Local News

Maine’s first official comfort dog, Baxter, found dead in state vehicle

Inspectors are examining whether a mechanical issue caused the car to stop unexpectedly, which subsequently led to the air conditioning shutting off.

May 30, 2025

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Baxter, Maine’s first official comfort dog, was found dead inside a state vehicle Wednesday afternoon.

The Maine Department of Public Safety says Baxter, a 3-year-old chocolate Lab, was found dead at around 2 p.m. outside the Bangor Regional Communications Center.

The department has begun investigating possible malfunctions in the car that regularly transported Baxter. Inspectors are examining whether a mechanical issue caused the car to stop unexpectedly, which subsequently led to the air conditioning shutting off.

Baxter joined the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications in 2022.

As a comfort dog, Baxter’s mission was to help improve the mood and well-being of first-line responders in Maine’s three emergency communication centers.

“His calming and cheerful presence will be deeply missed by all those who interacted with him,” a statement from Shannon Moss, the public information officer for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said.

She continued, “The Department extends its deepest condolences to Baxter’s handler and his family, as well as the entire emergency telecommunication team.”

There was no further information as of Friday morning.