Star, USF PD’s newest therapy dog, attended his first USF football game on Nov. 6, taking in the crowds and energy with ease.
Photo courtesy of Amanda Brake
By Laura Troyer
When Officer Amanda Brake opens the door to her patrol car each morning, Star, the University of South Florida Police Department’s newest therapy dog, bounds out with unmistakable enthusiasm.
The two-year-old yellow Labrador has just joined the team, but he’s already turning heads across campus with his size, sweetness and seemingly endless capacity to brighten someone’s day.
Now officially stationed on the Tampa campus, Star is the latest addition to USF PD’s comfort canine program. He joins Snowbird, USF St. Petersburg’s therapy dog, as part of a growing effort to support student mental health through animal-assisted outreach.
In his first days on duty, Star has visited events on and off the Tampa campus, offering a calm presence at a time of rising student stress. Early response has been overwhelming, and for Officer Brake, who serves as his handler, the partnership has become life-changing.
“When they brought him out of the car, he came running right up to me, kissed me on the face, and I instantly thought, ‘this is my dog, ’” Brake said.
Star arrived on Nov. 2 for his official placement, and Brake said it only took seconds to realize that Dogs Inc., the Palmetto-based nonprofit that trained and placed Snowbird, had found yet another perfect fit for the program.
“He is the gentlest giant there is, a silly, goofy little boy, but the most sweet, angelic dog,” she said.
Star came fully trained, making the onboarding process a breeze, according to Brake. Trainers accompanied them through several days of instruction, including a test run at the USF vs. University of Texas at San Antonio football game, with loud crowds, marching bands and all.
Brake said that, unlike most dogs, Star doesn’t get overwhelmed; rather, he embraces the noise.
Star attended the event alongside Snowbird and his handler, Master Officer Mark Lickenfelt. Snowbird and Star have quickly become close companions.
“They are best friends,” Brake said. “They trained together, played together — they just clicked.”
In his short time on campus, Star has already built a packed schedule. He has appeared at the Bull Market on the Tampa campus, visited Nova Southeastern University for a distress-relief event and joined an active threat presentation. He even sat for a professional photo shoot for his upcoming trading cards and stickers.
Brake said it’s impossible to choose a single event where Star has shined most. She’s watched him adapt effortlessly to every environment, bringing joy to students who approach him.
One moment, however, she knows she’ll remember forever. During Bull Market, Star approached a woman on her way to the Moffitt Cancer Center, who told Brake the interaction had turned her day around.
“She said, ‘this is what I needed,’” Brake said. “Seeing him actually make a difference like that… I’ll always remember it.”
For Brake, Star has changed her daily life since his arrival. She said she finds herself genuinely excited to go to work, something she never imagined would feel so effortless.
“I look forward to coming in every day,” she said. “This is truly the best job, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
And his schedule is only getting fuller.
“I want everyone to experience the Star joy,” she said. “I want to spread it to everyone.”
