UMPD introduces new dog: Sammy

The University of Maryland Police Department introduced its new facility dog, Sammy, on April 10, in hopes to support the effort to promote on campus mental health. 

The 2-year-old golden retriever-Labrador mix was trained in partnership with Canine Companions, a non-profit organization that trains puppies to become facility dogs who work with adults, children and people with disabilities. He is handled by Corporal Bart Brady and will serve as a campus-wide resource focused on student engagement and mental health support.

“He has the drive to be around a lot of people,” Brady said. 

Sammy has already been introduced to large campus settings, including a men’s basketball game, where Brady said the dog handled crowds and noise well.

Unlike Teddy the Terp, UMPD’s existing comfort dog, Sammy is a facility dog. He isn’t assigned to a single individual and instead, and is expected to participate in one to three campus events a day. Sammy can be found at McKeldin mall roaming around, in Adele H. Stamp Student Union enjoying a pup cup and at campus events. 

Facility dogs trained by Canine Companions go through training, including early development and advanced training. They are then certified through Assistance Dogs International and trained in dozens of commands to assist multiple individuals. 

According to a press release issued by UMPD, Sammy is trained in more than 40 commands and will primarily support students with disabilities, while also assisting those experiencing stress or mental health crises. In high-stress situations, he is trained to provide calming physical contact.

“Sammy will just come in and lay on top of them…just like a weighted blanket,” Brady said.

“Having Sammy here to break down any barriers there might be and to open doors,” said Chief David B. Mitchell when asked about Sammy’s involvement on campus. UMPD hopes that Sammy’s success around campus will have a positive impact on all students in need.

“This is for us to say we care about you, and we have a friend here who cares about you too,” Mitchell said.

The fluffy retriever will be visible across campus in the coming weeks, wearing a blue vest and accompanying his handler as part of UMPD’s mental health initiative.