’Hoos a Good Boy
Meet the working dogs of Grounds, whose job duties range from keeping the community safe and comforting stressed-out students, to simply being adorable.
Maggie
8-month-old bloodhound
UVA Police K-9 in Training
Once she completes her training—in January 2024, if all goes to plan—Maggie will be a certified tracking dog, using her powerful scent receptors to find missing people at the University and in surrounding areas. Training includes sniffing anything from an article of clothing to a penny someone touched. “From there, we use the dog’s natural ability to follow a scent trail, which will eventually lead us to that person,” says Maggie’s dad and handler, Officer Logan Moore. When she’s not training, you can find her playing Frisbee on the Lawn or grabbing a pup cup at Shenandoah Joe on the Corner.
Gracie & El
El: 6-year-old golden retriever
Carr’s Hill Greeter
Gracie: 8-year-old mix of multiple breeds
Carr’s Hill ‘Animal Control Officer’
When your dad is UVA President James E. Ryan (Law ’92), you’re canine royalty. Gracie is the Ryan family’s “animal control officer” (she loves people, but not other dogs), and El (short for Noel) greets all visitors to Carr’s Hill. Last year, President Ryan invited students to the residence to connect with one another. “Gracie and El, especially El, managed to find a way to make themselves the center of attention,” he says. “It’s amazing what dogs can intuit about people’s needs. I hope they brought some comfort to anyone going through a difficult time.” When they’re not working, they’re often chasing birds and squirrels.
Cooper
5-year-old miniature American shepherd
Certified Therapy Dog for UVA Police
Cooper’s been coming to work on Grounds with his dad and handler, Sgt. Ben Rexrode, for almost four years. His job, Rexrode says, is “to bring comfort, smiles, anxiety reduction and general happiness to community members, as well as police department members.” He also helps put crime victims at ease by accompanying them to court or to meetings with police. When he’s off the clock, Cooper enjoys chasing squirrels, fetching baseballs in his backyard and demanding belly rubs from everyone on the Lawn.
Jack
8-year-old golden retriever
Admission Office’s Greeter
According to his mom, Associate Dean of Admission Jeannine Lalonde, this “great and good boy” is named after Jack Blackburn, the former dean of admission who hired her. When Jack comes to work, he makes sure to greet everyone who enters the admission office. His favorite activity, though, is welcoming admitted students at Days on the Lawn. He’s also a huge fan of Cavman, as well as the twirlers in the Cavalier Marching Band. “His love of sticks makes me think he wants their batons,” Dean J says.
Kenny
8-year-old mini Australian labradoodle
Therapy Dog
Kenny, who underwent two years of training, uses his friendly demeanor and calming energy to comfort patients at the UVA Medical Center and students at the UVA School of Nursing. Guided by his mom and handler, Edie Barbero, a clinical instructor in nursing, Kenny makes regular appearances at the school, especially during exam time. When he’s not working, he likes to hike—ideally someplace where he’ll encounter people. “He would never turn down a back rub or treat,” Barbero says.
Winter
1-year-old yellow Labrador retriever
Explosive Detection Dog, UVA Police
One of the newest working dogs on Grounds, Winter recently completed a month of training with her dad and handler, K-9 Officer Wallace Goode. She’s now ready for her job as a police dog both on Grounds and in the surrounding areas. She can detect explosives like dynamite, smokeless powder, guns and shell casings. At just a year old, Winter’s silly and playful—but also hardworking. “She can differentiate between ‘Oh, it’s love time’ and ‘Oh, it’s time to go to work,’” Goode told UVA Today.
Luna
2-year-old black Labrador retriever
Explosive Detection Dog, UVA Police
Luna joins Winter as one of the newest members of UVA Police’s K-9 unit. She and her dad and handler, K-9 Officer Kalin Decker, attended the same training as Winter to prepare for the role. Both of these new explosive detection dogs will be conducting sweeps at games and special events at the University. After a long day of conducting searches and helping keep the community safe, Luna will get plenty of playtime and affection—especially from Decker’s children, who chose her name.