Two of ETSU’s favorite members of campus are coming together for an event on Monday, Sept. 20, from 1-3 p.m.

Any student who wishes to meet and give some love to our campus dogs, Pepper and Koda Bear, can do so at the swing outside Rogers Stout and across from the Culp Center. 

This event was organized by Katie Ward with Active Minds, and students are encouraged to come and learn about the importance of mental health and why our campus dogs play such a big role in everyone’s lives here.

(Contributed/Active Minds at ETSU)

Katie stated, “We want to use this opportunity to open a conversation about mental health and all of the services ETSU provides.”  

Any student wishing to learn more about this topic while in the company of Pepper and Koda are more than welcome to come. 

While visiting the dogs, students can also take part in the Bucket List Tree for Suicide Prevention Month. Students can write down goals that they hope to accomplish in not only their lives but also during college. This gives participating students the opportunity to put into words what they are living for and then spend quality time with our amazing ETSU dogs in return. 

While at the event, students can also meet Pepper’s owner, Officer Bill Mitchell, and Koda’s owner, Teresa Shakir. Both owners are passionate about our mental health dogs and how they can help the student body, especially during this month. 

All students are welcome at this event and are also encouraged to schedule an appointment with the Counseling Center any time they feel overwhelmed, stressed or simply wish to take a break from the busy pace of the semester. 

And do not worry! If you are unable to make it to this event, Pepper is always walking around campus with Officer Bill, on the lookout for squirrels and anyone who needs her.

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