On a recent weekday, University of Oregon Police Officer Rebekah Galick strolled through campus with her new partner, a black lab-golden retriever mix named Daisy. Students on their way to class may not have noticed Galick in uniform, but Daisy was impossible to miss. A black, silky, curly coat. A wagging tail that beats like a metronome. And an expression that says: “Yes, I am here to fix your entire day.”
Officially, Daisy is a “comfort canine.” Unofficially, she’s the department’s newest celebrity. Students stop mid-stride to double back for a meet-and-greet. Parents lingering at Week of Welcome find themselves petting her through misty eyes. Even Thor — UOPD’s explosive detection dog — has been seen chasing Daisy in gleeful circles at a campus safety fair.
At just over a year old, Daisy is still technically a puppy, though she’s already embedded herself at UOPD. Her job description is simple but profound: spread calm in a community that can feel stressful for any of a multitude of reasons. The introduction has gone so smoothly that people are already volunteering to babysit. “I’ve been told several times, ‘You just want to leave her here and take a break?’” Galick laughed. “People love her already.”
UOPD Chief Jason Wade had been pushing for a comfort canine program for years. Enter Daisy. Galick first met Daisy when Working Dogs Oregon brought her and her sister — a fellow comfort canine now stationed at Cottage Grove Police Department — for a campus visit. Watching the pair tumble and play, Galick noticed Daisy’s natural ease with people. The second time they met, Galick took Daisy for a walk across campus. “She just loved meeting all the new people,” she said. “I thought, okay, I’m putting in to be her handler.”
Now the two are inseparable. Daisy lives with Galick, practices basic commands like “load up” to jump into the patrol car and has already learned the art of a professional handshake — offered paw-first, treat requested if you please. On Instagram (@UOPD_Daisy), followers can find her chasing toys with Thor, the department’s explosive detection dog, or announcing her next public appearance. Future tricks may include taking selfies, if Galick can figure out how to teach it.
Beneath the fun, the mission is serious. Therapy dogs are often deployed in hospitals, schools and workplaces to help people through stress, grief or crisis. Galick sees Daisy as a resource for both students and staff, whether they’re managing exam anxiety, navigating business stressors or coping with something heavier. “Day to day, we all have something that occupies our brain, and we need a break from it,” she said. “She’s here for that. But she can also support someone through a really low day. She meets people where they’re at.”
Galick has already watched Daisy adjust to her new role with an almost uncanny sensitivity. “She gets down on the level of little kids. She slows down for someone who’s shy. She just … reads the room,” Galick said. “It’s been amazing to see her do that on her own.”
The bond between handler and dog has grown quickly, too. Over the summer, when Daisy was still moving between Galick and her foster family, the officer noticed how the puppy’s eyes seemed to sink when it was time to leave. Galick felt it too. “I definitely missed her more and more,” she admitted. “I was like, all right, I’m ready for this interim stuff to be done. Let’s just get her placed.”
Now that Daisy is permanently on campus, Galick imagines her presence changing the way students approach police officers. “People were willing to come up to me before, but even more so now,” she said. “That’s huge.” A wagging tail can open doors that a badge can’t. Her schedule is tied to Galick’s day shifts, but Daisy’s social calendar is filling fast. Requests for Daisy to grace you with her presence can be made through her Instagram.
Meet-and-greets, UOPD Donut Day and Week of Welcome have all drawn crowds. Misty-eyed parents love her as much as students, especially those about to leave their children behind. “It’s a hard moment for them,” Galick said. “But Daisy makes it easier.” Finals week is expected to be her Super Bowl, as study sessions across campus collide with stress levels and snack crumbs — two of Daisy’s favorite things.
For Galick, the reward comes in small, quiet moments: a student walking away from Daisy with a lighter step, a stranger pausing to smile, someone saying simply, “Wow, I really needed this today.” Those words are fuel. “She’s already done a great job,” Galick said, glancing down as Daisy sniffed at a patch of grass, curly ears bouncing. “And I can’t wait to see what else she’ll do.”
Daisy’s job may seem simple, but the payout is invaluable. With every tail wag, she lightens someone’s load — one smile, one handshake, one fixed day at a time.
—Eric A. Howald, University Communications
—Top photo: Daisy, the University of Oregon Police Department comfort K-9, waits to make someone’s day better outside the Erb Memorial Union. Second photo: UOPD Officer Rebekah Galick pauses for a photo with her new charge, Daisy. Third photo: Daisy’s vest flair is pink to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month through October. Bottom photo: UO student Carolyn Cain visited with Daisy on her way from class.