Mass. Corrections welcomes rescue dog as newest comfort dog

MILFORD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The Massachusetts Department of Correction has announced that it has welcomed a new member of its comfort dog program and he’s the first rescue dog to take part in the program.

Meet four-month-old Bandit, who was donated to the department by the nonprofit Paws New England. He’s been assigned to correction officer and peer counselor Marley Dixon, who will teach him how to fulfill his official comfort dog duties.

Bandit is the third member of the program, joining Al, a four-year-old French bulldog, and Mugsy, a four-year-old English cream golden retriever named for Lieutenant Michael ‘Mugsy’ Moran, a 26-year veteran of the DOC who passed away in 2016.

Together, they’ll help lower anxiety, improve mood and help people remain present in difficult moments.