UNC baseball’s golden retriever, Remington, has quickly become a fan favorite ever since being introduced last season.
Remington, or “Remi,” has an official title of psychiatric medical alert facility rehabilitation service dog, and he works with injured players during their recovery. The two-year-old pup also helps out during baseball games, bringing buckets of balls to the umpires and standing at attention during the national anthem.
But now, Remi is helping out professional players as well.
After a win over the Charlotte 49ers, the Tar Heels baseball team stayed in Charlotte overnight, conveniently at the same time as the Cleveland Cavaliers. The two teams met up for an early Wednesday brunch, where several Cavaliers players were able to spend time with Remi before their game against the Hornets.
One player that quickly bonded with the pup was JR Smith.
Smith, who actually committed to the Tar Heels in high school before foregoing his eligibility and entering the NBA Draft directly, had a breakout game after meeting with Remington. He scored 19 points off the bench on 8-of-9 and added five rebounds, three assists and three steals in a 118-105 Cavaliers win.
Cavs acting head coach told ESPN that he thought it was the bond Smith formed with Remington that caused a great performance.
“You know, I think it was the canine,” Drew said. “I walk in the room, and there JR is sitting on the floor. … He’s sitting on the floor petting the [dog]. I think it was the canine that got him going. I can tell he’s very fond of that dog, and we’re going to have to get that dog back to more shootarounds.”
Perhaps UNC will loan Remington to the Cavaliers the next time they play in Charlotte, but for now he’s still on the baseball diamond.
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