I thought kids were a big hit on campus. And they most definitely are. But puppies…. my oh my! A puppy takes it to a whole new level.
So far, Dash has not left Sayre. But it has been nice weather, so we’ve been outside at Sayre a lot in the past three days. Dash has met a lot of students already, and a lot of students have fallen head-over-heels for Dash already. I’m pretty sure that Dash is well on his way to being the most popular guy on campus.
Dash is going to be so good for the students when they’re stressed about studying. Some colleges are already bringing in dogs to help students so you’re on the cutting edge at Lehigh–as usual.
Yes, Gail, Lehigh has a dog therapy program (for stress reduction) during exam times. Dash is very different though because he is a permanent fixture!! đŸ˜‰
Priceless!
Looks like you will have plenty of dog sitters!!
That’s for sure Mom!! Many have already volunteered. It will be hard to choose! I have also had at least two different students say to me, “I’d PAY money to be able to hang out with Dash!” Many have mentioned how stress reducing it already is just having a dog around. Several have talked about how “Sayre gets to have it’s OWN Pet Therapy Program thanks to Dash!” (LU has dog therapy on campus — for stress reduction — during exam weeks). But the biggest comments we get are about how happy they are just to have a dog around, because “what they miss most about home is their dog.” Dash is a very, very, very loved pup!
My students always love to hear about my dog and my cats. It’s a great way to connect. And here’s the thing – no matter how bad a day I’ve had my little entourage is beyond excited to see me come home. They love you no matter what, never have a bad thing to bark or meow and they are good for a light moment or two or three. I think that is why a lot of college students get into the LOL Cat and Dog memes. Pets are such a comfort and that is where the stress relief comes in. Dash is one lucky pup!
Karen, I agree 100%!!!
hbj
i just wanted to say a long time ago when i was a 17 year old on campus i wished i could have had a family like yours to anchor myself too…..i think i could have saved myself from a plethora of poor choices…..just your presence is a reminder of what is good about family and i think when in the middle of a choice i would have thought to your family and maybe have carried myself up instead of down…………just many positive thoughts about you and your family today are swirling in my heart and head…..also a thank you for sharing your bathing suit pictures…..it is a reminder for me and my body and spirit that all women are are breathtaking….and dash is just dashing!!!!
Wow, thank you Keri. Your comment is deeply appreciated by me.
~Heather
Dogs and kids were always very exciting additions to campus when I was in college. We never really saw either living on campus so whenever we’d see someone with a baby or a puppy, there was lots of squealing, haha. One of the hall directors and his wife had a baby and stayed on campus so my friends and I got to take turns babysitting for them…it was definitely nice to have a family around. I think students (esp those in really intense programs) can get caught up on just making it through the days (heck, sometimes just making it through a class!), very stressed/freaked out and have a bit of tunnel vision — a reminder that there is life after college was always appreciated.
I thought I wrote a comment to this before…weird! Anyway, this is an amazing post, the photo montage is so heartwarming! I can just imagine how much love Dash gives and recieves! So so fun!!
– Kate