Meet Blue, the Marquette University Police Department’s service dog!
The German Shorthaired Pointer was first introduced to the campus community when he was adopted as a puppy in May 2022. In the years since, he has achieved important milestones, including officially joining the police force with a swearing-in ceremony, celebrating his first and second birthdays, and attending his first pet blessing.
Follow Blue on his social media accounts – Instagram and Facebook – to stay up to date with his latest adventures!
Learn more about Marquette’s hottest celebrity:
1. Blue is here to make friends
As a community support dog, Blue’s primary role is to provide comfort to MUPD officers, students, staff and faculty and to help build relationships between officers, Marquette students and members of our community. He is not a trained police dog, meaning he does not participate in direct police operations.
“He’s just a dog that gives love and support to our community,” said MUPD Chief Edith Hudson at Blue’s swearing-in ceremony.
2. You can see Blue anywhere on campus
From move-in day to 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, be sure to say hi, pet him, and take a photo. Don’t forget to tag Blue on Instagram so he can share!
Blue’s first appearance each academic year is on move-in day, when he stops by the dorms on campus to welcome his new friends to Marquette. His favorite time at work is attending lectures just before exams to relieve stress.
3. Blue’s “father” is Lt. Jim Hensley of the MUPD
If you see Blue around campus, he is almost certainly accompanied by Lt. Jim Hensley, his handler. Hensley has been with MUPD for three years and, along with his wife Carol, founded a nonprofit called the Blue Bag Program. The organization provides shoes and school supplies to children in South Africa. For more information on Hensley’s work, visit Marquette today.
If you would like Blue to come to 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, miss your dog at 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 see Blue.
5. He is known for dressing up on holidays
Blue doesn’t just limit himself to Halloween. On Valentine’s Day he wore Cupid’s wings, on St. Patrick’s Day he dressed up as a leprechaun, and on the Fourth of July he showed his patriotic side with a red, white and blue bandana.
6. Blue celebrates his birthday every year with the campus community
Blue’s birthday is celebrated every March. The campus community enjoys free coffee and hot chocolate, as well as Blue-themed cookies and stickers. Everyone is invited to sign Blue’s birthday banner and wish him a day filled with treats!
7. Blue has a brother and a sister
Blue has two siblings at home with Hensley: a Dachshund brother named Herman and an English Pointer sister named Darby! Last year, Blue and Hensley did an April Fools’ Day prank to introduce Darby to the campus community.
8. Blue made it to television
Local media outlets CBS 58, ABC 12 and FOX 6 covered Blue’s swearing-in ceremony and captured the moment he put his paw print on his oath of office. Blue also appeared in the CBS 58 studio and was in the Marquette-Tribune!
9. Blue loves chicken wrapped apple treats
However, he has a hard time choosing his favorite toy. No matter what he plays with, he loves to carry it around in his mouth to show off to his friends!
10. Blue is a very good boy
But you already knew that.
