Puppy Power

LWC’s Puppy Pit once more de-stresses students who suffer under looming midterms

BY LILEANA PEARSON

Lindsey Wilson College (LWC), students, faculty, and staff gathered around a four-something foot fence on Wednesday, cooing downward. Inside were six small dogs and puppies, jumping to find a friendly scratch.

The LWC Puppy Pit was created by the Students Government Association’s (SGA) past Presidents, Jonathan Joseph, and Secretary of Special Events Alex Russell.

“We were looking for a way to engage the student body during midterm and finals week.” Said Jacob Saylor, current student and a member of Joseph’s cabinet at the time.

The 2014 SGA had seen some posts about other colleges and universities hosting puppy pits, so they approached the LWC administration and approved the project without pushback. With the ‘okay,’ they set out to find the most important part, the puppies.

The Green River Animal Shelter located on just of Highway 55, now benefits from SGA who partnered with them to provide dogs, puppies and sometimes kittens for the pit. Kim Tucker, the shelter's director can only see positives from her end of the deal.

“We have one dog all the way in Alabama now. A boy came during finals and brought him home over break.” Tucker recalled. Several dogs have been adopted thanks to exposure at LWC Puppy Pits. For Tucker, being a part of this program benefits the dogs.

Photo: Student Dejah Smith takes some time between class to sit in the SGA Puppy Pit

“When students come out here and hang out with the dogs, or when the dogs are on campus they become friendly and people want a friendly dog.” Tucker said.

The Puppy Pit was created with student’s in mind. Originally only held during testing, puppies were a way for students to take their minds off school and enjoy some time with an animal. Now SGA’s most popular event, they hold four to five a semester.

Jodi Crane, LWC Associate Human Services Professor and Director of the Appalachian Play Therapy Center “thinks this is a great idea.” In her experience she has seen dogs used in courts, nursing homes and other areas to help calm and relax a person. Lowering blood-pressure and calming anxiety are just a few effect that interacting with a friendly dog can have on a person.

For some, the pit played a part into their college selection process. Morgan Sexton, SGA’s current Vice President, said she visited LWC while they were hosting a puppy pit, and that unique feature helped her decide to attend the College. “It boosts morale,” said Sexton, “and you can never get too much puppy.”

Photo: Student Steven McGowen relaxes with a dog ready for adoption from the Green River Animal Shelter