Maine’s first comfort dog, Baxter, found dead in state vehicle

The Maine Department of Public Safety is grieving what officials call the accidental death of Baxter, a 3-year-old chocolate lab who served as the state’s first official comfort dog.

Baxter was found dead inside a state vehicle at the Bangor Regional Communications Center around 2 p.m. on May 28, according to department spokesperson Shannon Moss.

Moss said officials are currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding Baxter’s death, including inspecting the vehicle for potential malfunctions that may have caused it to stop running, leading its air conditioning system to stop, too.

Baxter made history in 2022 as Maine’s first state comfort dog. He joined the Bureau of Emergency Communications through a partnership with Hero Pups, a New Hampshire-based nonprofit that trains and places dogs with veterans and first responders. His placement was made possible by a donation from AT&T.

"As a comfort dog, Baxter’s mission was to help improve the mood and well-being of first-line responders in Maine’s three emergency communication centers; his calming and cheerful presence will be deeply missed by all those who interacted with him," Moss stated in a press release. "The Department extends its deepest condolences to Baxter’s handler and his family, as well as the entire emergency telecommunication team."

Moss said no further information will be released at this time.