The most popular attendee at an open house last fall walked in fresh off her morning routine of breakfast, a walk around campus, and a game of fetch.
Wearing a vest emblazoned with her name, job title, and police badge, Pawfficer Sage greeted prospective students and their parents when they stopped by the Illinois State University Police Department’s booth. Sage has served as a community outreach dog since 2019, putting an extra-friendly face—and a wet nose—on the department.
“She’s very nice, a very sweet girl,” said prospective student Kayla Bell.
“She made me feel comfortable coming over to ask questions about safety,” said Kayla’s mom, Lakesha Griffin. “She made me feel warm and fuzzy.”
Pawfficer Sage starts her day with a walk around campus and a game of fetch inside Horton Field House with Sgt. Mike Gardner.
Sgt. Mike Gardner remembers a time before Sage joined the force. “Officers could have stood in the middle of the Quad holding up hundred-dollar bills, and students wouldn’t come talk to us,” he said.
It’s a different story with Sage around.
“She helps us to make connections with people who might not normally come up to us,” Gardner said. “And that gives us a chance to say hello, ask students about their classes, build some trust with them, and show them we care.”
Sage spent the first 18 months of her life receiving service dog training at SIT Service Dogs in Ava to prepare her for duty at Illinois State. She attends hundreds of events on and off campus every year and engages in all sorts of interactions, from fun visits to local grade schools to more serious police work.
“I’ve seen a big difference in victim interviews when Sage is present,” said officer Christian McCoy. “When Sage is in there, they’re more relaxed.”
Gardner has seen that, too. “When she comes in, she can change your world,” he said. “For a person who is upset or crying or nervous, Sage can really help them.”
Pawfficer Sage attracts a crowd at the University Police booth at an open house last fall. Among the visitors was prospective student Kayla Bell.
Sage resides in the Nelson Smith Building, and Gardner’s office doubles as her bedroom. About 15 employees—roughly half the police department—are trained handlers, but anyone can let Sage outside or refill her water bowl. Handlers are only needed when Sage is on official duty.
Sage gets downtime just like everyone else in the department, and she knows the difference between work and play. She wears her vest and a gentle leader, a nylon loop placed around her snout, when she’s on duty.
“When she has those on, she knows she’s working and is more focused and behaved,” Gardner said. “But when we take it off, there’s a noticeable difference.”
Sage is a dog, after all, and she likes things that most dogs like. She enjoys playing with other dogs and chasing squirrels around campus. She indulges in the occasional treat, and she knows where to get them.
Pawfficer Sage is a regular visitor to Mailing Services, where manager Shannon Covey ’96 delivers a treat.
“It makes your day a little bit better when you see Sage,” said Mailing Services manager Shannon Covey ’96, who keeps a bag of treats under the counter. “Not everyone gets to see or interact with animals at work, so we always like it when she stops by.”
Almost everyone enjoys an interaction with Sage.
“When you see her with students or staff, it’s just awesome,” McCoy said. “She makes everyone happy.”
