SAN MARCOS, Texas — The San Marcos Police Department is welcoming a new four-legged friend.

Sheldon Lee Cooper is joining the Mental Health Unit as a therapy dog in training. The border collie mix will accompany officers on calls to help comfort people in crisis situations. He’ll also assist mental health clinicians at the Scheib Center and meet with people who may be experiencing anxiety or other stressors.  

Sheldon and his handler, Officer Joyce Bender, will attend training in Florida to complete further requirements to become a nationally registered therapy dog team.

“The introduction of Sheldon and the Therapy Dog Program to the SMPD Mental Health Unit will be an excellent asset in the unit’s goal of better serving the community,” Bender said.