EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (MSU DPPS) is proud to introduce its Comfort Canine, Beau, to the Spartan community. Named after the iconic Beaumont Tower, Beau comes to MSU DPPS from Paws with a Cause (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.
“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. His presence will help foster positive interactions, provide emotional support, and bring a sense of calm to members of the Spartan community,” said Mike Yankowski, MSU DPPS Police Chief.
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. “I’m so grateful to be able to continue in our Comfort Canine program with Beau. I wholeheartedly believe in the effectiveness of animal assisted intervention and the positive impact of our program. Beau and I can’t wait to spread paws-itivity in the Spartan community,” stated Lieutenant Kim Parviainen.
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.”
To follow along on Beau’s journey, you can follow him on Instagram at @msupolicetherapydogs. To request Beau’s presence at an event, email Lieutenant Kim Parviainen at ParviainenK@dpps.msu.edu. For more information on MSU DPPS, visit: dpps.msu.edu.
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Media Contact:
Nadia Vizueta, Communications Manager, Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety
517-432-1587 | VizuetaN@dpps.msu.edu