Harper Rzepczynski
Opinions Editor
Disclaimer: As with the previous “Canine Chronicles” article, all quotes are from Professor Stapleton but rearranged into Alfie’s point of view for creative impact. The Purple thanks Professor Stapleton for participating in the creation of this story.
Sewanee’s lively campus encompasses many shows of life, from the bright and excitement-crazed students to the hardworking professors to the graceful wildlife dancing across our 13,000 acre Domain. In particular, our diverse campus would not be what it is without man’s universally-loved best friends: dogs! “Canine Chronicles” is an ongoing series at The Sewanee Purple which intends to highlight our loyal companions and campus-wide friends as they navigate their delightful doggy adventures.
Sewanee’s very own Alfie the chihuahua is often recognized for his small stature yet energetic personality as he enthusiastically interacts with students daily; prancing through campus, this canine is splendidly accompanied by his owner, Helen Stapleton, professor of language at the University of the South. This charismatic pup takes pride in constantly charming the students of Sewanee, so it should be no surprise that he eagerly joined us at The Purple for an interview.
Where are you from?
“I was adopted by my owner, Professor Stapleton, exactly a year ago on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, and I was a rescue found in Colfax, Louisiana,” said Alfie. “At first, my owner’s sister had been fostering me, but the entire time she was telling herself, ‘This dog would be better for my sister,’ so my mom came all the way down to Louisiana and picked me up last year. I have lived in Sewanee with Professor Stapleton since, and I love it here!”
Despite only being two years old, this exuberant hound has experienced a plethora of homes, from his Louisiana beginnings to being fostered to finally settling into Stapleton’s life. Even under the care of others, Alfie still found his way to Sewanee. “The whole time my sister had Alfie, she thought, ‘He ought to be Helen’s because he had my energy,” recalled Stapleton. Upon adopting him, Alfie’s owner described him as the “sweetest, happiest dog.”
What are your favorite things to do at Sewanee?
“My favorite activity on campus is interacting with students! My owner calls me a ‘bottomless pit for attention’,” said Alfie. “I go up to everybody and beg them to pet me and adore me. Occasionally, I go running into McClurg.”
According to Professor Stapleton, Alfie also enjoys walking freely across campus alongside his owner, especially places like Abbo’s Alley and Lake Cheston; afterwards, he spends the rest of the day patiently waiting for her to finish teaching and return home. He retreats back to his owner’s bed at the end of every day and loyally sleeps beside her. Alfie is also a squirrel-chasing enthusiast.
What was the accident?
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, unfortunate news struck the University of the South. “Alfie got hit by a car. It was right on University Avenue after I let him go off his leash for a little while because I occasionally let him run and chase squirrels,” said Stapleton. “I immediately rushed him to Murfreesboro Animal Emergency.”
Alfie spent three nights at the animal hospital in Murfreesboro and is luckily making a swift recovery, something the staff and students are relieved to hear. Friends of the beloved canine and of course Alfie’s owner are quite anxious, but this resilient chihuahua lives to tell the tale and will be back on campus soon.
All in all, cheerful pups like Alfie bring even more joy into our already exhilarating lives as Sewanee students, and campus truly would not be the same without our dogs. Once again, thank you to Stapleton and Alfie for working with us, and we hope to see Alfie back on campus soon. Like always, give a friendly hello to our furry friends when you see them around the school!