When I found myself at my lowest, feeling swamped with school work, worried about the future,
or just in need of a good procrastination tool, I would find myself craving the touch of soft fur
and some canine affection. For the past three years of my college experience, I have found
happiness and comfort from the presence of Bungy, the welcoming golden retriever therapy dog
of Appel. Whether sick or in good health, Bungy was always available to the student body to lift
spirits and relieve stresses.
Unfortunately, the Franklin and Marshall administration has recently decided that Bungy is no
longer permitted to come to work with Dr. Meyers in Appel. Administration officials claim that
complaints have been made against Bungy’s presence, often due to allergies or fear of dogs,
which they could no longer take lightly. With the loss of a campus icon, students quickly took to
social media and created a petition to bring Bungy back. Despite the obvious and scientifically
proven benefits of therapy animals on rigorous college campuses and the proactive efforts of the
college community, the Franklin and Marshall administration has stood by their decision. After
the petition acquired hundreds of signatures and comments, President Porterfield, on behave of
Dean Hazlett, wrote back to the community, stating that “Appel Health was not an ideal location
for Bungy to perform her therapy work…however, Bungy and other therapy dogs are not only
welcome, but encouraged to engage with our campus community. We simply must find another
location for them”. Although this decision is disappointing, President Porterfield insists that
the campus will continue to incorporate the presence of therapy dogs as a healthy resource on
campus through student organizations and campus events. Bungy was a iconic member of the
F&M community, and his presence will be greatly missed on campus.
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Check out this petition here to bring back Bungy! http://www.change.org/petition…