Pets have a special place in the hearts of Spartans. Scientists say that being around dogs can bring down stress levels, so it’s encouraging when UNC Greensboro students meet a four-legged friend on campus. Faculty and staff’s beloved dogs even got their own feature in the Fall 2019 UNCG Magazine.
“Students living on campus have often left their pets at home, and they miss them dearly,” says Dr. Angela Bolte, Assistant Dean of the Lloyd International Honors College. She is one of several faculty who has introduced her dogs to students. “While my dogs can’t replace their own pets, it does give them chance to interact with a friendly pet for a short time.”
Some students make up for that separation by posting their pet pics on the biology and psychology “Pet Walls,” but it’s always fun when they come across a dog to play with between classes.
Meet some of UNCG’s most iconic dogs who appear on campus just to add a little joy to students’ lives.
According to UNCG policy, pets are only allowed under limited circumstances. Students should talk to staff in Housing and Residence Life for more information.
Hugs on Patrol
If there’s one Spartan who brings smiles whenever he shows up in his fluffy brown coat, it’s Odin.
The four-year-old Belgian Tervuren is a trained comfort dog who joined UNCG Campus Police in 2022. If a student experiences a serious and frightening crisis, Officer Zachary Lynch will bring Odin with his distinctive muzzle, long tongue, and nonjudgmental support.
A student dealing with depression or homesickness or who feels overwhelmed by a project may also ask to spend time with Odin. He makes regular visits to the busiest parts of campus, so students can set aside schoolwork to give him a pet or ear scratch or to gesture for one of his signature hugs.
Odin is one of two dogs serving with campus police. Felix, the patrol dog, is also looking out for students, sniffing out evidence to prevent crimes and helping students look for lost items. Felix and his handler Officer Austin will also do demonstrations on request.
Odin and Felix share insights into their days on their Instagram pages here and here.
Reading Day Buddies
Even the most prepared straight-A student feels the anxiety ramp up before final exams. It’s what inspired the Jackson Library staff to start a regular tradition on Reading Day, and one retired professor has helped make it happen.
Susan Shelmerdine, professor emerita of classical studies, is a volunteer with North Carolina Pet Partners. They bring therapy animals to various functions for departments across campus, but Reading Day at the library is a favorite. “Everybody at NC Pet Partners loves going to UNCG,” she says.
All the animals are trained, and each has a human handler to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety. Shelmerdine’s Golden Retrievers Kylie and the late Sophie were regular guests.
“We love our relationship with UNCG,” says Elizabeth Kuoni, president of North Carolina Pet Partners. “The students get so excited for the visits, and you can see how much they mean to them. Several times a student has come up to us and shown us one of Theo’s cards that we hand out on visits that they’ve carried in their wallet or backpack from years ago! It is very touching.”
Shelmerdine says each dog is different, and the handlers will guide students who may be nervous about getting up close. “Some dogs lie on a blanket or quilt, but my dogs didn’t want to stay in one spot. It depends on the personality, whether it’s a dog that wants to go around and meet people, or perform tricks, or roll over on its back for belly rubs.”
Melody Rood, librarian in the research, outreach, and instruction department, notices that these visits lift students’ spirits. She says, “We’ll hear students say, ‘Oh my gosh! This is the best day!’ Or, ‘I didn’t know this was happening. I’m so glad I came through the library today.’”
Pet Partners limits the pet outings to two hours, so they don’t tire out, but Shelmerdine says that as therapy animals, they’re naturally inclined to enjoy human company. As to why students love to see the pets on Reading Day, she says, “Animals don’t judge. Particularly at a time when you have a scary test or a paper worth half your grade, and somebody is definitely judging you. The dogs don’t. They just love to see you.”
Teachers’ Pets
Animal sightings are not limited to special events. Some professors bring their dogs to campus to motivate their pupils.
Bolte first introduced her Shelties to UNCG when she brought them to serve as examples for her ethics classes. Students asked her to bring them back, so she made it a practice to have them visit before finals.
“I think students feel like they already know my dogs, if I’ve used them as an example in class or if they’ve seen them on social media,” says Bolte. “We’ve featured Honors College pets on Instagram before, and I’ve been told there’s a lot of excitement when my dogs appear.”
Safety First
Not all dogs are the same. Always check with the dog’s owner before touching them. Bolte says her own dogs can get overstimulated, so she’s developed methods to keep them comfortable.
“I usually bring cookies for the dogs, so the students can give them a treat, and the dogs enjoy it, too,” says Bolte.
It is important to distinguish between pets and service dogs, who are working animals and should not be distracted while they provide critical, perhaps life-saving support. Be aware of policies and guidance for interacting with service animals.
Before you consider bringing your own dog on campus, check with staff to ensure safety and understand your rights. Students with service dogs are not required but highly encouraged to check in with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS), so that staff can help make sure the animals are respected on campus. Emotional support animals must be reported to OARS.
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
Additional photography courtesy of Dr. Angela Bolte, Lloyd International Honors College; and Susan Shelmerdine, Pet Partners
