Tagg’s Dog Days of Summer brings tail-wagging fun
Published 11:59 am Saturday, September 19, 2026
An annual event returned this weekend, bringing an amazing showcase of skills, lots of giveaways and goodies, tail-wagging photos, and plenty of well-deserved head scratches.
Tagg’s Dog Days of Summer was held Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Gresham City Hall parking lot, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway. The free, family-friendly event supports Gresham’s K9 Unit as well as the programs of partner organizations.
There were refreshments and giveaways; fun activities including a dunk tank with Chief Travis Gullberg and a “Dog Drop” where kids could chase after stuffed dogs scattered across a field via police drone; a showcase by Officer Jacky, a 6-year-old German shorthaired pointer explosive-detection dog with the Port of Portland Police; and plenty of chances to pet comfort dogs like Tagg.
“Today is a chance for us to show the importance of K9 Units and the work they can do,” said Chief Gullberg.
Gresham’s idea of bringing on a comfort dog was an innovative move back in late 2019. The department was only the second in Oregon to do so — now there are more than 15 comfort dogs in the Portland metro region.
Tagg was donated to the department by Guide Dogs for the Blind, after he couldn’t quite meet the lofty standards to be a guide dog.
“They told us they had the perfect dog for our program, and they were right,” said Officer Chris Anderson, Tagg’s handler.
Tagg has three main roles:
He serves as stress release for his fellow two-legged officers, supporting them after a traumatic incident or when the stress of the job gets to be too much.
“Tagg has the run of the building,” Chief Gullberg said. “Everyone has a secret drawer of treats, and he always seems to show up at the perfect time.”
Tagg does community outreach, like his Dog Days of Summer, allowing folks to connect with the Gresham Police via a friendly, furry face.
And his “day job” is traveling around the community to provide support during behavioral health crises.
Tagg’s Dog Days of Summer is sponsored by Clackamas County Bank; Alyson Leigh Huntting; Evergreen Pet Supply; Alligator Printing; Gresham Toyota; and Burns Feed Store.
