Pets of the Academy Community

By Tina Huang and Anna Tran

Aletheia Zou’s cats, Cosmo and Mochi. Courtesy of Aletheia Zou

Aletheia Zou

Lower Aletheia Zou’s cats, Cosmo and Mochi, share a close bond—the two brothers are eight months old and undeniably adorable! “It’s just spending time with them that reminds me why I love animals and how beautiful bio is,” Zou said. “Taking care of them just makes me happy. They're so pure and wholesome and sweet, and I’m glad I can give them the love they deserve.”

Upper Sophie Cavalcanti’s dog, Milou. Courtesy of Sophie Cavalcanti

Sophie Cavalcanti

Living in New York City, upper Sophie Cavalcanti and her dog, Milou, have been taking advantage of Central Park’s scenery. “I love to take long walks with him in the park along the East River,” Cavalcanti said. During a hectic time, Milou brings much-needed energy wherever he goes. “Though he is six years old, Milou still acts like a puppy,” Cavalcanti said. “He is very playful and sweet. He has been comforting because he enjoys cuddling and playing [both indoors and outdoors].” The Exonian can certainly see why—look at Milou’s happy face! After being away at Exeter, Cavalcanti is cherishing her afternoon walks with Milou. “It has been especially nice to be with Milou, since I only get to see him a few times during the school year,” Cavalcanti said. Not only do the walks brighten Cavalcanti’s day, they also “guarantee” a chance for some fresh air—and good company!

Kilinc’s dog, Omar, helping out his son, Jonah, with online classes. Courtesy of Aykut Kilinc

Aykut Kilinc

History Instructor Aykut Kilinc has been having a lot fun with his dog, Omar. The two have gone on long walks through the woods together. In addition to getting their daily exercise, Omar has been helping out Kilinc’s five-year-old son with his online Zoom classes! Now, we at The Exonian wish we had such a loving soul like Omar to help us through our classes! Adorable!

Michele Chapman’s cat, Wally, chilling in a sink. Courtesy of Michele Chapman

Michele Chapman

A resident of Webster Hall, Science Instructor Michele Chapman has one lively dog, Allie, and two cats, Wally and Little Bean. Allie, a lover of the outdoors, enjoys chasing squirrels and rolling in the snow. When looking at their favorite activities, Wally and Little Bean appear to be polar opposites! Ever the adventurer, Wally likes “to do parkour and start floods in the basement of the dorm.” Little Bean, on the other hand, enjoys “[hiding] behind the washing machine or making grumpy faces.” However, the two cats certainly know how to relax—look at Wally in the sink and Little Bean on her meditation pillow! So cute!

Ela Andreassen’s dog, Koo. Courtesy of Ela Andreassen

Ela Andreassen

Lower Ela Andreassen has an adorable dog named Koo. During the quarantine, they have been keeping one another company, though Andreassen admitted it has been a bit boring. She noted, however, that “he’s pretty happy that everyone is at home with him all the time.” The duo has gone on a number of walks, while Koo has been diving into the cuisine of raw zucchini. Recently, Koo got a haircut, to great results. “His head looks a little humpy and slopy now, but he doesn’t seem to notice.” Looking at that picture of Koo, The Exonian thinks he looks as cute as ever!

Glassner’s Boston terrier, Charlie. Courtesy of Ellen Glassner

Ellen Glassner

Spanish Instructor Ellen Glassner and her ten-year-old Boston terrier, Charlie, have loved spending time with one another! Reportedly, he is happiest with his entire family at home and unsettled when he is left home. “Charlie is undoubtedly wondering how he became the luckiest dog in the world these past two months!” Glassner said. Something Charlie loves is to snuggle with Glassner on the sofa. How cute! Having uncovered a newly-found love for online classes, Charlie is present at every class and meeting, curled up in his bed, or lying at Glassner’s foot. Glassner’s daughter, senior Paula Perez-Glassner, has also been getting a lot of love from Charlie. He enjoys attending her classes, with his favorite being Italian! “It is obvious that he misses the students in Cilley Hall,” Glassner said, but she is positive that he is looking forward to their reunion!

Peterson’s Shih-Tzu breed, Rocco. Courtesy of Kadeine Peterson

Kadeine Peterson

Biology Instructor Kadeine Peterson has a ten-year-old Canadian shih-tzu named Rocco. Having been together since Peterson was in graduate school, they have become the best of friends. “The Shih-tzu breed was bred as a companion animal and the name roughly means lion dog, though I think he looks more like an Ewok!” Peterson said. Looking at that picture, we at The Exonain can see where she is coming from, but Rocco is adorable either way! During the quarantine, Rocco has been up to much of the same stuff he usually does: “sleep-hanging off of his dog bed, on his back, with his little legs twitching in a dream state.” Sometimes, Peterson isn’t sure if he enjoys being home with everyone, in particular her children Jack Maverick and Kingston. They want to play with Rocco more than Rocco wants to play with them. Instead of spending time with the family, Rocco often hangs out on the shaggy rug in Peterson’s office that “looks suspiciously like him,” as Peterson teaches her Zoom classes. Missing the usual bustle of the dorm, he often sits at Peterson’s door, connecting her office to the dorm, and whines. Brushing up on his squirrel-chasing skills, he has improved but is still not fast enough to actually catch them, “only so fast his tiny doggy legs can go!” Well, it seems like this duo has been keeping busy, and The Exonian doesn’t doubt they are keeping each other smiling during this quarantine!

Southworth’s pug chihuahua mix, Ena, sitting outside of Bancroft Hall. Courtesy of Eve Southworth

Eve Southworth

History Instructor Eve Southworth, has been having fun with her pug chihuahua mix, Ena, as they live in Cilley Hall together. Ena has been keeping herself occupied as she explores our beloved campus from top to bottom. Being best of friends with Rocco, the two dogs have been frequently visiting and playing with one another. Ena has also been getting her fair share of naps during this time. We at The Exonian feel you on that, Ena!

Lower Max Triff’s cat, Mochi. Courtesy of Max Triff

Max Triff

Lower Max Triff has been spending lots of time with his cat, Mochi. Triff noted that “over break, she’s honestly been my savior, since I’ve been going crazy being stuck inside only able to socialize with my family.” Being a fantastic listener, Mochi doesn’t argue back and has allowed him to feel calmer. Pushing his luck a bit, Triff attempted to give her a bath, but it didn’t quite go through as expected. Spooked by the water, Triff ended up having to brush her down with a wet towel. Thankfully, this worked out, and she is as fluffy and happy as ever! Thankful to have such an amazing companion, he noted that “she’s the perfect friend during these rough times.” Now, I wish I had a cat like Mochi!

Lower Tommy Seidel’s yellow lab, Nellie. Courtesy of Tommy Seidel

Tommy Seidel

Lower Tommy Seidel and his yellow lab, Nellie, have been taking a much needed breather together. Nellie is short for Lionella, and she was named after Lionel Richie, someone much adored by Tommy’s father. The duo have been together since the seventh grade, when Tommy first got her for Christmas. Nellie is really interested in staying active and goes on her walks as Tommy goes out for runs. Being very soft and fluffy, the two like to spend time with each other in the house. News report: Tommy informed The Exonian that, “the other day, she barked at a cat in the woods.” Well Tommy, she seems to be living the life! Also, look how cute!