HOUSTON -- Their love of dogs was one of the common bonds that helped bring Astros pitcher Justin Verlander and his super model wife, Kate Upton, together, and now the couple is trying to help dogs in Houston find someone who will love them as well.
Verlander and Upton played host to their fourth annual Grand Slam Adoption Event outside Minute Maid Park on Sunday as part of the Astros Dog Day. Several dogs were available for adoption, with Verlander and Upton mingling with fans and their dogs.
"We both grew up with dogs, and dogs are huge part of our lives," said Upton, who married the Astros pitcher in November. "It definitely was a big part of our relationship."
The event, which helps spread awareness about homeless animals, also worked in collaboration with Verlander's charity, Wins for Warriors. Verlander said all the proceeds from the event will go to help train dogs for veterans with PTSD.
"We know how important dogs are to a family, and for us to be able to combine our two passions … is a perfect fit," Verlander said.
Countless dogs were left homeless in Houston a year ago in the days and weeks following Hurricane Harvey, and Upton hopes some of the dogs can provide healing to families and vice versa.
"They're very healing and they bring so much love into a family," she said.
The pair started the event at the Tigers' Spring Training facility in Lakeland in 2015, but this was the first time it was held since he was traded to the Astros a year ago.