Meet Blue, Marquette University Police Department’s community support dog!
The German shorthair pointer was first introduced to the campus community when he was adopted as a puppy in May 2022. He’s hit major milestones in the years since, including officially joining the force with a swearing in ceremony, celebrating his first and second birthdays and taking part in his first pet blessing.
Make sure to follow Blue on his social media accounts — Instagram and Facebook — to keep up with his latest adventures!
Learn more about Marquette’s most paw-some celebrity:
1. Blue is here to make friends
As a community support dog, Blue’s main duties include bringing comfort to MUPD officers, students, staff and faculty, and helping build relationships among officers, Marquette students and members of our community. He is not a trained police dog, meaning he does not take part in any direct policing efforts.
“He is simply a dog that provides love and support for our community,” MUPD Chief Edith Hudson said at Blue’s swearing in ceremony.
2. You can spot Blue all around campus
From move-in day to the Christmas tree lighting, O-Fest, NCAA Tournament send offs and sunny days on Central Mall, Blue often makes special appearances around campus. If you see him, feel free to say hello, give him a pet and take a picture. Be sure to tag Blue on Instagram so he can reshare!
Blue’s first appearance each academic year comes on move-in day, when he stops by residence halls around campus to welcome his new friends to Marquette. His favorite thing to do at work is visit classes just before exams to relieve stress.
3. Blue’s “dad” is Lt. Jim Hensley of MUPD
If you spot Blue around campus, he’ll almost certainly be accompanied by Lt. Jim Hensley, his handler. Hensley has been with MUPD for three years and, along with his wife, Carol, started a nonprofit organization called the Blue Bag Program. The organization provides shoes and school supplies to children in South Africa. You can learn more about Hensley’s work on Marquette Today.
If you’re interested in Blue stopping by your event, email Hensley with your request.
4. Students are always welcome to visit Blue at the MUPD station
Need a pick-me-up on a rough day, missing your dog back home or just looking for a smile? Students and other members of the Marquette community are welcome to visit the MUPD station at 749 N. 16th St. and ask to visit Blue.
5. He’s known to dress up on holidays
Blue doesn’t limit himself to Halloween. He’s worn Cupid wings on Valentine’s Day, dressed up as a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day and displayed his patriotic side with a red, white and blue bandana on the Fourth of July.
6. Blue celebrates his birthday each year with the campus community
Blue’s birthday is celebrated each March, with the campus community enjoying free coffee and hot cocoa, along with Blue-themed cookies and stickers. All are invited to sign Blue’s birthday banner and wish him a treat-filled day!
7. Blue has a brother and sister
Blue has two siblings back home with Hensley: a dachshund brother named Herman and a English pointer sister named Darby! Last year, Blue and Hensley pulled off an April Fools prank to introduce Darby to the campus community.
8. Blue has made it on TV
Local media outlets CBS 58, ABC 12 and FOX 6 all covered Blue’s swearing in ceremony, capturing the moment when he pressed his paw print on his Oath of Office. Blue additionally made an appearance in studio on CBS 58 and was pictured in the Marquette Tribune!
9. Blue loves chicken wrapped apple treats
But he has a hard time picking his favorite toy. No matter what he’s playing with, he loves carrying it around in his mouth to show off to his friends!
10. Blue is a very good boy
But you already knew that.
