Help Name Reading PD's New Comfort Dog

READING, MA — The Reading Police Department will soon welcome the first of two comfort dogs, which will be paired with its school resource officers.

The first lab puppy will arrive later this month, with the second coming in late April. The comfort dog program, created by School Resource Officers Brian Lewis and Matt Vatcher, is part of the department's strategy for addressing an uptick in mental health calls since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The dogs will help soothe children in need and provide support for victims of crime and trauma. While the dogs will spend most of their time at Reading Memorial High School and the elementary and middle schools, they will also visit the senior center, assisted living facilities and make appearances at community events.

Lewis and Vatcher worked with Brad McNamara, a member of the Lunenberg Police Department who oversees the comfort dog program for Boonefield Labs in Rindge, New Hampshire, to develop a comfort dog program for Reading. Breeders Peggi and David Brogan have donated over 18 dogs to law enforcement comfort programs throughout New England.

"We are excited to launch this program and for the contributions these two comfort dogs will make to our department and the well-being of everyone they interact with," Chief David Clark said in a statement. "I want to thank Officers Lewis and Vatcher for taking on this project, as well as Boonefield Labs for their thoughtful evaluation of our application and their support in making this program possible."

The first dog will be paired with Officer Lewis at the high school. Students of all ages in the Reading Public Schools are invited to submit name suggestions via email to readingcomfortdogs@ci.reading.ma.us.

When submitting, include the student's name and what school they attend in order to be considered. Name suggestions should be submitted by March 15.