Bomb detection K-9, therapy dog and most adorable mascot. These are just some of the titles for working canines at the university — and the pups are all pretty cute at their jobs too.
When 4-year-old Caddie isn’t at work with SDSU associate professor Donna Ross in the classroom, she’s rolling on the grass as her off-duty treat. “She sometimes snores during my class, but I don’t take it personally,” Ross says of the service dog. Photo by Rachel Crawford
Everyone loves dogs. And for that reason alone, we set out to capture the personalities of the dogs of SDSU through photographs. Each dog has a job — some official and some not — and contributes to the ecosystem of SDSU in their own way. Want to share a photo of your SDSU pup? Tag us @SDSU for a chance to be featured.
Caddie
Job: Psychiatric service dog Breed: Rhodesian ridgeback and pit bull mix Handler: Donna Ross, associate professor at the College of Education
Caddie, a rescue from Ensenada, Mexico, finished her service dog training about a year ago but has been with Ross for three years. “If I'm out of the office, people ask about her before they ask about me!” Ross says of the love for Caddie at the College of Education. Photo by Rachel Crawford
Kira
Job: Bomb detection K-9 with the University Police Department Breed: German shorthaired pointer Handler: Sgt. Paul McClain
Eight-year-old Kira has spent five years on the job. When she hears the word “search,” she starts sweeping the area for bomb odors. To alert, she’ll sit at attention. Photo by Rachel CrawfordKira is all business when it comes time to work, but in her free time, she loves to play fetch with McClain. The two have been partners for almost three years. “If you asked my mom, she would say this is something I’ve wanted to do my whole life,” McClain says. Photo by Rachel Crawford
Winston
Job: Bomb detection K-9 with the University Police Department Breed: Labrador retriever Handler: Ofc. Patrick Reichardt
Winston is 100% lab energy. At 3 years old, he has worked almost half his life sniffing for bombs. His reward? See the next image. Photo by Rachel CrawfordWinston lives for his squeaky ball on a rope. When he detects a bomb odor during training, he immediately gets his ball after Reichardt releases him from his alert. Photo by Rachel CrawfordWhile McClain (right) describes Kira as methodical in her work, Reichardt jokes that Winston is a hurricane. The K-9s often work together sweeping Snapdragon Stadium ahead of events, helping out at San Diego County schools and much more. Photo by Rachel Crawford
Luna
Job: Therapy dog for Counseling & Psychology Services Breed: Cavapoo Handler: Cristina Antonucci, licensed psychologist in Counseling & Psychology Services
With about three years on the job, Luna is technically the new therapy dog on the block. She has slowly taken over the duties for Baxter, aka Bax, who is now 15 years old and soon retiring. The duo keeps a busy schedule of appearances, which can be found on Instagram @lunaandbaxsdsu. Photo by Rachel CrawfordAs a certified therapy dog for SDSU, 4-year-old Luna spends her days interacting with students in classrooms, in therapy sessions and at meet and greets around campus. But she needs a break every once in a while too. When her human gets a coffee, she sometimes gets a pup cup from BCB. Cleanup in progress. Photo by Rachel Crawford
Kafka
Job: Mascot at the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence Breed: Labradoodle Handler: Aaron Elkins, director and associate professor at James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence
SDSU is a second home for 6-year-old Kafka. He’s been coming to the AI center with Elkins since he was a puppy. “When Kafka was young, he even acted as a therapy dog for the students during finals week,” Elkins says. “He brings a sense of sweetness and cheer to any room, and people can feel that when they are around him.” Photo by Rachel CrawfordElkins says Kafka, who has completed puppy preschool and more, is a friendly and polite dog with a serious side. But a recent finding has challenged all the good behavior. “He has discovered bread,” Elkins says, “and this usually well-mannered labradoodle throws everything out the window for a slice of sourdough.” Who can blame him? Photo by Rachel Crawford
Bella
Job: PTSD service dog Breed: English shepherd Handler: Stefani Skiendziel, SDSU senior and work study at the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center
With this trick, Bella is living up to her reputation. “She is a ham!” says Skiendziel, a criminal justice major. Bella has been Skiendziel’s service dog for almost three years, and the SDSU senior is used to people asking to pet her. “She loves attention and making people smile, so ask for a pet!” she says. Photo by Rachel CrawfordBella escorts Skiendziel to class and comes to work with her in the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center. The almost 4-year-old likes to sit in office chairs like she’s working, but the highlight of the day might be snacks during work breaks. Photo by Rachel Crawford
Taco (from left), Canyon and Peach have a very specialized job at SDSU. Since 2000, they’ve provided their poop for the testing of Astete’s low-water toilet. They just ask for room, board and playtime in return. Photo by Rachel Crawford
#DogsOfSDSU
Want to share a photo of your SDSU dog? Tag us @SDSU for a chance to be featured.
