At the end of a long, hard day, there’s nothing quite like the warm, fuzzy welcome you get from a wagging tail and a pair of soulful eyes. That’s a feeling Sgt. James David of the UNC Police knows all too well, thanks to his two loyal dogs waiting for him at home. It got him thinking, “Why not spread this joy across campus?” And just like that, a new goldendoodle is about to become the fluffiest member of the UNC Police, ready to offer cuddles and comfort to students, staff, and faculty alike.
This isn’t just any ordinary pup. Born on January 4th, this “Standard F1B Imperial Red and Caramel Cream” goldendoodle (a title that sounds more like a luxurious dessert than a dog breed) is gearing up to become the campus’s leading four-legged therapist. After the rollercoaster of emotions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the stress of recent campus incidents, this furry friend couldn’t come at a better time.
But there’s a twist! Our fluffy hero doesn’t have a name yet, and UNC is turning to its community for help. Until February 28th, folks can cast their votes on the UNC Police website, choosing from four names that pay homage to significant women in UNC’s history. Will it be Brooke, after the journalist Brooke Baldwin? Or perhaps Gwen, in honor of Gwendolyn Harrison, the first African American woman to enroll at UNC? Maybe Mia, after soccer legend Mia Hamm? Or Sallie, commemorating Sallie Walker Stockard, the first woman to graduate from UNC? The suspense is almost too much to bear!
This initiative isn’t just about bringing smiles and a sense of calm to the campus; it’s about bridging the gap between the police and the community. Officer Destiny Wylie, the goldendoodle’s new handler, is excited to introduce the newest member to students and staff, fostering connections and conversations around mental health and wellbeing.
UNC isn’t new to the concept of therapy dogs. A few years back, a furry officer roamed the halls, but the program took a pause when the handler moved on. Now, with tails wagging and hearts open, the program is making a triumphant return, aiming to make UNC a softer, safer space for everyone.
The campus already enjoys visits from the Hugs And Pups Posse, a group dedicated to improving mental health by bringing dogs to students four times a week. The co-founder of the program, Cathy Emrick, sees the new police therapy dog as another step in the right direction, making the police more approachable and further enriching the campus’s mental health initiatives.
It’s clear that this goldendoodle has big paws to fill, but with a community full of support and a mission to spread joy and comfort, there’s no doubt that this pup is up to the task. The big name reveal is set for March 1st, and the anticipation is as thick as a dog’s fur coat.
So, if you’re part of the UNC community, don’t miss your chance to be a part of history by voting for the name of what’s sure to be everyone’s favorite campus celebrity. Whether it’s Brooke, Gwen, Mia, or Sallie, one thing’s for sure: this goldendoodle is about to embark on an adventure filled with love, licks, and lots of tail wagging. Stay tuned!
