Otto Heads To Salem State As New Campus Freshman Sensation

SALEM, MA — The newest big man on campus at Salem State University this fall might be a fella walking on four legs.

It's quite possible the most popular newcomer to the school next semester will be Otto — an Australian cattle dog that will be the school's first "campus community dog."

The school said that Otto's role will be to be a positive presence for students, faculty and staff. He will be hanging out at major events and making regular visits throughout the campus along with his owner, security systems engineer and SSU alumnus Nick DiFranco.

DiFranco works with the university police and information security team.

DiFranco and his girlfriend, Lauren Ward, have been training Otto for his new duties since he joined the family last Halloween. He told Patch that Ward, who works as a physician associate, had as much to do with Otto's training, upbringing and newfound "employment" status as he did.

The school said Salem State University Chief of Police Gene Labonte had long wanted to bring a dog to the campus to help represent the department and spark more engagement with the community.

Otto has spent the last nine months getting socialized and working off his considerable energy along the North Shore.

As is the case with many college newcomers, Otto may be a bit shy around his new surroundings at first, but students and staff can expect to see him on campus more and more as the year progresses.

He also promises to be one friendly fella as he will sport a "Pet Me" vest and a Salem State University police badge.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)