Joe the Bat Dog Steals the Show (and Our Hearts) at the Gwinnett Stripers Game

Joe The Black Lab

Joe The Black Lab

Warrior Paws

Joe The Black Lab, Tron, Cash of Warrior Paws

This 4th of July, fireworks weren’t the only thing lighting up the sky—Joe, the 11-month-old black Lab from Warrior Paws, lit up the whole ballpark.

My family—John, Scarlet, and my service dog Cash (@myferrytalewithcash) —headed down to Georgia for what turned out to be one of the most joyful and heartwarming nights we’ve experienced in a long time. Joe, trained by Rucker Dog Training, to be a service dog and was officially invited to serve as the bat dog for the Gwinnett Stripers' Independence Day game. Not only that, he threw (carried) out the first pitch—which, by the way, he nailed like a pro.

Let’s be honest, Joe had a bit of a slow start. I mean, wouldn’t you pause too with 10,000 fans cheering your name? Maybe he just wanted to build a little suspense—Hollywood style. But once he got going, Joe crushed it. He ran his bat dog duties like a seasoned veteran and had the crowd wrapped around his paw.

This event was more than a baseball game. It was about community, connection, and creating visibility for first responders and veterans living with disabilities—and the healing power of service dogs. Alongside Joe were two proud Warrior Paws graduates: Taylor Marshall with his incredible dog Tron, and yours truly with my loyal sidekick, Cash. Both Taylor and I are Army veterans, and I’m also a retired law enforcement officer. Our dogs are specially trained to perform tasks that support mobility, mitigate PTSD symptoms, and help us navigate daily life with greater independence and confidence.

But back to Joe—because this was his big night. With that bat in his mouth and a sparkle in his eye, he reminded every single person there why Warrior Paws exists: to help warriors live fuller, more connected, and more independent lives.

Warrior Paws had the opportunity to talk with so many people about the mission. It was a night filled with laughter, hope, and a few tail wags—and it reminded me just how far we’ve come.

Want to support Joe’s mission (and Warrior Paws)?

Here are 3 easy ways to get involved:

1. Send a Warrior – Know a first responder or veteran who might benefit from a service dog? Send them to: warrior-paws.org/apply

2. Donate – Your contribution helps us place these life-changing dogs at no cost to the warrior. Visit warrior-paws.org/donate

3. Volunteer – Want to join the pack? There are so many ways to get involved. Find out more on our website one the page warrior-paws.org/volunteer

This game was just the start. You’ll be seeing more of Joe and the Warrior Paws crew in the future. Until then, follow Joe’s journey on Instagram @joethebatdog and keep an eye out for upcoming appearances, events, and tail-wagging good news.

We’re building a movement—one dog, one warrior, and one mission at a time.

Want to follow along with more moments like this?

You can keep up with my journey as a veteran, speaker, mental health advocate, and service dog mom at www.nicoleferry.com or on Instagram @MyFerrytaleWithCash (and yes, there are plenty of Cash pics 🐾).