Press Release: 10/14/2025

Massachusetts Department of Correction Expands Comfort Dog Program

 

Welcomes Rescue Dog Named “Bandit” to Support Staff Wellness and Stress Relief  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

10/14/2025

MEDIA CONTACT

Lindsay Corcoran, Deputy Director of Media Relations

 Phone

Call Lindsay Corcoran, Deputy Director of Media Relations at 774-527-9418

 Online

Email Lindsay Corcoran, Deputy Director of Media Relations at Lindsay.A.Corcoran@doc.state.ma.us

MILFORD — The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) recently welcomed a third addition to the Comfort Dog Program: Bandit, a 4-month-old rescue dog who joins two other dogs in providing support to correctional staff.  

Launched in 2019, the Comfort Dog Program is part of the DOC’s Employee Assistance Unit (EAU) and plays a vital role in promoting staff wellness, especially in response to critical incidents. Research shows that spending time with dogs can lower anxiety, improve mood and help people remain present in difficult moments.  

"Our correctional staff carry out demanding and difficult work every day, and we must ensure they have the resources and support they need. By having programs in place, we ensure all employees have the vital tools necessary to have long and successful careers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The Comfort Dog Program is an important part of fostering a healthy work environment. I’m thrilled to welcome Bandit as the newest member of this effort." 

"Programs that support our correctional staff are vital in maintaining the health and wellness of our workforces,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The Comfort Dog Program demonstrates the power of collaboration and care, and we’re grateful to the Department of Correction and Paws New England for making Bandit’s service possible." 

"Correctional staff face unique challenges in their work, and it’s essential that we continue finding innovative ways to support them,” said Interim Secretary of Public Safety and Security Susan Terrey. “The Comfort Dog Program has already proven its value, and Bandit’s arrival will further strengthen the resources available to those who work hard to keep our communities safe." 

Bandit, a 4-month-old rescue dog, has joined the DOC’s Comfort Dog Program. (Photo courtesy of the Massachusetts DOC)

“We are committed to providing support for our staff in as many ways as we can. The Comfort Dog Program provides a source of stress relief, resilience and connection,” said DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “We’re grateful to Paws New England for helping us welcome Bandit, who will no doubt make a meaningful impact across our facilities.” 

Bandit is the first rescue to become a comfort dog at the DOC. His handler will be Correction Officer and Peer Counselor Marley Dixon, who will guide him as he begins his service. Bandit was generously donated by Paws New England, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs in need. 

The DOC’s Comfort Dog Program includes (from left to right) Al, Mugsy and Bandit. (Photo courtesy of the Massachusetts DOC)

Bandit joins two other dogs, Al and Mugsy.  

• Al, a 4-year-old French Bulldog, joined the DOC in 2024. Denise M. Vega, the director of the Employee Assistance Unit, works as Al’s handler.


• Mugsy, a 4-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever, became a Comfort Dog in January 2021. Mugsy was named for Lt. Michael “Mugsy” Moran, a 26-year veteran of the DOC who passed away in 2016 after his retirement from Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center. Correction Officer Daniel Church works as Mugsy’s handler.  

The DOC’s EAU provides confidential peer counseling, support and resources to staff, their families and retirees, with the goal of strengthening both home and work environments. Last year, the EAU answered 18,000 calls for service. The EAU is a team of certified peer counselors made up of Sergeants, Correction Officers, and Correctional Program Officers, supported by licensed clinical staff. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the EAU plays a critical role in ensuring the well-being of DOC employees and their families. 

As part of their training, all new DOC recruits at the academy, are introduced to health and wellness resources, including the department’s Struggle Well program and the services offered by the EAU, to promote resilience and support their well-being throughout their careers. 

The DOC has more than 20 years of experience working with service dogs, partnering with nationally recognized organizations to train dogs within the facilities. Since 1998, the Department has collaborated with NEADS and, later, America’s VetDogs, training more than 850 dogs across seven facilities, including MCI-Framingham, MCI-Norfolk, and MCI-Shirley. These programs have not only produced highly skilled service animals but also provided incarcerated individuals with meaningful opportunities to contribute to dog care, socialization and training. Most recently, a partnership with Canine Companions further expanded this work, reinforcing the DOC’s commitment to rehabilitation, reentry preparation and supporting individuals with disabilities through the placement of well-trained service dogs. 

About the Massachusetts Department of Correction  

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) manages the custody, care, and rehabilitation of approximately 6,000 individuals across 13 state facilities. The DOC emphasizes evidence-based programming, trauma-informed care and educational and vocational training to reduce recidivism and is committed to fostering accountability, personal growth and successful reentry. Through partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders, the DOC delivers innovative services tailored to the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals while advancing equity, inclusion and long-term public safety.