Pippa - The Teacher's Pet

When the last of Holly’s two Bearded Collies died three years ago, she knew there would be another canine in her future.  It was just a question of when.  “They were the love of my life,” she says of Tasha and Maddie who lived to be 15 and 14 years respectively.  “They came to me as four-year-olds with a roommate.”  The roommate eventually moved out but the dogs stayed.

After a year of being alone and feeling like “there was no life in the house,” Holly began searching on Petfinders, the Milo Foundation, and several other rescue sights.  Her search was prompted in part by her cousin Susan with whom Holly went hiking on a regular basis.  Susan complained one day that Holly spent more time talking to the dogs they encountered along the way.  Holly laughingly admits it was true.  

Holly knew she could provide a dog with a good life and it was certain a dog would make her life better.  After a seemingly exhaustive search, Holly adopted a black, four-and-a-half month old Poodle mix whom she named Pippa.  A grade school teacher, Holly timed the adoption to coincide with summer recess, which began on June 11. Pippa joined the household on June 12.

The two bonded immediately despite a brief rough patch (Pippa started her day at 6:00 a.m. while Holly was looking forward to sleeping in during her summer respite).  They filled their time with puppy classes and hiking many of the nearby trails.  Holly wanted to involve Pippa in all aspects of her life. When classes resumed Holly brought Pippa to campus after school once a week to expose her to the children.  

With hundreds of kids in after-school programs, Holly and Pippa quickly became a welcome part of the routine.  Because she has hair rather than fur, children with allergies were able to touch Pippa.  Some were petting a dog for the first time in their lives.  Ranging in age from Kindergarten through 5th grade, the children lined up to take turns throwing Pippa's ball and rewarding her with kibble when she retrieved it.  “Kids without dogs were drawn to the opportunity,” notes Holly, further convincing her that this socializing strategy was beneficial for both Pippa and the children.

Adopting Pippa has enriched Holly's life in the ways most meaningful to her.  She understands and embraces the responsibility that comes with being an animal guardian.  "Dogs depend on you for everything and you have to organize your whole life around them because they never outgrow it."  For Holly, who admits her relationship with Pippa is no less important than her relationship with humans, the joy she receives in return makes the sacrifice a privilege.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom