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In the high-stakes world of the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks have introduced an unlikely star player to their roster, not for her skills on the court, but for her unparalleled ability to boost morale.
Meet Bailey, a two-year-old mini Bernedoodle, and the team's emotional support animal. Her job description?
Simply to be her adorable self and bask in the affection of NBA players, a task at which she excels with flying colors.
Assistant Athletic Trainer Heather Mau, the mastermind behind Bailey's recruitment in April 2022, shares that the Mavericks are pioneering this furry addition to improve the team's mental health.
"We are trying to be progressive... Being the first to have an emotional support animal, and really putting our mental health -- players, staff, and coaches' mental health -- in the forefront."
The strategy seems to be working, as Bailey has quickly become the favorite coworker of many, often seen leveraging extra breakfast from the players eager to win her favor.
The players themselves, including Dwight Powell, Tim Hardaway, Josh Green, and Maxi Kleber, are among Bailey's biggest fans, happily falling into the role of doting uncles. Green said:
"She's one of our teammates. She's always there for me, so I bring extra breakfast every morning."
Bailey's presence isn't just for show. Beyond the cuddles and treats, she brings significant mental health benefits to the team.
Research supports the notion that interaction with dogs can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by altering our biochemical state, a sentiment echoed by Ed Chavez, mental performance clinician for the San Francisco 49ers, another team that has embraced the therapeutic potential of pets.
Despite occasionally succumbing to the zoomies or mistaking training equipment for toys, Bailey's impact is unanimously positive.
Head coach Jason Kidd appreciates the unique joy she brings, highlighting the light-hearted and supportive environment her presence fosters within the team.
Off the court, Bailey continues to cheer on her "uncles" from home during road games and shares her adventures with fans on her newly minted Instagram account.
Whether she's attending practices, celebrating birthdays with the team, or simply offering a fluffy shoulder to lean on, Bailey has become an integral part of the Mavericks family.
As Bailey and her counterparts like Zoe, the French bulldog for the San Francisco 49ers, demonstrate, the inclusion of emotional support animals in professional sports is more than a novel idea—it's a heartfelt strategy that could pave the way for a new standard in team wellness and camaraderie.
