Badgers and Cocker Spaniels

Valerie Jackson

Staff

Shelby Thorley and Gracie Deru enjoy holding Cocker Spaniel puppies in their Mass Media class. Photo by Valerie Jackson

Communications Professor Sandra Cox surprised her mid-day Interpersonal Communication and Mass Media classes with three cocker spaniel puppies, instantly shifting the energy in the room.

When asked why she brought them, Cox simply said, “Students love it, and I feel like it’s a great way to make someone’s day.” With puppies nestled in students arms, smiles appeared, laughter spread, and phones quickly came out to capture the moment. Mckenzie Mitchell, a student in the mass media class, smiled and said, “It makes class better, when she brings them.”

Research supports the idea that these small moments can make a real difference. Lane, a researcher in the field, explains, “While you may initially assume that a puppy would be an adorable distraction from academic activities, studies indicate that puppies may actually help students improve their classroom performance.”

Meaningful moments on campus do not need to come from huge events. For many students, the mid-day slump is real and Professor Cox understands it well. Experiences like these remind students that learning spaces don’t always have to feel exhausting or routine. Sometimes, soft puppy ears are all it takes to change the energy in a room.