Teachers' Pets
BY JULIE RIDDLE '92 Sure, Whitworth's professors hold doctorates and are experts in their fields. But don't assume these learned folks are all brains and no fun. Want to see our dedicated academics light up? Ask them about their pets. We did, and here's what happened. (Scroll to the bottom of the page for the behind-the-scenes video.)
AARON & FLICKER
Aaron Putzke
Professor of Biology
Flicker/Puggle
"We have child locks on some of our cabinets because she will open the door and get into the food. When you're not feeling well, she loves to jump in bed with you and make you feel better."
DAWN & YOGURT
DAWN KEIG
Associate Professor of Economics & Business
YOGURT/ARAUCANA CHICKEN
"Yogurt lays beautiful greenishblue eggs. Chickens in general are friendly and very entertaining. We sometimes call it 'Chicken TV,' where we sit on the deck and watch the chickens roaming the property."
MELISSA & BARLEY
MELISSA ROGERS
Associate Professor of Psychology
BARLEY/LABRADOODLE
"She loves playing with my 3-year-old. He puts his hand in her mouth and she bites it and he cries, and then he does it again about 30 times a day. If we step out of the room, she won't even eat – she wants to wait until we are with her."
KATIE & KITTY PUNK
KATIE CREYTS
Associate Professor of Art
KITTY PUNK/BARN CAT
"She's the mob boss of the neighborhood – she doesn't let any cats go by. She sleeps on my head, and if I'm grading a paper, she comes over and blocks the whole thing."
LAURIE & WILLOW
LAURIE LAMON '78
Amy M. Ryan Endowed Professor of English
WILLOW/CHIWEENIE
I went to SpokAnimal and he was there. He jumped in my arms and I haven't put him down since. He will burrow inside my sweater, under the covers, behind me in my chair. He just wants to be with you all the time."
JOHN & LINDLEY
JOHN PELL
Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Associate Professor of English
LINDLEY/MALAMUTE
"She loves our kids and is really easygoing. She's super gentle but crazy strong. You know those metal sewer grates? She pulled one out and was walking around with it in her mouth."
VANGE & MARVIN
VANGE OCASIO
Associate Professor of Economics & Business
MARVIN/ENGLISH CREAM GOLDEN RETRIEVER
"He carries a blankie everywhere, like a baby. He stares out the window with the blanket in his mouth. He's very playful, patient and loving. He's a beacon of light in our house."
MEREDITH & MONA
MEREDITH TEGROTENHUIS SHIMIZU '93
Associate Professor of Art
MIKA, STELLA & MONA/RATS
"They're really personable, social animals, and they develop relationships with their people. If I'm standing at the sink, Mona will put herself right on my feet."
SCOTT & MARTY
SCOTT GRIFFITH
Assistant Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science
MARTY/ENGLISH BULLDOG
"He's named after the mayor of Boston. He's really smelly. He breathes heavy. He snores really loud. His tongue sticks out all the time. I love how willing he is to just be him – he does his own thing."
Follow Marty on Instagram: @martywalsh_thedog
This story appears in the spring 2019 issue of Whitworth Today magazine.