Maine’s First Official Comfort Dog Found Dead in State Vehicle

The State of Maine’s first official comfort dog was found dead Thursday in a state vehicle in Bangor.

Maine’s Comfort Dog Found Dead in Vehicle

Baxter, a 3-year-old chocolate lab, was found dead around 2 pm in the vehicle parked outside the Bangor Regional Communications Center.

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DPS Investigating Death

The Maine Department of Public Safety said it is actively reviewing the circumstances surrounding Baxter’s death.

Vehicle Stopped Running

"The state vehicle, in which Baxter was regularly transported, is undergoing a thorough inspection to identify potential malfunctions that may have led it to unexpectedly stop running, which caused the vehicle’s air conditioning to cease operating,” said Shannon Moss, Public Information Officer, Maine Department of Public Safety.

Job was to Improve Well-Being

Baxter joined the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications in 2022. His job was to improve the mood and well-being in Maine’s three emergency communication centers.

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“His Presence will be Deeply Missed”

“His calming and cheerful presence will be deeply missed by all those who interacted with him. The Department extends its deepest condolences to Baxter’s handler and his family, as well as the entire emergency telecommunication team,” said the Maine Department of Safety.