To kick off finals week at Ohio University, the Athens County Dog Shelter brought four playful puppies to campus for another "Playtime with Puppies" session on Tuesday afternoon.
Despite persistent rainfall, students gathered on East Green to take a break from studying and play with the pups. The resident assistant in charge of the event, Courtney Burcham, explained that Playtime with Puppies was started five years ago by the Washington Hall Residence Life staff. Although Burcham admitted she does not consider herself a "dog person," she said she wanted to keep the tradition going.
"I think students really enjoy this event because the puppies are cute, playful and are a nice distraction from studying," she said. "It also gives them a taste of home since many students have dogs at home but are not allowed to have dogs in the residence halls."
The event was supposed to start at 1 p.m., but Burcham said they started an hour and a half early and had a regular stream of students coming in to play with the puppies throughout the day. "I think the rain has hurt our donations though," Burcham conceded.
Though the event was free, students and passersby were encouraged to donate money for the Athens County Dog Shelter. Burcham said the money goes toward any supplies the shelter needs.
Students and puppies alike stayed dry and warm by gathering near the dorms, away from the rain. Burcham explained that the four puppies all had Thanksgiving names since they were brought to the shelter near the upcoming holiday. One was named Pecan, another Pie, another Green Bean and the last one Turkey Leg.
OU freshman Tracey Engle held Turkey Leg tight in her arms. "I'm a big dog person; I love all kinds of dogs," she said. "Playing with these puppies makes me miss my two dogs at home, but this event definitely helps with finals week stress."
Burcham confirmed that the puppies are available for adoption at the dog shelter. Engle said she would like to adopt a dog once she moves off-campus. "I know how important it is to adopt a dog from the shelter, it saves lives. Every life matters," she said.
According to the Athens County Dog Shelter website, dogs can be adopted for $65, which includes the county dog license. The shelter opens Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m., and closes at 5 p.m., except on Wednesdays and Sundays when they close at 7 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively.
The dog shelter's website encourages community members interested in adopting to call or stop by. "The dogs are held as long as there is space. It could be two weeks or just three days," according to the site. A list of adoptable canines can be found on the website with the dogs' photo, breed, gender and approximate age. The shelter also features "Dog of the Week," where they highlight one dog in particular that's available for adoption.
