Dog Days Of Winter: Shapovalov Fosters Furry Friend During Holidays | ATP Tour

Denis Shapovalov spent his preseason coaching with one extra-special group member, fostering a canine named Merlin from the Humane Society of Manatee County.

The Canadian is a powerful supporter of the HSMC shelter via his initiative Shapo Shelter, which helps convey consciousness to shelter animals in want of excellent properties. Shapovalov typically visits HSMC when he’s in Bradenton to go to with the animals they’ve rescued and present his assist to all of the employees for the superb work they do, with many cats and canine accessible for adoption.

Merlin, who has been on the shelter for over a yr, was capable of take a break from nerve-racking shelter life and luxuriate in a while with Shapovalov, his girlfriend Mirjam Bjorklund and the remainder of Staff Shapo whereas the World No. 18 received prepared for the 2023 season.

“Merlin is among the most well-behaved canine I’ve seen, manner higher than my canine in Toronto,” stated Shapovalov. “He’s learns actually rapidly too — like we informed him to go up and down the steps slowly, and so he’s been doing that. Now we have cameras inside the home and he simply stays by the door and waits for us. He’s additionally simply been a shadow for us. He follows us round and looks as if he simply desires to please us. We actually love him and are hoping he finds his perpetually house quickly!” 

Shapovalov additionally did a fundraiser on Cameo, doing video shoutouts for followers and elevating over $2,500 that may go on to the HSMC to assist the good work they do all yr.