Merzlikins to raffle helmet, pads to benefit central Ohio dog rescue

Elvis Merzlikins loves his dog, Koby, so much that the Cavapoo makes an appearance on one of his masks for the 2021 season.
But it's another mask owned by Merzlikins that the Blue Jackets goaltender is using to make an impact with dogs across the central Ohio area.
Merzlikins is auctioning a custom Crash Bandicoot-inspired helmet and a pair of game-used leg pads with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Purebred Rescue Organization of Ohio. Fans can enter the raffle by
going here to purchase tickets
on Eventbrite.

"Right now, it is hard for every one of us, especially for doggies who have health problems,"
Merzlikins said Wednesday in an appearance
on Rothman and Ice on CBJ flagship radio station 97.1 The Fan. "I think this is the minimum of what I can give and how I can help."
The Purebred Rescue Organization of Ohio rescues dogs of all breeds, mixes, shapes, and sizes, providing standard vetting for them while they are in their care. All of their dogs are fixed, heartworm tested, vaccinated and microchipped before they are placed in adoptive homes.

Merzlikins said he was inspired to help because of his love of dogs, including Koby.
"When I was a kid, I always loved dogs," Merzlikins said on 97.1. "My grandma, she had a farm when I grew up, she had four dogs and chickens and all that stuff. I love dogs. Now having my dog, it's like having my son. He is really my fur son. It's painful to go to the road trips because I can't leave the house with the luggage because when I close the door, I hear how he's crying and standing by the door waiting for me to come back.
"He is like a human. He understands you. Koby, my dog, I think every dog, they understand you. They know when it is your bad day. They are going to be there close with you, and when it's a happy day they are going to be there to play with you."
Tickets are available through Jan. 31, with the raffle to take place Feb. 1 on Rothman and Ice.