---
title: Teddy the UMPD Comfort Dog Makes His Debut
date: 2021-11-04T05:30:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/teddy-the-umpd-comfort-dog-makes-his-debut"
section: Articles
---
# Teddy the UMPD Comfort Dog Makes His Debut

*November 4, 2021* — by [Karen Shih ’09](/author/karen-shih)


> Campus Community Lines Up for Puppy Kisses and Selfies at Terp Carnival

*LK3 E8084 1920x1080 — Teddy, a four-month-old chocolate Labrador, is the University of Maryland Police Department’s first comfort dog. He’ll serve as UMPD’s campus ambassador and as an extra resource to calm nerves and anxiety during crises. Below, he poses for a selfie with students during his debut at the Homecoming Terp Carnival last week.*

The newest member of the University of Maryland Police Department won’t patrol the campus or direct traffic. But he can respond to emergencies by rolling over for belly rubs.

Teddy, the first comfort dog to join the force, will soon be assigned to calm community members during times of tragedy and crisis, and serve as UMPD ambassador at campus events, giving students, faculty and staff more opportunities to engage with officers.

“We’ve seen how well a comfort dog works for community outreach at other campuses, and we’re proud to join our partners in campus policing to bring this program to College Park,” said UMPD Chief David Mitchell. UMPD modeled its program after the one at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and even got its dog from the same breeder.


*Student takes a selfie with Teddy the comfort dog*




**Topics:** [Campus & Community](https://today.umd.edu/tags/campus-community)


**Tags:** [Mental Health](https://today.umd.edu/topic/mental-health)


**Units:** [University of Maryland Police Department](https://today.umd.edu/topic/university-maryland-police-department)