COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Mizzou baseball team has again partnered with the Puppies With Purpose program for the 2016 season in an effort to help raise money for Columbia service dogs. The initiative, dubbed "K's for K9's," will allow fans to pledge a donation amount to be paid per strikeout during the 2016 season.

After the success if last year's fundraising efforts, Mizzou Baseball raised $4,000 to sponsor a puppy name Southpaw (aka Ribbie). Southpaw has already attended various baseball games, say in the dugout and played with many of Mizzou's players and coaches and will continue to be a part of the program throughout the 2016 season. Watch the video above the see Southpaw's impact on the team. 

Puppies with Purpose's mission is to help decrease the shortage of well-trained service dogs available to assist individuals living with disabilities. They also strive to help create a disability conscious community through age appropriate educational programs at various community organizations, campus organizations and schools in the Columbia region. 

Fans who wish to join the Tigers in this cause can contact Director of Baseball Operations Evan Pratte at prattee@missouri.edu or at (573) 882-1917. For more information on Puppies With Purpose, visit puppieswpurpose.com.

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