Comfort Dog Program

TU's Comfort Dog

Bruno offers emotional support and companionship as part of our community-oriented approach to public safety.

He lives and works alongside TUPD patrol officer Jafar Taru, offering a comforting presence at building walk-throughs and calls for service. He works 220 days a year, so keep an eye out for him across campus and at special TUPD events.

If you see him, feel free to give him a pet or cuddle.

Bruno Appearances

Bruno loves people. Interact with him whenever you see him across campus, or at these upcoming appearances:

• 5 p.m. April 17 - Israel Fest at the Hillel Lounge 
• 6 p.m. April 17 - Take Back the Night campus march
• April 22 to 26 - Appearances at Staff Appreciation Week events
• 12:15 p.m. May 4 - Out of the Darkness Walk, Towsontown Field

Appearances may be interrupted if there is a TUPD call for service. When a campus community member is in need, he goes there first!

Supporting the TU Community

Bruno is specially trained to provide support in times of stress or crisis. Unlike traditional K-9s trained to detect substances or aid in search and rescue, his primary purpose is to reinforce the well-being of the campus community.

Bruno became a Tiger in January 2024 as a result of generous donations from the campus community.

More than 115 TU students, faculty, staff and alumni donated funds to provide the training, food and veterinary care necessary to have a dedicated comfort dog on campus. In return for their support, the campus community had the opportunity to choose Bruno’s name.  

Donations remain open to support Bruno’s care and bring additional canine companions to TU. 

Request a Meet & Greet

Bruno can stop by university-sanctioned events for short meet-and-greets when scheduling allows. Remember, puppies need their sleep!

To request an appearance, submit a comfort dog appearance request at least two weeks before the planned event. The TUPD will respond if he’s able to attend based on his handler’s work schedule.