Pawfficer Therapy Dog Program

Illinois State University Police launched its first therapy dog in 2019. This highly trained, four-legged "Pawfficer" builds bridges between officers and the community, sharing unconditional love at safety, educational, and community events.

Through the first five years of the therapy dog program the Community Engagement Unit and Pawfficer attended over 1,000 events and positively impacted more than 71,000 lives. Illinois State University Police is now preparing to continue the legacy of its first therapy dog, Pawfficer Sage, with the arrival of a new pawfficer to serve and support students and community.

Preparing for the Next Pawfficer

Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the next Pawfficer in the therapy dog program.

When will the new Pawfficer arrive?

University Police is working closely with our training partner, SIT Service Dogs, to complete the final stages of training for both the dog and our staff. We aim for an arrival during the spring semester, before Commencement. If the schedule changes to prioritize the dog’s well-being, we’ll share updates on our social media.

Who is training the Pawfficer?

SIT Service Dogs, based in Ava, Illinois, is training our next Pawfficer—just as they did for Pawfficer Sage. These dogs complete over 1,250 hours of certified training to prepare for their role in serving our campus community.

Do we know who the dog is? Can we see a picture?

Several dogs are currently in training, and we’re eagerly awaiting news on which one will be the best match for our department and campus. Once a decision is made and a photo is available, we’ll share it widely. We can confirm that all potential candidates have some Labrador in their genetic mix and all have black fur. We think Sage would be proud!

What skills will the Pawfficer have?

Like Sage, our new Pawfficer will be a therapy dog, trained to provide comfort, build community, and spread unconditional love. The dog will not have drug detection or apprehension training.

How can I request to meet with the new Pawfficer?

Registered Student Organizations and Departments can request a meet-and-greet with the Community Engagement Unit and the Pawfficer by filling out a form on our website or through the Safe Redbirds App. Due to high demand, we appreciate your patience and flexibility when scheduling.

Where will the dog live?

The new Pawfficer will be a facility dog, like Sage. The dog will live at the police department, provided with its own living space, toys, and 24/7 care.

Will there be an event or swearing in for the new Pawfficer I can attend?

Absolutely! We will work with campus partners to plan public events where everyone can celebrate the new arrival together. Stay tuned for details!

Pawfficer Sage

She's the certified good girl who started it all.

Pawfficer Sage proudly served as our first ever Outreach K9 from 2019 until her well-deserved retirement in 2024. After completing over 1200 hours of specialized training with SIT Service Dogs in Ava, Illinois, she joined Illinois State University Police thanks to the support of a successful Hatch fundraising campaign. Whether she was curled up under a blanket in the Deputy Chief's office or out building relationships with our Redbird community, Sage always found ways to brighten our days.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of an alumna and our community, the 2021 Birds Give Back campaign funded the Susan, Darrell, Sadie, and Samantha Cameron Community Engagement Endowment. This endowment ensures that Illinois State University will always have an Outreach K9 to carry on the Pawfficer program.