If you’ve spotted a wagging tail and a pair of eager eyes patrolling campus lately, you’ve already met Justice, Brandeis University Police’s newest and arguably most beloved team member. Justice isn’t your typical officer, she’s a comfort K9 with the Brandeis Police Department, here to spread a little joy wherever her paws take her. The idea for introducing a comfort dog to campus came from Chief Matthew Rushton, who recognized the growing importance of emotional support programs in law enforcement and higher education. “Seeing the success of similar programs at other universities and police departments, it was kind of a no-brainer. The chief saw how effective comfort dogs could be in creating connections and reducing stress, and from there, everything just fell into place” explained Officer Dave Thompson, Justice’s handler in an Oct. 30 interview with The Justice. 

Justice’s journey began at Boston K9 Training where she completed her initial obedience work. However, “her training is ongoing,” said Thompson. Currently, Justice partakes in small sessions weekly and formal training a few times per month to keep her sharp. Justice’s professional development includes revisiting basic commands and exposure exercises, all designed to help her feel comfortable in new and unpredictable situations. Once she reaches 12 months of training, Justice will be evaluated for official certification through one of many possible agencies, though most likely  the United States Police Canine Association, one of the nation’s leading certifying agencies. This assessment will then determine her readiness for continued service. “It would also tell us if she might have the drive for additional disciplines, like search and rescue or detection, though her primary role will always be comfort and connection,” Thompson added. Justice currently trains with a professional trainer once a month, receiving homework assignments for the following weeks. Some sessions are refreshers while others are for building new responses. Officer Thompson emphasizes, “the key is consistency, just like with people, practice makes perfect.” 

For Justice, every day starts bright and early. “She likes to go out right away, then we handle feeding and get in some playtime,” said Thompson. After exploring, chasing and just being a dog, Justice goes in for her mid-morning nap and then it’s time to get ready for work. When her shift begins, the change is marked by a small but meaningful ritual: putting Justice in her police attire with her work collar and vest. This is how she understands that it is  time to go to work, helping her mentally shift into duty mode. Justice and Thompson’s shift typically runs from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. beginning  with check-in and then patrol. They usually set out to scan areas where people are gathered, which includes the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center, the Shapiro Science Center complex and Fellows Garden. These patrols aren’t just about visibility, they’re about presence. Justice’s job is to be approachable, comforting and friendly, acting as a furry bridge between students and campus law enforcement. Justice has been acclimating well to crowds, according to Thompson, and has made herself noted at multiple events including Homecoming, move-in days and various sporting events. 

Justice and Thompson share more than a work relationship, they’re together around the clock. He stated, “the Chief and I actually visited the breeder and got to choose her ourselves. From that day forward, she has been my partner …  Before she does something, she will look at me, just to see if it’s okay,” claimed Thompson. He also stated that Justice has come far from her initial training days and the two now share a strong bond that particularly shows when they’re out on the field. 

Keeping Justice balanced and stress-free is also a key part of her care. While eliminating stress completely cannot be certain, she’s kept calm in a way that allows her to function well. If they are about to go to a high energy event, Officer Thompson ensures that she gets ample downtime and is present for relatively shorter periods so that her work and mental focus is not impacted. Moreover, when Justice isn’t working, she gets plenty of time to unwind. She explores the 3000 acres of land that Brandeis has to offer and chases around anything that she can catch. She also loves playing fetch and is obsessed with roasted bones, getting the delicious treat twice a week at her home. 

One of Thompson’s most memorable moments came during Homecoming weekend. “There was a student who missed her dog back home,” he recalled, “she ended up sitting and talking with Justice for about 35 minutes. That’s what this program is about, giving someone a moment of comfort in a tough time. If one student walks away feeling lighter, it’s worth it.” Like any Brandeis community member, Justice has her favorite people and places. “She loves Carol [Robichaud] from the parking office,” said Thompson as he laughed. She’ll take naps at the base of Carol's chair whenever we visit. Justice also adores Sergeant Danny Rose, as he attends a lot of events with her and so “she is always running to his office to say hello.” 

Beyond the cute photos and the wagging tail, Justice serves a deeper mission. Justice is a resource for anyone who needs a moment of calm, or even just a smile. If that interaction helps transition someone toward another campus resource or conversation, that’s the goal. In a time when college life can feel increasingly fast-paced and stressful, Justice offers something simple yet powerful: presence. She reminds the Brandeis community that wellness and compassion come in many forms, sometimes even on four paws. When asked what Justice might say if she could talk, Thompson said, “I think she'll say she’s very excited to make friends. She’d tell people that she wants to be a part of whatever is going on, maybe she’s even got a little [fear of missing out],” he joked. 

So the next time you see a police vest and a wagging tail making rounds near the Shapiro Campus Center or the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center, don’t hesitate to stop and say hello. At Brandeis, Justice isn’t just served — she’s spreading comfort, one paw at a time.