Maine’s first official comfort dog, Baxter, met a tragic end in a state vehicle after the air conditioning failed—prompting a full investigation to uncover how this heartbreaking incident unfolded.
At a Glance
- Baxter, a three-year-old Labrador, served the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications since 2022.
- He was found deceased in a state vehicle on May 28, 2023, at the Bangor Regional Communications Center.
- The vehicle was supposed to be running with AC, but the car engine stopped, leading to his death.
- The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry has launched an independent investigation.
Baxter’s Role and Demise
Baxter, Maine’s inaugural comfort dog, was an essential presence for first responders since he joined the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications in 2022. He provided emotional support to the team at regional dispatch centers. Trained by Hero Pups—a nonprofit dedicated to pairing dogs with first responders and veterans—Baxter was known for his calming nature.
On May 28, tragedy struck when Baxter was found dead in a state vehicle at the Bangor Regional Communications Center. It transpired that the vehicle, which should have been running with the air conditioning, was discovered off, leading to Baxter’s untimely death.
The Maine Department of Public Safety said Baxter was found dead around 2 p.m. on May 28 inside a state vehicle at the Bangor Regional Communications Center.
Investigation Underway
The Maine Department of Public Safety initially inspected the vehicle to determine why it ceased functioning. The task has now shifted to the Animal Welfare Program of Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, which will conduct a comprehensive review.
“The vehicle Baxter was in was supposed to be running with the air conditioning on, but officials discovered the car off and Baxter dead, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety,” The Maine Department of Public Safety said.
The Animal Welfare Program enforces state animal welfare laws and has begun interviews, onsite inspections, and evidence collection. Coordination with law enforcement and veterinarians is also part of the procedure to uncover the precise circumstances of the incident.
Impact and Reflections
The incident has profoundly affected Baxter’s handler and the telecommunications team, underscoring the service dog’s emotional bond to those he comforted. The Hero Pups Founder, Laura Barker, described Baxter as a “great dog with a love for life,” reflecting on his significant impact.
The Maine Department of Public Safety said in May that they were conducting an inspection of that vehicle to determine what led it to unexpectedly stop running.
With the investigation ongoing, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing such a tragedy from happening again. Baxter’s contribution to the community remains valued, and his legacy, woven through acts of comfort and companionship, will not be forgotten.
