Remy the Comfort Dog: The College’s Best Friend

Nov. 03, 2026

Did you know that Springfield College has a campus comfort dog? Remy is a Silver Labrador who works with the Department of Public Safety. His mission as a comfort dog is to provide affection, comfort, and emotional support to Springfield College students, faculty, and staff.

I learned about Remy the Comfort Dog early into my time as an intern with the Office of Marketing as part of Project SEARCH in the fall of 2026. Ever since, I have been interested in Remy, his role on campus, and what working as a comfort dog looks like for him.

Through the College’s Springfield Stories blog, I was able to “interview” Remy directly. In this blog, Remy “answers questions” about where he came from, what his life is like, and how you can interact with him safely!

Q. Remy, tell us a little about yourself.

A. Well, I’d love to tell you about me! I’m a Silver Labrador, and I celebrate my birthday on November 7. I am turning 3 this year! I grew up in Rhode Island with Dame Dogs Labradors. They decided to donate me to Springfield College's Department of Public Safety.

Q. Why Springfield College?

A. The Department of Public Safety thought bringing a comfort dog like me to Springfield College would expand community services and enhance engagement. Chief Joseph Tiraboschi and his team proposed the idea, which was approved by the President's Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees.

Q. To get to know you better, tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A. My brother, Louie, serves as a comfort dog for the Natick (Mass.) Fire Department. I’m so proud of him!

Q. What is your job at Springfield College?

A. My mission is to provide affection, comfort, and emotional support to Springfield College students, faculty, and staff. I’ve been told I have a calm presence and gentle nature that can help reduce stress and anxiety and offer unconditional love during times of grief, trauma, or everyday hardship.

Q. Who are your handlers when you are on campus?

A. The people you will see me working with the most are Chief Joseph Tiraboschi and Sgt. Bethany Trybus. However, I also work alongside trained student interns. I love getting to work directly with the students!

Q. What does a typical day look like for you, Remy?

A. Every morning I drive to work with Chief Tiraboschi. My schedule varies day to day. My duties include attending campus events and community requests, as well as visiting with faculty, staff, and students across campus. Sometimes my handlers will bring me to off-campus outreach work and I will visit local elderly residences, high schools, regional events, and even the district attorney’s office. When I’m not working, I live at my home with Chief Tiraboschi and his family. In my free time, I really enjoy playing in the backyard, chasing soccer and tennis balls, and relaxing with my loving family.

Q. What training have you done to become a comfort dog?

A. I was trained in advanced obedience training at K9 & Pets Dog Training in East Longmeadow, Mass. I learned how to obey off-leash commands and how to maintain sharp focus on my job and handler by tuning out any distractions. They also prepared me to safely interact with individuals of all ages and backgrounds across diverse settings.

Q. How do you like your job? Do you feel that you make a difference?

A. I love my job! I love being able to provide emotional support and stress relief to my community. I believe I contribute to the welcoming and positive environment of our campus culture. I also make a difference by creating educational opportunities regarding comfort and service animals.

Q. If we see you around campus, can we say hello?

A. If I’m not busy with work, I would love it if you said hi to me. I like meeting new people, but please make sure to check with my handler to see if it’s the right time. I have a few guidelines when interacting with me to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. First, before you approach or pet me, wait until my handler tells me to sit. This is part of my training and reinforces good behavior.

Second, as much as I love treats, please do not give me any. Please do not feed me, because I have a special diet. And don’t worry, my handler has treats for me!

Lastly, I have playtime rules. I love to play, but if I initiate it, allow my handler to provide the toys that are best for me to chew and play with safely.

Q. Is there anything we didn’t ask you that you think people should know about you?

A. Nothing I can think of right now. But I’m always happy to answer questions!

About the author

Jennie Ekstein

Jennie Ekstein is an intern at Springfield College through Project SEARCH. She is interning here in hopes of discovering where she fits in capitalism. So far, she has loved working with the Office of Marketing and has found it fulfilling!

Some titles to describe Jennie would be a lover of animals, learning enthusiast, and an enjoyer of sciences. She is an aficionado of many creative endeavors, including but not limited to, writing, sewing, crafting, playing the cello, and organizing spaces. You may have seen her rearranging crowded bulletin boards around campus.

Jennie is an admirer of the Springfield College Community and is excited to contribute in any way she can.