Mental Health Unit

Therapy K-9 Program

The San Marcos Police Mental Health Unit's three certified therapy K-9s assist officers on calls by attempting to decrease anxiety and stress that people in crisis may be experiencing. The therapy K-9s also assist at the Scheib Center in San Marcos and meet with clients dealing with stress when requested. To request assistance, leave a message at 512-393-8081 ext. 9100.

Meet the Therapy K-9s:

Sheldon Cooper, a collie mix, joined the SMPD Mental Health Unit in 2017. It was the first time in history that a Texas law enforcement agency added a therapy dog to its mental health unit. Sheldon is the personal dog of Officer Bender, who she donated to SMPD's mental health program when it was founded. Together Officer Bender and Sheldon attended a training program in Florida and became a nationally registered therapy dog team. 

Sophie is a Shiba Inu mixed with American Eskimo, commonly referred to as Imo-Inu. She graduated from the Brevard County Sheriff's Paws and Stripes Academy in Florida and became a nationally certified multi-disciplinary therapy K-9 team with her handler, Officer Bender, in June 2021. When not responding to a crisis, Sophie spends her time visiting officers and 911 telecommunications at the San Marcos Police Department. She's also a regular at local emergency rooms and community functions.