Dog walking on campus brightens students’ day

By LAURA TAYLOR

Staff Writer

Seeing dogs on the campus of the University of Mary Washington brings a smile to most students, especially when the dogs belong to other UMW students.

“I bring my dog to campus because she likes to get attention from people,” said sophomore Sylvan Brier.

Brier brings her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Lily who visits campus whenever she has the opportunity to show her off on campus walk.

“Lily loves seeing the people that pass by and she loves getting petted by everyone who sees her,” said Brier.

Some students enjoy bringing their dogs to campus to have a companion to run with them on sunny days while others enjoy bringing their dogs to campus to let the dog get a little bit of people attention and maybe even attention from other dogs.

“Lily also gets distracted really easily by smells, people, and other dogs,” said Brier. “Whenever something catches her nose, we always stop so she can sniff it out or say hello.”

Some students enjoy seeing the dogs on campus walked by other students so they can chat with the owner and ease their stresses involving school.

“My dog Tucker is extremely friendly,” said sophomore Allie Coleman. “He adores being around people and greeting every person he sees.”

Coleman’s dog, Tucker, is a mini golden poodle that enjoys making new friends and investigating the college campus.

Most of these dogs get along with other dogs, so when two dogs catch sight of each other, it is a pleasurable and happy sight to see.

Dog walking on the campus of UMW has been widely popular from students past and present. There is just something about allowing their pup to mingle with other dogs and greet the pleasant students that pass by on their way to class or home.

Some dogs have been around on the campus of UMW that students know the pup by name and have established a relationship with the owner, as well.

Both Coleman and Brier enjoy walking their dogs on Campus Walk together to allow their pups to mingle with one another and for them to catch up.

“Who doesn’t want to be greeted by a dog?” said Coleman.

As Coleman says, being greeted by a dog is something that can only brighten a stressful day and put some purpose in the step of the student.

For students considering bringing their dogs to campus, most students will greatly appreciate being greeted by the soft nudge of a furry paw or a sloppy lick on the hand