Graci Vlattas, Junior Editor
Quotations and answers to interview questions come from Kylie Dancison, but are shifted into the “perspective” of Lady for comedic effect.
Sadly, Sewanee students and staff, the semester is coming to an end. We at The Sewanee Purple know everyone is sad to depart from our lovely campus for the summer. As finals week starts to creep up on us, as well as the last projects and exams before the last day of school, the stress levels of the community are through the roof. Students are practically camping out in the duPont Library, while professors are rushing to grade or create their final.
Now, more than ever, is when we need some furry friends to calm us down. The weather is the epitome of summer, even though we are cramping ourselves inside. In that sunshine, cute dogs around campus are having the time of their lives. Like how in the last issue the service dog Willy Wonka was interviewed, The Purple wanted to continue the “student-spotlight” roll. The lovely Lady, an adorable mini black Australian labradoodle, roams around campus with her furry and non-furry friends. Lady, poised and calm as always, was excited to interview about her life here at Sewanee, from snoozes to saunters.
Why did you decide to be on campus?
“My owner, Kylie Dancison (C ’27), lost her twin sister. I knew that she was a bit lonely, especially during her freshman year, and I wanted to be here to comfort her,” said Lady. “Plus, Kylie and I also have the same birthday [Nov. 19], so it was practically meant to be!”
Emotional support animals are extremely important on campus. Whether they help you with grief or comfort or any personal issues, these pets really make a great thing to come back to. We could all learn from the adorable animals. Lady does a wonderful job comforting Kylie and her friends. She is a very polite and serene dog, except when she gets her zoomies, according to Dancison.
What is your daily routine like?
“After I wake up, I usually give and get my morning snuggles. I get let out in the morning, and right after I get practice,” explained Lady. Lady sometimes can accompany Dancison to class depending on the professor, making frequent visits to Misha Rai’s beginning fiction workshop. However, she usually stays in her Johnson dorm until Dancison returns from class. Afterwards, they like to take walks around the beautiful 13,000 acres. Lady said, “We like to walk around places like central campus, Abbo’s Alley and Cheston. We take full walks in the afternoon and night, but I get let out more often throughout the day.”
Lady is very affectionate and energetic, especially with her owner. Meaning that whenever Dancison is resting in bed, Lady thinks and knows it is time for snuggles. “Kylie,” said Lady, “sometimes thinks that the yoga mat means actual yoga. But I know it is for playtime.”
What is your favorite thing to do on campus? Favorite place?
Lady loves to make friends with students and staff on campus, as well as her fellow dogs. Rumor has it that she has a boyfriend she plays with, but solid proof is yet to be seen. Mainly, Lady likes to spend her time chasing the Sewanee squirrels up their trees and visiting different buildings.
“I like to see Mrs. Angie at Cup and Gown. She is super nice and likes to give me turkey when I visit. How can I not love her or the cafe?” Lady said.
Do you make Sewanee better?
“I’ve never seen anyone be unhappy around Lady,” said Dancison. “I think she brings smiles to even the saddest faces.”
Although every dog, cat and critter on Sewanee soil makes the sun a bit brighter, Lady makes it her mission to keep passing hello a common courtesy, politely and lovingly greeting everyone who walks by. If you see the lovely Lady out on the grass, do not be afraid to say hi!
Stay safe, Sewanee! And for the last time this semester, go see some dogs!