Indigenous Australians coined the phrase, “three dog night,” to describe the number of dingos necessary to facilitate some toasty shut-eye in the chilly outback. Imagine the comfort, then, when blanketed by a dozen or more. Penn College employees brought their snuggly companions to the Field House on Thursday for “Hot Dog, You’re Back!” – a traditional program to warm hearts and ease students’ separation from their pets. Counseling Services, which sponsors the popular event, and The LEAP Center staffed information tables for those in search of helpful resources; a hot chocolate bar (with a number of options for tasty toppings) added just the right touch on an early-winter’s evening.

– Photos by Alexis M. Burrell, student photographer;
and Frank T. Kocsis III, a graphic design student from Dickson City

Yup, it’s definitely sweater weather!

As co-workers and canines get reacquainted, tangled leashes take a team effort to fix. At the center of the scrum are Libby and Norman, a miniature goldendoodle and golden retriever, respectively, attending with Public Relations & Marketing secretary Bridgette R. Snyder; and Jake, a Labrador retriever accompanied by Tanya L. Shipman, duplicating and finishing technician in Printing and Document Services.

Forming an instant bond

Dancing for treats are Kiwi and Rubi, Shih Tzus owned by Kimberly A. Venti, coordinator of scholarships, special programs and communication in the Financial Aid Office.

Regulars at the event – Drew R. Potts, assistant professor of civil engineering technology, and his golden retriever, Winnie – brought along the newest member of the family: Indy, destined not to be in the background for long.

Also making a well-behaved campus debut is Obi, Sumer A. Beatty’s black goldendoodle. Beatty is PRM’s marketing communications manager.

Cleanup on Aisle Four! A conscientious “Dog Mom” wipes the floor after her pup, overcome by the evening’s excitement, suffered some gastric distress.

With a joy that knows few human equivalents, Norman trades extreme vulnerability for an exquisite belly rub.

Eric L. Anstadt, electrical technologies and occupations instructor, introduced students to English bulldogs Groucho and Meatball.

Patrick G. Vollman, General Services’ assistant facilities maintenance manager, and mini-goldendoodle Remy greet the curious.

Time to investigate those clumps of fur that littered the court toward evening’s end