’ But it’s all fun.”
The couple — who had previously helped to raise Buddy — patrol Howie throughout Citi Field at least two times per week when the Mets are playing.
Fans are allowed to pet and take pictures with Howie — for now. Robert Sabo for NY Post
The yellow lab is the fourth service dog raised in partnership between America’s VetDogs and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. Robert Sabo for NY Post
The tiny, furry critter typically starts his exposure shift on the field during batting practice — unsurprisingly pulling attention from both the fans and the players themselves.
Franscisco Lindor frequently comes over to give Howie a pet on the head, Sarah Zagaja said.
Howie Junior is often stationed at the stadium’s promenade to meet the mob of fans as they swarm inside and seems almost indifferent to the constant “Oos” and “Aws.”
The tiny pup then spends the rest of the game expertly weaving through the crowds of fans dashing from their seats to the bar cart.
Sarah and Bob Zagaja, Howie’s “puppy handlers,” take him to the stadium at least three times a week when the Mets are playing. Robert Sabo for NY Post
For now, fans are allowed to pet and take pictures with the pup — and can even take home a Howie playing card — but the Zagajas warn that come next season, little Howie will be as untouchable as Juan Soto.
“We want every interaction to be positive, and as we interact with the fans, we get to tell the story of what his purpose is and get the message out about what America’s VetDogs does and what the Amazin’ Mets Foundation does,” said Bob Zagaja.
“It’s really a win-win for us, Howie, the fans, the players, and then ultimately the veteran who gets him.”
