Meet Nico! This good boy is the newest addition to the DPSS Community Engagement Unit Team! He is trained to adapt to the needs of different people and groups, and is a graduate of the therapy dog training program for public safety first responders. He loves to make friends, be petted, and spend time with U-M students who want his company.
According to the National Institute of Health, therapy dogs can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety while overall improving student mental well-being. Nico is calm and friendly, and will provide unconditional love and support to anyone who needs it! You can find him with his best friend, DPSS Security Sergeant AnnMarie Vaquera, as they both serve as the DPSS Liaison to Student Life. If you’d like to follow Nico to see what he’s up to, he has his own dedicated Instagram - @nicothetherapydog
Also, DPSS is holding a contest to see who can guess Nico’s breed! As a rescue dog, Nico decided to take a DNA test to figure it out for himself. You can take a guess here! The winners will get a visit from Nico and receive a DPSS swag bag! Contest winners will be announced on the DPSS social media.
Nico is also available to appear as a special guest at your next campus event. If you’d like to request him, please visit this page for more details. Who wouldn’t want the company of a four-legged best friend?