Psychology professor Ben Gobein, an adjunct lecturer in the Southwest region, said he hosts about seven events in Willard Hall each quarter. Usually he brings a special guest. Josie is a rescue dog who lives with Govine on campus.
Govine adopted Josie in 2019, about a year after moving to Willard. Many Willard residents know her for her outgoing personality and her occasional barks that can be heard in her hallways.
“I don't think she's a very good guard dog because I think if someone breaks in, she's just going to go get the ball and try to get them to play with her,” Govine said. “That's fine. She's not going to be a watchdog.”
Gobein said she is responsible for creating a welcoming environment in the living spaces and hired Josie to help students feel more at home.
Gobein is one of several faculty members whose pets regularly appear on campus. Shalini Shankar, professor of anthropology and Asian American studies, often brings her mini Goldendoodle, Fozzie, to her seminar classes.
“She just came in and visited everyone at every desk, and then when someone called on her, she called on her,” Shankar said. “Otherwise she'll find a place on her floor and fall asleep.”
Shankar said she first started taking Fozzie to class last year when her husband traveled a lot for work and didn't want to leave Fozzie alone at home.
According to Shankar, Fozzie has become a fixture in the class, so much so that when Shankar doesn't bring her around, students want to know where she is.
“The students are so happy when I take her there,” she said. “I'm going to ask them about their dogs and how much they miss them. I think that gets them talking about their dogs and it's kind of comforting for them.”
Shankar said taking care of Fozzie at work helps him maintain a better work-life balance. Taking Fozzie for his daily walk forces Shankar to leave his office and go outside.
“Sometimes I forget to take breaks or I don't have time,” Shankar said. “But she has needs and I'm the one to meet them, so I have to make time.”
Both Gobain and Shankar said they are careful about when and where they take their pets. Gobein said she is reaching out to students before the event in case anyone has concerns about the dogs. Shankar said he asks his colleagues to help keep an eye on Fozzie on days when he has to attend meetings or events.
Shankar sometimes leaves his dog with Emily Mann, an assistant in the Asian American Studies Program. She has her own dog.
Luna, a multi-pom who has lived with Mun's family since she was a puppy, also shows up at Mun's office several days each week.
“Everyone loves her and I think she knows that,” Mun said. “A phrase I often use with my friends is, 'This is Luna's world and we're all just living in it.'”
Like Shankar, Mun started bringing Luna to work because he didn't want to leave her alone at home.
“My partner and I live together, and whenever I leave Luna at home, she always says, 'She's so sad,'” Mun said. “It's a pain for me to have her scratching at her things when she's here, but I think she enjoys meeting people and being outside more.”
Mun shares an office with Sylvia Toledo Enriquez, a Latino/a studies program assistant, who comes to work once a week with her dog, Banksy.
Enriquez said Banksy, a therapy dog in training, takes his job very seriously. Students often come to her office to spend time with Banksy, and Enriquez said Banksy is always happy to oblige.
“There's a little bit of extra joy in the (office) space, and everyone seems to have a positive reaction when they walk in there,” Enriquez said. “Some people just need that extra bit of TLC that a dog is willing to give.”
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— Students are supporting the Evanston Animal Shelter by providing foster homes during COVID-19.
— How to keep your pet healthy during the winter in Evanston
