Sit, Stay, Belong: Cate’s Campus Dogs

By: Fiona Pan '27

On any given day on the Mesa, laughter and barking blend into a familiar chorus that reminds people that home isn't just the people around us but also the company of four-legged friends. Even with the whirlwind of sports games, Servons speeches, and late-night studying, the campus dogs sprawling in a patch of sun or sprinting across Kirby Quad create a sense of comfort in daily life. There are many dogs on campus, all bringing their own personality to the mix. You can often find Bruno walking with Deeg as he longingly looks back at a patch in the sun where he can lie and tan with the students, or you can see Rizzo chasing Mrs. Mack down the lacrosse field. There’s always Watson, Loewags’ dog, who spends his time in the ATC, and Maggie, who approaches everyone excitedly with a wagging tail. In the mornings, you might catch Freddy’s dog, Obi, on a run, looking ready to take on any challenge. In the 25-House residence, there's Dr. Moore’s dog Charlie, a curious and loyal golden retriever; Ms. Ford’s  Darby, a fun-loving, energetic ball of sunshine; Finley, Ms. Pierce’s dog is always up for hugs; and Dr. Dahm’s three musketeers, Harvey the “Gentle Giant,” Midge, who, according to Dr. Dahm, is “equal parts skittish and joyous,” and George who is “a whole lot of chaotic enthusiasm in a tiny package.” According to the students, these dogs have significantly impacted them, bringing a sense of safety to the dorms and the Mesa. When asked which dog the student body identified with, people often said Bruno, Obi, Sadie, Rizzo, Echo, Darby, and Wagner. 

Here are some of the campus dogs and their traits: 

• Bruno can often be seen as carefree, and he speaks his mind, especially when he is on a walk and just decides to lie down. 

• Ms. Newlove mentioned, “Wagner is social, friendly, active, hungry, and loves attention.” 

• SoCo’s dog Sadie “is athletic, anxious, and goofy.” 

• Lieah Maxfield said that her dog Toby “is a sweet boy who would lie in the sunny grass all day watching the world go by, if he could. He loves naps and receiving pets from anyone who offers them.” Her other dog, Olivia, “is an energetic girl who could play fetch all day long. She's a bit shy and will bark in your face to let you know she's anxious, but is very sweet & cuddly when you earn her trust.” 

• Freddy Randall’s dog Obi is a friend to all and compassionate—he will even sing Happy Birthday as well. 

The dogs of the Mesa offer a reason to pause, be silent, and feel grounded. They are companions, confidants, and beloved members of the community. Whether wagging their tails or bathing in the sun, they remind students that they aren't alone. After all, they have made the Mesa more than just a school; they’ve made it a home.