Columns Magazine

Named after the automobile, Bentley is a grumpy English Mastiff that Ellen Hostetler says was “the answer to my prayers.” She had studied dog breeds for months while seeking a unique combination of intimidating protectiveness and docility, and adopted Bentley when he was less than 8 weeks old. Now at age 11, he enjoys his own couch and a king-sized bed, eat four cups of food a day (half Kibble and half home-cooked lentils and rice), snores loudly, snacks on all fruits and vegetables except lettuce and celery, and naps in the sun. While shy to new people and other dogs, he loves to join Ellen on outdoor hikes around lakes.

Jack, 15-year-old son of Jessica Spears, originally wanted a bearded dragon, but a pet store employee steered him toward Groot, a crested gecko. These vulnerable, nocturnal reptiles, which can live up to 20 years, are named for hair-like projections found above their eyes and continuing as two rows of spines to the tail base. The entire family enjoys watching Groot in his habitat, but only Jack appreciates more familiar companionship––specifically doing homework with his crested buddy on his shoulder.

Charlie, a blond rat terrier and Maltese mix that’s affectionately known as a “ratese,” was a gift from Harold Mayer to his wife, Sylvia, ’75, eight years ago, but the puppy soon began running alongside Harold during his regular mountain bike rides. Whether temperatures are hot or cold, Charlie logs six miles most days. She enjoys cooling off in water found along the university’s White Oak Mountain trails, where the duo has become quite well known, and wears a coat during winter months. At home, man’s best friend waits for Harold to stretch out his legs on the ottoman, so she can jump up and lay on his lap. Sylvia says, “Someday, I’d like to have a dog.”