Ramsey raised the Woof at his 2nd birthday party

Alexis Schlesinger / THE GATEPOST

By Sophia Harris Editor-in-Chief On a sunny day filled with tail wags, belly rubs, and puppy kisses, over a dozen comfort and service dogs gathered with their handlers, students, and community members to celebrate a very special occasion on April 14. The second birthdays of two beloved comfort dogs, Ramsey and Sakura, were hosted by MetroWest K-9 and supported by Framingham State University. Canines came from across Massachusetts to honor these dogs' important work and spread awareness about the growing role of therapy dogs in law enforcement, education, and public service. The party was a joyful celebration not just of Ramsey’s birthday, but of his recovery from a serious medical scare that nearly took his life. “I thought it was a great event,” said Shawn Deleskey, corporal K-9 for University Police. “We had a great turnout. Ramsey’s buddies from all over the state showed up.” Ramsey’s birthday bash featured treats galore, including a custom cake baked in the campus cafeteria, pup cups for the pups, and pizza and drinks provided by MetroWest K-9. More importantly, it brought together a tight-knit community that has rallied around Ramsey through thick and thin. Few knew just how close Ramsey came to tragedy following his routine neutering procedure. After the surgery, Ramsey suffered a rare and dangerous reaction to a common medication, Carprofen. What started as persistent stomach issues quickly escalated into a life-threatening condition: telescoping intestines, a complication requiring immediate emergency surgery. “I got the call no pet owner wants to hear,” said Deleskey. “They told me if we didn’t operate right away, it could have been fatal. Thankfully, the University supported the surgery, and Ramsey pulled through. We had pet insurance, and after a bit of a fight, most of it was covered. But it was scary.” The emotional weight of the experience made this birthday more than just a party - it was a celebration of resilience. “To see him back to 100%, wagging his tail, doing what he does best, it meant everything,” Deleskey said. “He’s been to 12 events this month alone. It’s like he never missed a beat.” Ramsey’s impact on Framingham State and beyond is immeasurable. As a comfort dog, he’s redefined what it means to be a police K-9. He doesn’t track suspects or sniff out contraband. He heals hearts. Whether he's trotting across campus, visiting students, or traveling across the commonwealth, Ramsey's mission is connection, Deleskey said. “There’s always been patrol dogs in law enforcement, but I think comfort dogs have really carved out a space now. Mental health matters,” he said. “These dogs do something different. They build relationships.” Deleskey’s bond with Ramsey began the moment he picked him up as a puppy and drove him home from Vermont. “He was just a little peanut,” he recalled. “Quiet in the car, totally content. That was the beginning of something special.” Today, Deleskey sees Ramsey not just as a working dog, but as an extension of himself. Together, they represent a new kind of policing - one grounded in empathy, support, and service. And none of it would be possible without the community behind them. “This program only works because of the support I get. From the chief and deputy chief to the president of the University, the business office, my fellow officers, and especially Kianna [Bauer, University Police Department Administrative Services manager] - she’s instrumental. She helps behind the scenes with everything from billing to organizing events. There are so many people making this possible,” he said. One of the birthday dogs, Sakura, is an EMS crisis response dog working across multiple counties, including Middlesex and Norfolk, said her handler, Chris Breault, with MetroWest K-9. “She started at just 8 weeks and 4 days old, and our first event was at Yale University,” said Breault. “That was a pivotal moment. We were welcomed into the law enforcement community and realized the full potential of what she could do,” he said. Officer Allie Love, from the Bunker Hill Community College Police Department, attended the event with Wiley, a comfort dog in training. “We’ve had Wiley for about seven months, and he’s been with the school just as long,” Love said. Wiley is being trained through GOFI (Golden Opportunities for Independence) and already plays a meaningful role on campus. “He walks around campus, comforts students, and even responds to calls with us. He’s been a huge morale booster for both the department and the community,” Love said. Officer Tim Wilson brought along Cooper, the female comfort dog who has been working with the Boston Police Department since March of last year. “She’s a citywide comfort dog who works with community service officers throughout Boston’s 11 districts,” Wilson said. “She attends community events, visits schools and senior centers, and supports nonprofits. Every day with her is different and fun - she just lights up every space we walk into.” Cooper has a natural talent for working with children. “She’s really good with the little kids. They’re so happy and curious, and she just brings that joy wherever she goes,” Wilson added. Officer Steve Fumicello, from the Harvard University Police Department, introduced Sasha, a female labrador retriever trained through the Puppies Behind Bars program. Sasha has been part of the department for almost three years and serves as the university’s first comfort dog. Fumicello said he was happy Sasha got to celebrate Ramsey’s birthday. Detective Stephen Sullivan, Northborough Police Department’s juvenile detective and school resource officer, brought Marshall, a comfort and therapy dog for the town of Northborough. “He’s still in training to be certified, but he already accompanies me to schools, town hall, and the senior center,” Sullivan said. “We got him from Boonefield Labradors, and from the first moment he lay in my lap as a puppy, we’ve been inseparable.” Marybeth Sacramone, a retired head of counseling at Wayland High School, brought Ricki Bear Golden - also affectionately known as RBG. Named after Ruth Bader Ginsburg, RBG once served as the school’s unofficial “most popular counselor” and now provides support for Sacramone and her elderly parents. “My favorite memory is watching her be completely free and muddy on the first day of my retirement. She’s more than a dog - she’s my partner,” Sacramone said. Another dog, Frankie, from the Franklin Police Department, works in both therapy and search-and-rescue capacities. She has been with the department for two years. “She helps find lost individuals - children or adults who’ve gone missing,” said K-9 Officer Dave Gove. “She’s incredible at calming down students. Just knowing they’ll get to pet the dog helps them regulate and return to class.” K-9 Officer Gerald Perkins from UMass Amherst brought Alec, a highly trained explosive detection dog. “We’ve been together for almost six years,” Perkins said. “My favorite memory is when Alec graduated from the State Police Fire Marshal School - it was the roughest three months of my life, but worth every moment.” Alec, originally bred to be a seeing-eye dog, didn’t quite fit that role. “He would’ve dragged a blind person into the street for a hot dog,” Perkins joked. “But that drive makes him perfect for detecting explosives.” Kim O’Neil brought Toshi, a therapy dog who works in schools, addiction recovery centers, prisons, and even models for Amazon dog hair vacuum ads. “Toshi’s everywhere,” O’Neil said, laughing. “She even does hospice visits and helps people going through really difficult times.” Kianna Bauer said she and Deleskey coordinated the birthday party alongside MetroWest K-9. “We put this event together to give back to the school and community and to thank Ramsey for all he’s done through our community policing initiative,” Bauer said. She said Ramsey’s birthday cake was a work of art, crafted by Sodexo baker Lily Moyer, who even purchased bone-shaped molds for the occasion. Catering Director Tristan Fahey also contributed homemade pup cups filled with milk bones. “Their involvement made this day even more special,” Bauer said. “What Ramsey can do on campus should be utilized by the entire community,” she said. Many students also came to celebrate Ramsey’s birthday. Sophomores Elaina Cardenas and Tara Brown shared their appreciation. “We’re stressed out about the end of the semester, and it’s so calming to be around animals that don’t worry about politics or taxes. It’s healing,” Brown said. Members of the campus events team, including Victoria Adeyemi, Angela Tiernan, and Andrea Zereski, expressed their pride in helping plan the birthday bash. “It’s nice to see people hanging out with Ramsey and showing him love - he’s definitely enjoying all the attention,” Adeyemi said. The birthday bash wasn’t just about cake and party hats. It was a heartfelt recognition of the tireless service these dogs provide, whether comforting a stressed college student, supporting children in crisis, locating missing people, or detecting explosives. As the celebration wrapped up, it was clear that the bond between handler and dog runs deep, and their impact on the communities they serve is immeasurable. Whether they’re wearing vests or party hats, these pups prove every day that comfort, safety, and healing can come on four paws. For those who missed the birthday bash, don’t worry! Ramsey will be making more appearances soon. Delesky said he is already planning for the Touch-a-Truck event and bringing more dogs to campus for FSAB’s Sandbox this semester. And as always, Ramsey will be there, ready to bring a little light wherever he goes.