MANSFIELD — Charlie will be a new, four-legged student this fall at Mansfield City Schools.
But on Tuesday night, the 9-month old Mini Goldendoodle was the star of the show during a City Council meeting.
An emotional support dog in training, Charlie will join veteran Mansfield police officer Matt Brewster, the school resource officer at Mansfield Senior High/Middle School, 124 N. Linden Road.
Charlie was in attendance as lawmakers voted to accept a $5,675.62 canine therapy project grant from the Richland County Foundation, which will pay for his training and certification, veterinarian bills and food for the first year.
With a calmness that belies his youth, Charlie enjoyed ear rubs and pets from anyone who offered, clearly enjoying the limelight.
“This is what it’s like every everywhere we go,” Mansfield Police Department Assistant Chief Michael Napier said.
Brewster, in his 10th year with the MPD and seventh as the SRO for the city school district, said Charlie has already attended community events and loves being around people.
Goldendoodles, including mini versions, are known for their friendly, outgoing, and gentle personalities, which are crucial for therapy work, according to the USAServiceDogs website.
Originating during the era of designer dogs, Goldendoodles are crossbreed between the golden retriever and the poodle.
“Both of these dogs are friendly and intelligent, which makes this dog just as bright. They are pretty easy to take care of as they don’t usually make a mess and don’t shed their coats, either,” according to the website.
Brewster said Charlie is not a police dog in the traditional sense of the term.
“He’s specifically therapy trained, so he’s not apprehension or narcotics or anything like that. So this is one you can love on, squeeze on, pull, love on … more than anything … he’s not gonna care,” Brewster said.
Charlie is a member of the MPD Community Police Unit. The K9 therapy team aims to support students, teachers and staff affected by trauma, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Second Ward Councilwoman Cheryl Meier, chair of the safety committee, asked Brewster to explain what a typical school day would be for Charlie.
“He’s going to grab everybody’s attention. He’s still learning, that’s why it says in training. With me being at the school, obviously he’s going to be there with me every single day,” Brewster said. “If there’s a point where a kid is in crisis or anything like that, hopefully this will be another tool for my tool belt (to assist).
“He can help console … it may be to talk with that student, or even adult for that matter. It could be a situation where staff or anyone who needs time to simply relax and feel a little more comfortable,” Brewster said.
A graduate of Muskingum University, Brewster majored in health education and physical education. He has found a home as an SRO after previously working at Abraxas, Richland County Children Services and a prison before becoming a police officer.
The idea of school resource officers using therapy dogs as “partners” is one that has become popular in recent years around the state and the country.
Therapy dogs can help alleviate stress, improve mental health, engage the community, provide support for trauma victims and help students and adults regulate their emotions during stressful times.
“Just by petting him, it just changes your demeanor,” said Brewster, whose family has had Charlie since he was 14 weeks old.
The entire family was in attendance on Tuesday evening.
“I’ve been working with him on my own, taking it upon myself to get where we’re at today,” he said.