Meet the Dogs of UConn!

By RENEE DiNINO

When I say UConn, you say what…OMG, me too! DOGS! UConn has a lot to be thankful for: academics, health and science, agriculture, sports, and dogs. People love and know the official mascot of UConn: Jonathan the Husky. You can see Jonathan working his magic at UConn events, games and various charitable events across our state.

Where did the inspiration for his name come from? All of the Jonathans to the current XV are named after the last colonial governor and first state governor of Connecticut, Jonathan Trumbull. This is a tradition that started as far back as 1935. The Jonathans are well taken care of by the co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega.

“They raise all funds for his care and handling. Fenton River Veterinary Hospital graciously provides Jonathan XIV and XV with health care. John Gagnon’s Pet Resort sponsors the boys’ daycare so they can spend time socializing and playing. Jonathans XIV and XV live together off campus with a host family and are brought to campus daily by trained APO handlers for walks and events. At home, he is a family dog,” says Tracy Cree, the Jonathan’s Husky committee advisor at UConn. When the time comes to find a replacement, a nationwide search is conducted. Jonathan XV comes from Ontario, Canada.

“When taking care of the university mascot, you are no longer responsible for just yourself,” explains Jonathan’s Husky co-chair Chris Levasseur about how taking care of Jonathan has taught him more responsibility as a student. “You have this emblematic figure looking up to you, relying on you day and night. Jonathan is more than just a symbol to me; he is a living, breathing reminder of my commitment to something beyond myself.”

“I have learned so much through working with the Jonathans,” agrees co-chair Laura Centanni about how it has changed her life. “Handling them pushed me to build my confidence and go from being afraid to raise my hand in class to regularly speaking on the news or to large crowds.”

Did you know there are more dog teams at UConn? Sgt. Justin Cheney has been a friend for so many years. He and Officer Tildy have been an amazing K9 duo for years, recently adding a new partner, Officer Jazmine. Sgt. Cheney has been with the UConn Police Department for his entire law enforcement career since June 2015. “I primarily work at the Storrs and Avery Point campuses but will provide various programs and attend events at all of our campuses statewide,” he explains.

“I acquired Tildy in March 2018 through Canine Companions, a nonprofit service dog organization,” says Sgt. Cheney. “While working in our community outreach unit, I discovered that I could become more approachable with our students if we had a social dog that people could interact with. After getting the blessing from our administration, I began the search for the appropriate dog that would best fit our department’s needs. After speaking with Tiffinni Archie, an Eastern Washington University police officer, I discovered Canine Companions. After being admitted into their team-training program, I spent two weeks training with Tildy at Canine Companions Northeast Regional Center. In August 2024, I successfully completed the team training again, this time with Jazmine.”

Jazmine will assume full duties with Sgt. Cheney when Tildy officially retires February 4 after a working career of nearly seven years and turning 9-years old on January 7.

“UConn PD and other campus partners are currently in the planning stages of her retirement celebration and look forward to seeing as many folks on campus for this event,” says Sgt. Cheney. “The dogs have shown me the importance of community connection and the impact it can have on positive outlooks for the police. Being Tildy’s handler for nearly seven years has given me so many opportunities to build positive, long-lasting relationships with countless UConn staff, faculty and students. This type of impact has motivated and driven me to be a better police officer!”

Sgt. Cheney recently had a memorable experience, “Tildy, Jazmine and I participated in this fall semester’s Sunset Yoga event. More than 1,000 students joined us on Horsebarn Hill for an hour of relaxing yoga. This event is hosted by the UConn Recreation Department. During the class, I brought Tildy and Jazmine to interact with as many students as possible. Seeing the smiles on the students’ faces, seeing the comfort they bring to people and how the event centers around the dogs shows me how much of an impact the dogs have on everyone within the UConn community. They break down barriers and increase trust and positive communication between the UConn Police Department and UConn community.”

They are fortunate enough to have dog colleagues working at surrounding Connecticut police departments. “Tildy, Jazmine and I will also attend local schools to discuss our roles and provide general information about safety,” states Sgt. Cheney. “Tildy and Jazmine have also been utilized in courthouses throughout the state for victim services.”

Officer JB O’Reilly has been a police officer for almost 19 years in Connecticut. He spent 12.5 years at the State Capitol Police Department and has now reached over six years at UConn. Officer O’Reilly represents the Community Outreach Unit at the regional campuses as well as supporting Sgt. Cheney in Storrs. He and Officer Carson have been a part of many things I do in the community along with Sgt. Cheney, Tildy and Jazmine. He’s a part of the family. Did I mention I’m the official “auntie” of these pups?

“I joined the Community Outreach Unit after working in patrol for a year at UConn. I worked in the unit for approximately one year when the department decided to add a second facility dog,” says Officer O’Reilly. “The process with Canine Companions was quite involved with a detailed application and multiple interviews before they determined that I would be a good fit for a facility dog. In team training, you work with several dogs before being matched with the perfect fit.” Carson would be that perfect fit for Officer O’Reilly.

You never know where these two will pop up and make a difference. He and Carson help to break barriers between the students, faculty and community. “Just the simple fact that community members are excited to see the dogs opens the door of communication. This helps us learn from our community, what their needs and concerns are, so we can serve them better as a department,” explains Officer O’Reilly. “This helps restore the trust we need from our community to legitimize our role as law enforcement.”

“I am also in awe when I sit in with victim and witness interviews and watch the physical transformation of folks who are reliving a painful moment but clearly find comfort and support from Carson,” Officer O’Reilly says on a more serious note.

“We use the dogs in any and all capacities that we are asked,” continues Officer O’Reilly about the many ways these teams spread a little joy and happiness. “Anything from reading in daycares to bringing dogs to elementary schools where someone has unexpectedly passed. We have assisted juvenile victims in the courts and support our other facility dog handlers around the state in their community programs as well. We visit outpatient areas at UConn Health—including oncology—to provide a little bit of joy to those folks suffering with medical issues—and to their healthcare providers as well.”

UConn and the wholes state are so lucky to have these incredible dog teams. Follow them all on social media and be sure to give Tildy a little extra love as she retires in the new year.

People and pets, when we’re kinder to animals, we’re kinder to people!

Renee DiNino, aka Wolfies Mama

Renee DiNino is host of Hello Connecticut on WFSB Channel and The WAX, Amazing K9 Duo’s and Lost & Pound. Follow her on IG and FB @reneedinino.