Winston the Coast Guard Dog Brings Connection to Coast Guard Members at Base Los Angeles/Long Beach

Winston, a specially trained facility service dog, is a full-time presence at Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach, where he helps create a more supportive and connected environment for service members.

Winston isn’t a traditional Coast Guard working dog. He doesn’t perform detection or security duties. Instead, he’s a morale dog, trained to provide emotional support, reduce stress, and encourage social connection among Coast Guard personnel. His calm, steady presence makes a meaningful difference in a fast-paced, high-stress setting.

Facility dogs like Winston have proven successful in other high-pressure professions, including hospitals, courthouses, and first responder units. The Coast Guard recognized the potential for similar benefits and brought Winston to Base LA/LB to support its people. Whether he’s greeting someone during a tough day, offering quiet companionship after a difficult call, or helping ease tension across the unit, Winston’s impact is immediate and lasting. He also supports members during Critical Incident Stress Management events, helping them navigate moments of grief or trauma.

The Coast Guard Foundation is proud to support Winston’s care and feeding through a morale grant made possible through the generosity of CGF board member Fred Brodsky, specifically designated for unit animals. This grant ensures Winston remains healthy, well cared for, and able to continue his important work.

Winston may not wear a uniform, but he serves the Coast Guard community every day with compassion, loyalty, and a tail that never stops wagging.

More on Winston:

• Winston is the Coast Guard’s first working canine devoted entirely to support. He’s an English Cream Golden Retriever with a calm presence and a gift for lifting spirits.
• He was donated by Thor’s Hope, a nonprofit that provides facility dogs to first responders, and trained by Performance K9. He arrived at 18 months old, fully trained and ready to serve.
• His handler waited two years for the call.  “They told me to come meet the dogs and see which one chose me,” said Tiffani Collier, his handler. “I worried none would, but Winston made it clear.”
• Since then, Winston has become a familiar face across the southern end of the Coast Guard’s Southwest District, from Morro Bay to San Diego. When he enters a room, members smile.
• Beyond Coast Guard units, Winston has comforted families at the Federal Courthouse after the Conception disaster and he supports incident commands when they are stood up in this area. 

Yes, his tongue is always out.

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Photos from Coast Guard Base LA/LB and MyCG.