Meet the San Jose Sharks' Furry Best Friends! 🐾🐶 (2026)

Love is in the Air, and So Are the Tails of the San Jose Sharks' Furry Companions!

Happy Valentine’s Day! While you’re showering your human loved ones with affection, don’t forget the four-legged family members who steal our hearts every day. This year, we’re diving into the heartwarming world of the San Jose Sharks’ pets, a tradition that’s become as cherished as a Christmas story—but with a furry twist. From rescued pups to pampered felines, these animals are more than just pets; they’re part of the Sharks’ family. But here’s where it gets controversial: do these athletes make better teammates on the ice or playmates for their pets? Let’s find out!

A Tradition of Tails and Tales

This isn’t the first time we’ve wagged our tails (metaphorically, of course) over the Sharks’ pets. In 2022, Marc-Edouard Vlasic introduced us to his rescued Golden Retriever, and since then, we’ve met a whole pack of furry friends. From Logan Couture’s pups to Macklin Celebrini’s canine companions, each year brings new stories. This season, it took a bit longer to gather the photos, but trust us—it was worth the wait!

Meet the Stars of the Show

• Tyler Toffoli’s Stella: A Yorkie with boundless energy, Stella is the perfect welcome committee after a long day on the ice.
• Sam Dickinson’s Arnold Palmer (Arnie/Mr. P): Named after golf courses by Sam’s dad, this tiny English Goldendoodle is a seasoned veteran at 10 years old.
• Adam Gaudette’s Stella & Zeus: These Maltese-Yorkie mixes, or ‘Malkies,’ have been part of the Gaudette family for nearly a decade. Zeus, the runt of the litter, was a steal at $200 and has proven to be anything but ordinary.
• John Klingberg’s Ebba: A 9-year-old Chocolate Lab with a Swedish name, Ebba is the epitome of a family dog, patiently enduring tail-pulls and toy-throws from Klingberg’s daughters.
• Alex Nedeljkovic’s Zeke & Brady: Zeke, a Black Lab, and Brady, a Golden Retriever, are named after football stars. Zeke was adopted through Project2Heal, a nonprofit breeding Labs for disabled veterans, while Brady joined the family as a playmate for Zeke.
• Zack Ostapchuk’s Stewie: Named after the mischievous character from Family Guy, Stewie is a 30-pound Morkie who was supposed to be half his size. He lives with Zack’s mom, who couldn’t resist another furry addition after just a week without a dog.
• Dmitry Orlov’s Joy: A cat with a name that perfectly suits his personality, Joy was a secret gift from Orlov’s wife. Rescued in Russia, he’s been bringing joy to the family for 11 years.

And this is the part most people miss: These pets aren’t just adorable—they’re also ambassadors for animal rescue. The Sharks players encourage fans to support organizations like the San Jose Animal Care Center, Silicon Valley Pet Project, Pets in Need, and Joybound. Each of these groups plays a vital role in rescuing and rehabilitating animals, ensuring they find loving homes.

Behind the Names: Stories That Warm the Heart

Ever wonder how these pets got their names? Adam Gaudette’s Zeus was inspired by Greek mythology, while Stella was named after Stella Artois beer—a nod to his wife’s dad’s bar. John Klingberg’s Ebba was almost the name of his daughter, and Alex Nedeljkovic’s Brady was named after Tom Brady, fitting perfectly with his TB12 connection. Zack Ostapchuk’s Stewie was a tribute to his favorite Family Guy character, and Dmitry Orlov’s Joy was simply meant to be, with a name that stuck from birth.

A Call to Action: Adopt, Don’t Shop

As we celebrate these furry friends, let’s not forget the countless animals still waiting for their forever homes. Whether you’re a Sharks fan or just a pet lover, consider supporting local animal rescues or adopting a pet in need. After all, as Dmitry Orlov puts it, pets like Joy bring immeasurable joy into our lives.

Controversial Question: Are Pets the Secret to On-Ice Success?

Could it be that the bond between these athletes and their pets translates into better performance on the ice? Does the unconditional love of a pet provide the emotional support needed to handle the pressures of professional sports? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your opinions in the comments below—do you think pets play a role in an athlete’s success, or is it all just coincidence?

Special thanks to the San Jose Sharks PR team and Maddie Dutra for helping us bring these heartwarming stories to life. Here’s to another year of tails, tales, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their furry companions!