YSU Police Academy welcomes therapy dog

The YSU Police Academy welcomes its newest recruit, therapy dog Scooby, to its staff. Scooby is not tasked with searching for drugs, people, or explosives—this canine officer is trained to sniff out stress.

Scooby, a tan hound mix, was donated to the YSU Police Academy by K9s For Warriors, whose mission is to end veteran suicide through the use of service dogs. The nonprofit collaborates with police academies and first responder agencies to provide certified therapy dogs through its nationwide Station Dog Program, which is funded by grants from the Mahoning County Commissioners and the J. Crandall Ford Foundation.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club, Scooby is already providing emotional support and comfort to veterans and student officers at YSU, who experience trauma and daily stresses while pursuing their degrees. As a member of the YSU support team, Scooby also spends time supporting crime victims and witnesses as needed. Since joining the YSU Police Academy, Scooby has developed bonds with all the students and faculty he has encountered and has even made the Police Academy office his own.

“Having Scooby in our Police Academy is a true blessing, bringing comfort, joy, and a sense of calm to everyone here,” said John Hazy, chair of the Criminal Justice & Consumer Sciences department. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a loyal and loving companion by our side to support our cadets as they prepare for their vital role in the community they will serve.”

For more information on how to schedule a meeting with Scooby, email the YSU Police Academy at ysupoliceacademy@ysu.edu.