2008 Woodie Awards
RSSRegulating man's best friend
Letter to the editor
By Kenneth J. Skowronek, '69
Issue date: 10/23/07 Section: Opinion
Having just read Gwen Purdom's Lifestyle article, "Big Dogs on Campus," and your editorial, "A Dog's Life," (Oct. 16, 2007) it is apparent that Lehigh has unfortunately not gone to the dogs over the last 30 plus years.
During my four-year matriculation, I recall many dogs romping around campus, bringing a smile to almost everyone they encountered.
Although I do not know if dogs were permitted in the residence halls, a great many fraternities owned dogs.
Our dog, Spooner, who was also known as Whitherspoon and, on formal occasions, Mr. W. Spoon, was a valued member of my fraternity, Pi Lambda Phi. There were no issues regarding his behavior or his care. Everyone in the house assumed the responsibly for him, and someone always volunteered to take him home during holidays and vacations.
I can only assume that the care and behavior of the other dogs on campus was never an issue, as I recall no rules or regulations regarding dogs and no calls from the administration for such regulation.
It is hard to believe that today's students are less responsible than those who attended Lehigh in the 1960s. It is truly unfortunate that the powers that be have further intruded into students' lives and that it is necessary to regulate the simplest pleasure: one's relationship with his or her dog.
During my four-year matriculation, I recall many dogs romping around campus, bringing a smile to almost everyone they encountered.
Although I do not know if dogs were permitted in the residence halls, a great many fraternities owned dogs.
Our dog, Spooner, who was also known as Whitherspoon and, on formal occasions, Mr. W. Spoon, was a valued member of my fraternity, Pi Lambda Phi. There were no issues regarding his behavior or his care. Everyone in the house assumed the responsibly for him, and someone always volunteered to take him home during holidays and vacations.
I can only assume that the care and behavior of the other dogs on campus was never an issue, as I recall no rules or regulations regarding dogs and no calls from the administration for such regulation.
It is hard to believe that today's students are less responsible than those who attended Lehigh in the 1960s. It is truly unfortunate that the powers that be have further intruded into students' lives and that it is necessary to regulate the simplest pleasure: one's relationship with his or her dog.
