Invasion of Privacy: Michele the Therapy Dog
Michele the Library Dog has been a beloved member of the SUNY Geneseo campus for several years. Every Thursday morning, Michele is surrounded by students in need of a distraction from their hectic schedules and coursework. We got a chance to sit and interview Michele, who had a lot to say about the students who see her monthly on Thursdays in the Fraser Library.
We asked Michele if she feels overwhelmed by the amount of love and support from the Geneseo campus to which she replied, “Bark Bark Bark Bark Bark. Bark Bark Bark Bark. BARK BARK.” Michele expressed immense gratitude to the staff, students, and her handler who showered her with love.
Like all students, staff, and faculty on campus, Michele has also been affected by the construction on campus and expressed her frustration with the changing of libraries amidst all the chaos. We were surprised when Michele leaped from her blanket and began yelling obscene words that we had to censor. “BARK BARK B*** B*** BARK BARK! B*** BARK BARK BARK BARK! BARK BARK B*** BARK B*** BARK BARK BARK B*** BARK BARK BAARK BARRK BARK B****** BARK B******.” It is safe to say that like all of us, Michele is just as upset about the construction as it makes her commute to Fraser Hall Library an inconvenience. Before the construction started, Michele was originally stationed in the Milne Library. She continued, “Bark BARK BARK BAAARRKK. BARK BARK. BARK BARK B***. BARK BARK, BARK BARK BARK. BARRK.” She had even more choice words about their abrupt decision to renovate the library and how the process has taken entirely too long.
On Thursday, Mar. 7, Michele celebrated her ninth birthday in the library lobby where students and staff signed a birthday card and enjoyed a variety of sweet treats. Michele expressed gratitude for the amount of support she has received from the Geneseo campus, stating, “Bark Bark…Bark Bark Bark Bark Bark. Bark Bark Bark Bark BARK Bark Bark Bark Bark. Bark Bark.” Michele shed a single tear down her cheek as she reminisced on her birthday celebration.
Michele has made many memories here on the Geneseo campus and even shared some of her favorite things about the Fraser Library staff and students. Although Michele expressed her frustrations, she also discussed many positive aspects that make her job even more enjoyable. “BARK BARK bark bark bark bark [bark.] Bark bark Bark BARK bark BARK BARK bark bark bark. Bark Bark bark, bark bark bark bark. Bark Bark Bark.” Michele especially loves her quilt, which features her name and other colorful prints. She also enjoys having the ability to comfortably take a nap while students exclaim “Awwww” and give her soft pets.
Michele the Library Dog, loved by all students on campus, has one important message she wants to make sure we all know, “BARK BARK BARK BARK…BARK BARK. BARK BARK BARK.” If you are ever available on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m,, please do not hesitate to visit Michele the Library Dog in Frasier Hall! She loves the people who come to see her, even if it is just for a few seconds.