Many students joke about wanting to put their pets in their backpacks and take them to class; however, Stop Day offered an opportunity for this joke to become a reality.
Amid the students’ cheers and shouts, the sounds of barking and whining filled the air on Stop Day. Students waiting in line that morning to receive their 2025 Stop Day shirts were accompanied by their furry friends.
Doane’s Chief Executive of Happiness, Georgie, was seen with his owner, Blake Tobey, as they headed toward the Academic Success Center. Additionally, furry companions like the small but mighty Oakley, the overly friendly Beef, and the excitable Henry waited alongside their owners.
Carlos Palacios, an academic advisor, brought along his Doberman, Coby. Decked out with an orange Doane bandana, Coby provided another fan for the Doane staff’s sand volleyball team.
Cherry, a Shiba Inu, was also present during the sand volleyball competition.
For some, bringing their dogs was the only option. Sophomore Makenna Armstrong had to keep an eye on her dog, Henry, along with Community Director Alex Lipson’s Dalmatian, Sugarfoot. Thankfully, Armstrong got some help throughout the day, allowing the dogs and their owners to enjoy the festivities.
Freshman Jessy Merrell was accompanied by her service dog, Scarlet, throughout the day. Although Scarlet was working, she still managed to enjoy the day alongside her owner. Merrell jokingly commented that Scarlet had been acting wild, saying, “I think someone slipped her something.”
Stop Day allowed students and staff to bring their dogs with them, sparing them the sad farewells experienced before class. With the number of wagging tails and smiling faces, it’s clear that Doane has a soft spot for these lovable animals.
