There is nothing like a cold, wet nose nudge to get you out of a stressful spiral. As thoughts are spinning and heart rates are racing into finals season, one thing that we can all look forward to is the annual visit from the ISU police department’s therapy dog program, Pawfficer. The ISU police department brings in their certified therapy dog to calm cramming U-High Pioneers, providing students with some much-needed comfort during this stressful time. This year, the visit will be in the library on December 18th, during lunch hours.
The library becomes a quiet space for romps and cuddles, and students are not the only ones who benefit. Staff members also love to visit with the adorable dogs. “[ISUPD’s therapy dog is] a much better thing to think about than the test that’s coming for students,” Amy Brokaw, head librarian, said.
The program has been working through a hard transition after the unfortunate passing of the previous therapy dog, Pawfficer Sage. Officer Kim Ridlen shared her passion for working with the beloved animal: “I loved the idea of having a therapy dog from the moment I applied, and knew eventually I wanted to be part of the Community Engagement Unit to work with [Sage]. In the few months she was sick before she died, we definitely noticed her absence, but hoped she would get better. I was away at training for a few days when she died; it definitely felt colder and emptier at the department [when I returned].”
Although Sage is missed, the program is excited to welcome a new pup fresh off the training field, and he has entered with all four paws on the scene. Pawfficer Korg, who I had the pleasure of meeting, has come to bring joy and peace of mind to both ISU and U-High students alike. This lovable black lab has been an official member of the ISUPD’s Community Engagement Unit since March 21st of this year, living in the ISU police department. I work at a pet store, so I see a lot of dogs walking with their owners, and it’s a total given that Korg is one of the most well-behaved dogs I’ve ever met. He will lie down by your side and hold still as you pet him. That is, unless you have the smell of another dog on your shoes. Then, he might move his head just enough to get in a good sniff or two.
His job focuses on working with stressed students and providing comfort and serenity to all who need it. Even in his short time on staff, he has already captured the hearts of both students and faculty. “Korg is unique in the fact that his home is ISUPD, which means he is available 24/7 to the ISU community in case the need arises. If we need him at 3 a.m. for a mental health crisis or a victim/witness interview, he is right there, ready to go with no delay,” Ridlen said. “The interviewee doesn’t have to wait for a handler to bring him in, which could take upwards of an hour if he lived with his handler.”
When we return in January, Pawfficer Korg will return with us for the Valentine’s Day card contest. Students will be able to design a Valentine’s card with Korg on it to gift to people to spread the love. (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t need love from such an adorable pup?). All designs must be submitted to U-High’s main office by Monday, January 19th, so you have all break to let your creativity flow! The voting for the best design will be open to students starting Monday, January 26th.
Korg is such a loving dog, so things like coming to the school to bring some light, making valentines, and all of the hard work he does to help those in crisis seem to be made for such a happy little boy. When I went and visited him to take some photos for this article, he was so excited just to be seeing someone new and ran right up to me, looking for me to pet him. Tail wagging and practically bouncing with joy. His handler, Officer Ridlen, was so kind and patient with both Korg and me while we were trying to set up the right space for photos. I could truly see that she loved her job and how she really connected with Korg. Both of them are such lovely beings, and I can really tell how much they put into helping their community. I look forward to seeing them again soon.
