Derek Stepan helped his U.S. Olympic hockey teammate bring a dog back from Russia, and ended up keeping the pup

Two years ago, Jake the dog had a very different life.

He was found skinny, dirty and scrounging for food outside the family residences at the Olympic Village during the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. U.S. Olympic and St. Louis Blues hockey player David Backes and his wife Kelly first discovered Jake and another dog. The couple, who founded Athletes for Animals in 2013, decided to bring the pair back to the States and find them homes.

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Before Jake was even back in the U.S., he found his forever family. Having arranged all the necessary paperwork for Jake’s big move, David Backes asked his Olympic teammate and New York Rangers player Derek Stepan to escort the dog through airport security on their last day in Russia. Stepan’s wife, a longtime dog lover, instantly fell in love with Jake. By the time the plane landed in America, the Stepans were making plans to bring the Sochi stray home.

While Jake was originally tentative about his first pet dog, now he “can’t imagine life without him.”

“A lot of people thought we were crazy to do it,” Derek told PEOPLE about the initial reactions to Jake.

Because of his six months on the streets, the beautiful yellow pup has a set of unique challenges to overcome – but Jake is getting better every day.

“Jake had a high level of anxiety when we first brought him to New York, and it still takes some adjustments when he is getting to know people,” Derek shared. “But now, people say Jake is a great dog, and he has allowed himself to not be scared.”

Jake’s continuing progress is due in large part to the Stepans’ dedicated and consistent training, mixed with a healthy amount of affection.

“He’s spoiled,” Derek put it simply.

And while Jake is still skittish, especially around new people, “he is a great snuggler” and adores meeting other dogs.

“His favorite thing to do is play with other dogs, he is high energy and loves to wrestle, wrestle, wrestle!” his NHL owner said.