The news that Chicago Cubs star Nico Hoerner has launched a $4 million, six-acre dog rescue facility called “Cubs Canine Haven” is UNCONFIRMED and appears to be a highly sensationalized or fabricated story.
While the sentiment fits Hoerner’s known character, the specific project and massive investment have not been reported by any reputable Cubs or Chicago-area news source.
The Verified Truth: Hoerner’s Real Mission
The core of the story—that Hoerner is deeply committed to giving back and helping those in need—is absolutely true. However, his verified charitable focus has historically been directed elsewhere:
- Youth and Homelessness: Hoerner has been highly active with Cubs Charities, focusing on youth, food security, and supporting runaway and homeless youth. For example, he has participated in delivering Thanksgiving meals to local shelters for at-risk teens.
- Embracing Charity: Hoerner has openly stated that he wants to follow the charitable examples set by Cubs legends like Anthony Rizzo and Jason Heyward, emphasizing that giving back is a “responsibility.”
While Hoerner is known to be a dog lover (like many MLB players), he has not publicly announced a major, $4 million facility dedicated to animal rescue.
This story is likely a conflation of Hoerner’s genuine desire to help and the widespread popularity of high-profile animal rescue projects, using an inflated financial figure ($\text{\$4 million}$) to drive the emotional narrative.
