Faculty Pets
Dr. Karen S. Adams ’91, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, with Layla and Ellie (Elle Noir)
“Layla is the brindle, smaller mix full of energy. Elle Noir is a bit larger and calmer. Large black dogs are often the last ones to be adopted—if ever. These two won the doggie lottery!”
Jack and Dr. Scott Beard, Dean of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
“Jack is a rescue dog (purebred pug) that we adopted at Briggs Animal Adoption Center in Jefferson County. We had recently lost two of our senior dogs (also rescue animals) and were looking to adopt a new dog. Rescue dogs are so grateful, and being a pet owner is one of the most gratifying experiences of my life! Jack is a regular part of the family, greeting me each morning, when I return from work, sitting in on piano lessons, and even occasionally visiting my office and other offices at Shepherd. Although we rescued Jack, he has given us so much more in return!”
Dr. David Gansz, Dean of Libraries and Information Sciences, and Charlie Tyler Louis Parker
“Charlie Tyler Louis Parker (or ‘Charlie,’ for short)—named by our then 13-year-old daughter—stole the show (and our hearts) at Shepherdstown’s annual DogFest in August of 2015 in the Animal Society of Jefferson County booth. A shepherd/husky mix, he protects our house from invasions by aliens that only he can see and hear. He has been seen attacking his own back leg as if it were a toy, and he regularly displays other acts of pure goofiness that bring us great joy and delight as a family daily. His nickname is ‘Bear’ because, when he was a puppy, strangers thought we were walking a bear cub on a leash.”
Scout and Dr. Matt Kushin, Associate Professor, Department of Mass Communication
“Scout is a Bergamasco, also known as an Alpine Italian sheepdog. Yes, she can see. Bergamascos are a rare bread of sheepdog from the Bergamo region in northern Italy. Her flocks form naturally and are made up of three types of hair (not fur). The long flocks protect her from predators as well as the climate of the Alps. The hair around her eyes protects her from snow blindness. Scout is my first dog, though my wife had several dogs growing up. Scout and I enjoy hiking in the Harpers Ferry National Park and on the Appalachian Trail. When we can’t get on the trail, we play soccer in the backyard together. We chose Scout because Bergamascos have a gentle temperament, are easy to train, and are hypoallergenic. They are also very good family dogs which is important to us!”
Monica Larson, Associate Professor of Mass Communications, with Arrow and Loki
“Arrow (left, 2 years) and Loki (right, 13 years) are English shepherds, a lesser-known breed of herding dogs. In addition to livestock care, they are known for being highly trainable and excellent in agility tests. We got our first after a friend asked us to bring my three kids to her house to help ‘socialize’ a new litter of pups. We simply fell in love. Loki came home and joined our other dog at the time, a husky/lab mix named Suttree. When she passed we knew we had to go back and get another English shepherd. My ‘boys’ get me out walking every morning by the river and are rambunctious ball players. I love that they are a little bit wild and crazy smart.”
Dr. Yu-Hsuan Liao, Assistant Professor of Music, and Angel
“Angel, my 7-year-old rescued giant chihuahua (a mix of chihuahua, pug, and some mysterious breeds), is my best friend and has been always by my side since four summers ago. Angel is also an important member of Shepherd music department and my piano studio; she loves to visit all of our students whenever she has a chance. Her favorite composer is Johannes Brahms.”
Dr. Colleen Nolan, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and her three Spanish water dogs (l. to r.) Kai, Rain, and Z.
“I’ve had dogs since I was a child and can’t imagine a life without one or more dogs. I share my home with my three Spanish water dogs—Z, Kai, and Rain. Walking, playing, working, and training with them adds balance to my life and the unconditional love I receive from them is clear when I come home to their boisterous, rambunctious greeting. In the words of Roger Caras, president emeritus of the ASPCA, ‘Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.'”
Dr. Carol Plautz, Associate Professor of Biology, with Roy and Vera
“My two Spanish water dogs, Roy (brown) and Vera (black), are wonderful companions—they love hiking, boating, playing in the yard, and guarding their people. Roy was my first dog ever, and he taught me how wonderful they can be—he also gave me confidence being around other dogs. Roy (9 years) and Vera (5 years) are half-brother and sister; their daddy Rancho was a well-loved champion SWD.”
Skittles and Dr. Laura Renninger, Dean of Teaching, Learning, and Instructional Resources
“This is a picture of me with my favorite cow, Skittles, one of hundreds of animals on our family’s privately funded 60-acre rescue farm on the Piedmont. Skittles is expecting her first baby in February.”
Gideon and Sadie Shorr-Parks, English and Modern Languages Lecturer
“Gideon, a mixed-breed dog of unknown ancestry, has lived with my husband and me for the past three years. He entered our lives as a stray and quickly became an important member of our family. In his free time he likes to nap, look out the window, and goof around. He is a strong jumper and a great friend.”
Sherry Sykes, Preparatory Division Coordinator, Department of Music, and Sasha
Dr. Kelly Watson Huffer, DNP, CRNP, CNE, Assistant Professor of Nursing Education, and her miniature donkeys.
“I have four cats, two dogs, three horses, and two miniature donkeys. These two mini donkeys were rescued from auction in August 2016. They are a mother-daughter pair. We learned last month that mom is pregnant—and due any time! I love animals of all kinds; really should have been a vet! Donkeys are very sweet and loyal pets. You can teach them to drive a cart and many horse shows offer classes for miniature horses and donkeys in a variety of disciplines. They are about the size of a goat.”