Meet Y-Jetty’s fluffiest greeter

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These days, Y-Jetty visitors are greeted by a cute, huggable, fluffy therapy dog at the security gate.

Appropriately named Teddy, the canine is a three-year-old Akita recently adopted by one of CFB Esquimalt’s friendliest Commissionaires, Bob Cosman. Cosman is convinced Teddy provides comfort and happiness to visitors at Y-Jetty.

“I have a new joy in my life, and it is such a great experience to bring Teddy to work with me and make others smile,” said Cosman. “Everyone at the Base is getting to know me better because of my dog and I am grateful to my employer for understanding my need for a therapy dog.” 

Cosman, 78, is a former Naval Cadet turned lawyer who joined the Commissionaires over 20 years ago. For 25 years, he worked as a parliamentary legal specialist at Parliament Hill and the Saskatchewan Legislature until he fell on tough times, experiencing personal challenges including unemployment and homelessness. After receiving support from his family, Cosman went to a career fair in Toronto where he was introduced to the Commissionaires. He relocated to Victoria following his mental health recovery.

Cosman used to greet visitors to the Y-Jetty with his previous therapy dog, a 13-year-old Husky named Mia until she passed away last year. Cosman says her loss was tough to take, and for a time, his life seemed very empty. Then Teddy came along.

“Teddy really likes coming to work with me, the people he meets and the attention he gets at Y-Jetty and seems to be getting very acclimatized to his new routine,” concluded Cosman.  

Cosman adopted Teddy in late January when Teddy’s previous owner in Richmond agreed to pair him with Bob. Akitas are working dogs originating in the northern mountains of Japan and are known for their loyalty and skills as rescue dogs.

Teddy helps Cosman cope with bouts of depression and anxiety he still sometimes experiences. He often stands with Bob outside his booth as they welcome military members and civilian workers entering the Dockyard from Naden before asking them for their identification. Sometimes, when visitors approach the security gate, Teddy is busy napping in the booth or the tailgate of Cosman’s truck, getting food or water.

“When people approach the gate and they don’t see Teddy they always ask where he is. People who have never seen him before raise quite a big fuss over him,” says Cosman.