Maine
‘Tragic loss’: Maine’s first official comfort dog, Baxter, found dead inside state vehicle
An investigation is underway after Maine’s first official comfort dog, Baxter, was found dead inside a state vehicle, officials said Friday.
Baxter’s death was “accidental,” the Maine Department of Public Safety said in a statement.
Baxter, a three-year-old chocolate lab, joined the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications in 2022 as the state’s first official comfort dog, officials said.
Baxter was found dead inside a state vehicle located at the Bangor Regional Communications Center at approximately 2 p.m. Wednesday.
“DPS is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding Baxter’s death,” officials said in their statement.
“The state vehicle, in which Baxter was regularly transported, is undergoing a thorough inspection to identify potential malfunctions that may have led it to unexpectedly stop running, which caused the vehicle’s air conditioning to cease operating,” officials said.
It was unclear Friday whether any state employees would face disciplinary action or charges in connection with Baxter’s death.
The department, meanwhile, is mourning his loss.
“As a comfort dog, Baxter’s mission was to help improve the mood and well-being of first-line responders in Maine’s three emergency communication centers; his calming and cheerful presence will be deeply missed by all those who interacted with him,” officials said in their statement.
“The Department extends its deepest condolences to Baxter’s handler and his family, as well as the entire emergency telecommunication team,” officials said.
Police and animal advocates routinely urge all pet owners not to leave their pets inside their vehicle for any amount of time.
The interior of a vehicle can rapidly become hot in a short amount of time which can lead to serious injury or death of an animal.
“ON A WARM DAY, the temperature in a car can exceed 120° in a matter of minutes—even with the windows partially open,“ according to The Humane Society of the United States. ”Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Posted inSports, Varsity Maine
Press Herald sports writers nominate high school athletes from the prior week’s games.
Readers vote for their top choice and the winner will be announced in the newspapers the following Sunday all season long!
A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.
Submissions sought:
Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.
Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.
The Eastport Arts Center
Every week through Apr 01, 2026.
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Event Supported By
Eastport Arts Center
(207) 853-4650
info@eastportartscenter.org
Pleasant, spring-like weekend for Virginia, Maryland, DC ahead of active start to March
House explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood catches neighboring houses on fire
A total lunar eclipse will turn the moon blood red on Tuesday
Alabama ‘Fully Aware’ of Losing Streak to Tennessee Ahead of Road Rematch
Over $150K worth of drugs seized from man in Juneau, police say
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Where Iran’s ballistic missiles can reach — and how close they are to the US
Has India’s influence in Afghanistan grown under the Taliban?
Bill Clinton to testify before House committee investigating Epstein links
Read Judge Schiltz’s Order
Vulnerable House Dem lashes out at Trump’s ‘racist’ SOTU challenge: ‘That was uncomfortable’
-
World2 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts2 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Montana1 week ago2026 MHSA Montana Wrestling State Championship Brackets And Results – FloWrestling
-
Oklahoma1 week agoWildfires rage in Oklahoma as thousands urged to evacuate a small city
-
Louisiana5 days agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Denver, CO2 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Technology6 days agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Technology6 days agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making