Late this spring, MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety welcomed its newest member of the force. At 2 years old, he might be one of the youngest officers in DPPS history, but his willingness to serve, love of belly rubs, and friendly disposition make him a natural fit in his new role as a comfort canine.

Named after the iconic campus landmark, Beaumont Tower, Beau will work alongside Lieutenant Kim Parviainen, performing numerous duties including attending campus events, supporting students, faculty, and staff and addressing wellness needs within the Spartan community. His presence will help foster connections between MSU DPPS and the broader MSU community, offering comfort and companionship to those in need.

Comfort canines can often be seen on college campuses at the end of semesters during finals weeks or times of crisis for the community. However, some university police agencies are now bringing on a full-time comfort canine that in addition to performing outreach to the campus community also offers support to victims and witnesses during police interviews.

“At MSU DPPS, we’re committed to serving not only through safety and security but also through compassion. We are thrilled to welcome comfort canine Beau to the MSU family. Beau is more than just a comfort canine — he’s a vital new member of our MSU community. His presence will help foster positive interactions, provide emotional support and bring a sense of calm to members of the Spartan community. Beau embodies that mission, offering a reassuring presence for anyone in need of comfort,” said MSU Chief of Police Mike Yankowski.

In 2023, MSU welcomed its first comfort canine, River, and he quickly became a beloved member of university life. Whether he was patrolling campus or filming funny videos on the MSU Police Therapy Dogs Instagram, River never failed to make someone’s day. Sadly, River passed away in 2024 from an aggressive form of cancer. After taking some time to grieve, DPPS welcomed Beau from Paws with a Cause, or PAWS, a program based in Wayland, Michigan, dedicated to enhancing independence and improving quality of life through custom-trained assistance dogs.

Beau followed the PAWS training process from start to finish, beginning his journey with a volunteer foster puppy raiser who helped him learn basic obedience, socialization and how to navigate a variety of public environments. He then entered the PAWS Prison Partners Program, where he spent six months living and training with an inmate handler, focusing on advanced obedience. After returning to PAWS, Beau was evaluated for placement and, based on his strengths — his love for people and his gentle presence, the PAWS team determined he would be a great fit for MSU DPPS. His training was then customized for his new role, culminating in more than two years of training before becoming a certified PAWS Facility/Comfort Dog.

 

“We’re excited to welcome Beau as the newest member of the MSU community,” said Parviainen. “I know that Beau will continue the legacy of comfort and connection that River built with our community while infusing the role with his own friendly and funny demeanor. We’re proud to carry on the meaningful work that River began, and we know that Beau will make a lasting impact on the Spartan community.” 

The partnership between PAWS and MSU DPPS continues to support emotional wellness within the Spartan community.

“We’re honored to continue our partnership with Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety through the placement of Beau. Facility dogs like Beau play a vital role in promoting emotional wellness, building trust and helping people navigate difficult moments. At PAWS, we believe deeply in the healing power of the human-animal bond, and we’re proud that Beau will be a source of comfort and calm for the Spartan community,” said Michele Suchovsky, CEO at PAWS.

Kelly Wass, purposeful placements coordinator at PAWS, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “It was a privilege to work with Kim and the MSU team to find the perfect match in Beau. Beau brings that gentle presence and eagerness to connect that’s so essential for the work he’ll be doing with MSU’s community. We’re confident he’ll carry on River’s incredible legacy with a big heart and wagging tail.”

Follow Beau’s journey on Instagram. To request Beau’s presence at an event, email Lt. Kim Parviainen.