Puppy (and Pet) Love

J-Willy is a 4 yr old Black Moor. When working remotely, J-Willy provides some visual relief and a brain break that is not on screen.

Stephen Sommer, PhD student in learning sciences and human development

Here is my elderly Himalayan cat, McNulty. He’s named after the character on the TV show The Wire. He loves to zoom bomb my meetings and knows that when I’m in the office, he will get pets from me.

Rebecca Ann Machen, PhD student in curriculum and instruction

This is Fergus. He is all the challenges of a new puppy along with all of the joys. The whole family (including grandma & grandpa) spend more time outside because he’s in our lives.

Jessica Alzen, research associate at the Center for Assessment, Design, Research and Evaluation

Working remotely finally allowed me to get a puppy! Juno constantly reminds me to take time away from the computer and PLAY!

Jody Slavick, PhD student in equity, bilingualism & biliteracy

This is Asher, who we usually just call Kitten (even though he’s nearly two years old now), intently watching a woodpecker outside my office window. His gremlin ears and insatiable curiosity keep us laughing even on the smokiest days. 

Deb Palmer, professor in equity, bilingualism & biliteracy

Skye, the adventure dog to the rescue!

Grace Maniscalco, executive assistant to the Dean

Teo was adopted from L.O.L.A.S rescue almost a month ago. Teo is a silly little one that keeps me on my toes. Teo has been great to work from home with, he sleeps by my side whenever I am in class and hangs out with me on my patio when I am doing homework and drinking my coffee!

Marlene Palomar, PhD student in learning sciences and human development

My pets. The one on the left is named “Dog.” And the one on the right is named “Dog.” It’s just easier that way.

Travis Anderson, senior director of planning and academic programs

Working at home with Maggie (the big one) and Scaramouche (the little one) is amazing! Even though Moosh loves to attack my feet under the desk or crawl onto my shoulders while I’m trying to teach via Zoom, I love him so much. He brings so much joy to my life and my students seem to appreciate my obsession with him. Maggie isn’t thrilled about me being home all of the time and trying to cuddle her, and yet I persist.

Krishna Pattisapu, director of diversity recruitment and retention

Working at home with Maggie (the big one) and Scaramouche (the little one) is amazing! Even though Moosh loves to attack my feet under the desk or crawl onto my shoulders while I’m trying to teach via Zoom, I love him so much. He brings so much joy to my life and my students seem to appreciate my obsession with him. Maggie isn’t thrilled about me being home all of the time and trying to cuddle her, and yet I persist.

Krishna Pattisapu, director of diversity recruitment and retention

Bottom: Abby AKA Abigail, Abby Dabby , Girly, and Good Girl. Abby has taught me that every dog has a distinct personality, a distinct set of preferences, and a distinct type of affection. And that she's a "very good girl."  

Top: Ash AKA Ashua Bash, Chunkmeister Flash, Ash Bash, Gremlin, Monster, Dipstick, and "NO!" Ash has taught me that material possessions are ephemeral: "Ash. Put down the shoe."

Paula Battistelli, learning experience designer

This is Uma, she is super spoiled, adventurous, and definitely has a small dog syndrome. Anywhere I am, I know she’ll be right behind me. She is very loyal and think she’s a K-9, she will “protect” me from anything that is loud by putting herself in front and will “scare” off all big dogs.

Hannah Jung, finance and travel specialist

This is Cookie, she is 12 years old. Before quarantine, she was a grumpy old “lady” who was bitter and annoyed about everything and slept all day. Now that I am home all day, she has flourished in love and is super active. She now acts like a puppy now and gained happy weight. Anytime I sit, I know she’ll be on my lap. I love being with her!

Hannah Jung, finance and travel specialist

Apollo is our prized tabby cat who loves to go on adventures outside with us on a leash! He just turned four years old and has been a delight since we adopted him three years ago at the Boulder Humane Society. He is very tolerant of people and even lets toddlers pick him up without complaining. :)

Ichigo Takikawa, communications specialist

This is John Coltrane. They are the center of my universe—Miles and Coltrane. They are truly keeping me sane during this difficult time.

Johanna B. Maes, director of Master of Arts in Higher Education Program and senior instructor for the Multicultural Leadership Scholars

This is Miles Davis. They are the center of my universe—Miles and Coltrane. They are truly keeping me sane during this difficult time.

Johanna B. Maes, director of Master of Arts in Higher Education Program and senior instructor for the Multicultural Leadership Scholars

It is easy to feel disconnected these days, especially as Zoom meetings replace many of our in-person interactions. Some unexpected and welcome silverlinings include Zoom cameos from colleagues' pets and when my own critters (Raj and Juno) insist on workday snuggles. I will take moments of joy when and where I can get them!

Hannah Fletcher, director of communications and professional snuggler

We’re Waldo and Lula, a Cardigan Welsh corgi and an Australian shepherd-cattle dog mix, respectively. We are a yin and yang pair, with Waldo our extrovert and Lula a homebody. 

Joe Polman, professor of learning sciences and human development

We’re Monty and Cali, a pair of rescue dogs that can be spotted in the School of Education. Our companion took Monty, short for Montezuma, to the local Humane Society to meet with another potential housemate, but we had other ideas. Instead, Monty saw Cali, short for Caliente, and it was love at first sight. 

Vicki Hand, professor of STEM education

I am Bammer, short for Jewish name Rambam, which means Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon (Maimodes). My companion’s children have often named family pets after Jewish scholars. I have been keeping my companion company this summer through countless back-to-back Zoom meetings. 

Kathy Schultz, Dean

We’re Fondue and Yodel, the Bernese mountain dogs with Swiss-inspired names to match our breed’s origination in Switzerland. Fondue came home in 2017 as a rescue, and Yodel joined the family as a “pandemic puppy” this year.

Michele Moses, associate vice chancellor of faculty affairs

I am Reggie, a bulldog who’s hard to miss when patrolling the halls of the School of Education. My companion’s work explores how learning is situated in changing social and cultural practices, including learning as part of social movements for justice.

Susan Jurow, professor of learning sciences and human development

Kenickie (pronounced like character in Grease) is our newest fur baby. This 8-month-old Yorkie is a big Buffs fan as you can see, he has his own buff jersey and Ralphie horns!

Tammy Molinar-Leblanc, project director in the BUENO Center