When I walked into the office of Assistant Professor of Spanish Katia Sherman, her dog Lucy sat peacefully in the corner, unfazed by the entrance of a stranger. That’s always how Lucy is, whether she’s on the quad, in Sherman’s office in Delp, or in the classroom.
Almost every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lucy sits in her corner in “momma’s” classroom while Sherman teaches.
Sherman’s sister adopted Lucy from a shelter in Maine last year, but when they moved to Hillsdale this summer, Lucy did not adjust well to the new environment. Lucy seemed to prefer Sherman’s home, so Sherman took her in.
Sherman said it was perfect timing, for Lucy “filled a huge hole” left by her dog, Gypsy, who recently died of cancer.
According to Sherman, Lucy has adjusted to home life just fine and “adores” Sherman’s 27 cats.
“Just recently I took in a new litter of kittens, and they love Lucy. When she wags her tail, they think it is a game,” Sherman said. “Especially when they were small, Lucy would walk around with two or three kittens hanging from her tail.”
Lucy has severe separation anxiety, so Sherman decided to bring Lucy with her to class as long as none of her students were allergic. Now Lucy walks to campus with Sherman almost every day. And when it rains or snows, Lucy just wears a little raincoat.
The Spanish students are very receptive to having Lucy in class, and some say that her presence has a calming effect.
“Having a dog in the classroom sucks out all the intimidation of Spanish 201,” freshman Abbee Elwell said. “It soothes everyone and makes it a more enjoyable environment. Whenever Lucy groans during a test, it cracks the silence and eases everyone up.”
Elwell is a particular favorite of Lucy’s because she often brings Lucy her favorite snack: cheese.
“I love the grape and cheese package from the grab and go station in Kendall, but I hate spicy cheese. So I asked the class if anyone wanted it, and Dr. Sherman said, ‘Lucy loves cheese!’” Elwell said. “Now every time I get cheese, I give it to Lucy. And when I don’t, she sits next to me in the hopes I will have some.”
Sophomore Hannah Stinnett said Lucy has quickly grown comfortable with the students and the classroom environment.
“Lucy’s always very calm, and when class starts, her momma’s gotta do her thing,” Stinnett said.
Lots of students who are not in Sherman’s classes also stop by the hallway or even come into the classroom to play with Lucy as well.
“I think she was born to be a therapy dog,” Sherman said. “She’s the most hugged and kissed dog ever because all the students miss the pets they had at home.
Sherman said Lucy spreads happiness to students, cheering up those who look particularly worn down this time of year.
“Anybody who needs a dog fix knows where to come,” Sherman added. “And Lucy soaks it all in.”
