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CRD
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CRD Program
What is a Community Resource Dog (CRD)?
To qualify as a CRD, both the dogs and their handlers must pass rigorous testing and titling through the American Kennel Club (AKC), starting with their Puppy STAR and progressing through Canine Good Citizen (CGC), CGC Advanced and Urban, and finally passing GOFI's own Public Access Test.
Community resource
Why get a Community resource dog?
Supports Emotional Regulation and Coping
CRDs are trained to offer comfort and companionship in emotionally intense environments. Whether it's a child struggling with big feelings in school or a first responder decompressing after a traumatic call, a CRD helps ground individuals, reduce emotional overwhelm, and promote healthy coping skills.
Builds Community and Improves Well-Being
CRDs bring people together. They create shared experiences, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote overall emotional health within departments, schools, and neighborhoods.
Helps Manage Stress
The simple act of petting a dog has been shown to lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels and reduce anxiety. CRDs can provide an immediate sense of calm during high-stress situations in schools, police stations, hospitals, or community events.
Natural Conversation Starter
Dogs break down social barriers. A CRD makes it easier to start conversations with students, clients, and community members, often leading to deeper engagement, trust-building, and more effective communication.
Increases Focus and Motivation in Schools
Students often show improved classroom engagement and motivation when a CRD is present. These dogs create a positive, encouraging atmosphere that helps students stay on task, especially those with learning differences or behavioral challenges.
Improves Public Perception of Officers and First Responders
When officers are seen interacting with a CRD, it humanizes the badge. CRDs help build positive relationships between public safety departments and the communities they serve, fostering trust and breaking down fear or stigma.
Aids in Processing Grief and Trauma
CRDs can be a nonjudgmental presence during times of loss. They offer quiet support during counseling sessions, crisis debriefings, or after community tragedies—helping people of all ages feel safe enough to express and process their emotions.
Builds Bridges Across Diverse Communities
CRDs create moments of connection across age, language, and cultural differences. Whether visiting a school, a senior center, or a community event, these dogs help unite people and remind us of our shared humanity.
Click the pictures to learn the history
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Look Below At Our Community Resource Dog Pairings
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Ryder
Ryder is Northeastern University's 2nd community resource dog and the newest...
Gracie
Gracie is paired with officer Nash Gonzalez from the Babson College police department...
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Raider
Raider is paired with Officer Anna Margaryon from Watertown Police...
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Bean
Bean is paired with officer Geovanni Chevere from the Boston University...
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Scarlet
Scarlet is paired with Officer Mark Wilson in North Andover. Scarlet is currently working..
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Milkshake
Milkshake is paired with Officer Jennie Burdett in Charlton...
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Maggie
Maggie is paired with Clinician Katrina Lee with the Taunton Police Department...
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Sally
Sally is paired with Officer Geoffery Baguma in Norwood. She has completed...
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Nola
Nola is paired with Officer Kevin Harrington with the Whitman Police Department...
Ryder
Ryder is paired with Detective Rachel Mailoux from Norton. He is working towards..
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Rocky
Rocky is paired with Officer Colby Tytula from the Sturbridge Police Department...
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Ozzie
Ozzie is paired with Dan Sullivan from the Chelmsford police. Ozzie loves his belly scratches. DOB 1/09/2022
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