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MCC Daily Tribune

MCC Therapy Dogs to Retire: Let's Celebrate Them on March 22, from 12 to 2pm in the Library

“Because of a dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be lie without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?” (Mary Oliver, “Dog Talk”)

Friends,

Seven years ago, last September, Gretta was introduced on stage on All-College Day as the newest of our new employees. She was to start her position at MCC as the College’s first certified therapy dog!

As many of you know, Mili Tippett (retired English professor, Ann Tippett’s beautiful, silky black dog with a gorgeous white streak on her mane) joined Gretta a couple of years later. Then, the next year, Ollie, Gretta’s “brother” (biologically her nephew) joined the “team,” as well.

During these years, the college community enjoyed frequent dog visits and invites to departments, events, exams, and more. The dogs spent considerable time in the Counseling Center (remember Mondays with Mili?) and the library. At the end of each semester, we invited anywhere from 8-11 certified therapy dogs to the library during Stress-Free week, and we had lines out the door!

Gretta, Ollie, and Mili also attended their mom’s classes, which was always a joy for all and a calming presence for students. There are so many stories.

Unfortunately, we lost our Mili suddenly during COVID, so since COVID, only Gretta and Ollie have pawed their way into the hearts of all on campus.

Now, I’m so very sorry to tell you that Gretta and Ollie must retire from their MCC work. They have serious underlying health problems that now prevent them from being able to be on campus all day, to walk the hallways from one end of campus to the other, and more.  

Originally, we planned to have a final celebratory appearance in mid-April, but Gretta’s recent illness makes it important to do so sooner.

So, if you are able, please join us to celebrate Ollie and Gretta and to remember Mili, in the library on the second floor, Wednesday, March 22, from Noon to 2 pm (for both-- maybe only Noon to 1 pm for Gretta). There will be lots of pictures from over the years to enjoy!

If you know of any of our retirees or former students who particularly enjoyed the dogs, please invite them, as well.

Let’s give these special golden retrievers a special thanks for all they’ve added to our lives at MCC.

Photo Caption - Gretta-Ollie-01.jpg: Golden retrievers, Gretta and Ollie, with their heads resting lovingly on the arm of a chair.
Photo Caption - Gretta-Ollie-02.jpg: When not working at MCC, golden retrievers, Gretta and Ollie, relax in the backyard at home.

Attached Files:
Gretta-Ollie-01.jpg
Gretta-Ollie-02.jpg

Kathleen O'Shea
English/Philosophy
03/16/2023