Rochester Red Wings fans took an evening to remember Milo the Bat Dog while celebrating baseball with their own furry friends.

At a special night at Frontier Field, it wasn’t just cheers heard from the stands.

“It's good weather, people, dogs and beer - best four things about it," James, with his wife Sarah and dog Shadow, said.

Dog owners like James and Sarah shared their love of baseball with their pets.

“Shadow is a typical golden, you know, [a] ball of energy. [He] likes people [and] likes kids,” James said. “He just likes this kind of environment, which is why we try to come to all of them we can." 

The absence of one beloved dog was felt in the hearts of players and Red Wings fans alike.

“Milo was really tough,” James said. “When we first saw Milo, I remember -- I think it was that day they released merch. We went and bought merch because we resonated with the golden."

Milo the Bat Dog, after fetching bats and capturing hearts for three seasons, has crossed the rainbow bridge. He passed away earlier this month at the age of seven.

“Everybody couldn't wait to see him and pet him, and give him a hug," General Manager Dan Mason said. "You know, he was truly the goodest boy and we're really going to miss him."

Just about anyone can empathize with the loss of a family pet. And there was no doubt in James’ mind that Milo was part of Rochester's family.

“Shadow is part of our family and I couldn't imagine separating from him,” James said. “I feel for the family of Milo, and understand how tough that must be." 

So perhaps for that reason, Shadow was spoiled with a little extra love that game, an extra treat for Milo.

“That golden came bolting out of that dugout, ready to pick up that bat,” James said. “He had a mission, he knew how to complete that mission and this place got loud and cheered for him every single time he did it. So I'll miss that energy in the stadium."