Coffee with a K-9 Debuts at MidState: Building Bonds One Pup at a Time

Meriden–MidState Medical Center hosted its inaugural Coffee with a K-9 event today, welcoming colleagues to meet Hartford HealthCare’s highly trained K-9 officers—Zeus, Riot, Judge, and Maya—and their handlers. The event provided a unique opportunity to connect over coffee, share stories, and learn more about the vital work the K-9 teams perform every day.

Hartford HealthCare’s K-9 program currently includes nine dogs and plays a critical role in maintaining safety across the system. The teams—made up of six German Shepherds and three Labrador Retrievers —are trained to keep patients, visitors and colleagues safe.

Each handler and canine team undergoes rigorous training for 6 to 8 weeks before becoming certified, with annual recertifications and ongoing training multiple times a month to ensure peak performance.

Outside of work, the canines live with their handlers and have become cherished members of their families.

“This event was about more than coffee—it was about connection,”said Steve Chapman, K-9 Officer, Hartford HealthCare. “The presence of Zeus,Riot, Judge, and Maya not only boosted morale but also gave colleagues a chance to understand the incredible dedication these K-9 teams bring to protecting our hospitals and communities.”

For some colleagues, the event was particularly meaningful, offering comfort after the recent loss of a beloved pet. It fostered a sense of camaraderie, engagement, and support that made a lasting impact.