On Feb. 22, campus’ favorite pup, Pepper, turned 6 years old, and her annual Birthday Bash was held in order to celebrate her for all that she does for the ETSU family.

“Since becoming Pepper’s human, she and I have also taken pride in serving the ETSU community with providing emotional support for the students and faculty,” says Sgt. Dreama Pullon of ETSU Campus Safety, and Pepper’s handler.

Pepper’s Birthday Bash was held on the main floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center with an open invitation to all students and faculty. The celebration aimed to provide an opportunity for everyone to relax with refreshments, birthday cake, music and bonding time with Pepper.

“Since her arrival on campus, she has been a star. Pepper provides so much love and positivity to students and the staff. She has a way of just bringing a smile to everyone she encounters. Having an emotional support animal such as Pepper just provides joy to someone who may be having a bad day or just missing their animals from home,” says Pullon.

Photo of Pepper and Sgt. Pullon. (Gabriella Collins/East Tennessean)

Pepper was a stray in Cocoa Beach, Florida, prior to becoming the staple of ETSU pride that she is today. She was found in a shelter by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department, which provides a program called PAWS & STRIPES. This program is designed for inmates to give back and train K-9’s for other agencies, specifically as an emotional support animal. She has been with the university since 2020, when she was designated as campus public safety’s first therapy dog.
“My wish for our department and the university is to have more emotional support for K-9’s like Pepper. Once you meet her, she takes a place in your heart forever. I hope every student who attends our university has an opportunity to meet Pepper and perhaps she can be that one outstanding memory of their time on campus,” says Pullon.

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