Continuing what has become a popular tradition with students, Welshimer Library once again hosted visits from local therapy dog trainers and their dogs to offer some stress relief during Spring Finals Week.

Mr. Lou Pesch came with his two twin 12-year-old Weimaraners, Indy and Lily; Lou’s sister-in-law, Ms. Molly Smolko, came with Rudy, a 15-year-old Toy Fox Terrier; and former Milligan biology professor, Dr. Julie Wade introduced us to her new therapy dog, a 7-year-old Golden Retriever named Burton. It was especially great to see Dr. Wade again, recalling that she was the owner of another Golden Retriever named Jake, who faithfully visited Milligan students for six consecutive semesters, beginning in Fall 2013, until he sadly passed away in July 2016.

This canine mix was nicely balanced by the return of a “puddle” of adoptable kittens, sponsored by Milligan College’s Occupational Therapy Department.

It really is true. Stress relief comes in many shapes and sizes. Here are some pics:

For a second year in a row Milligan Libraries’ annual Edible Books Festival — now in it’s 7th year — serendipitously coincided with Marvelous Monday (a.k.a. “Wonderful Wednesday”), the student-led Spring day of celebration at Milligan College. The weather outside was sunny and warm. Inside Welshimer Library was nice and cool, and made for a great stopover to view this year’s entries between events.

We had thirteen entries this year, including several submissions from the Humanities Creativity Project, and some group efforts from the British Fiction of the 20th Century class, and the Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society.

197 votes were cast on Monday (April 10) for Most Creative, Funniest/Punniest, and Overall Favorite. On Tuesday morning (April 11), Library staff made some initial sampling to determine the Tastiest entry. Then the doors of the Welshimer Room were opened to invite students, faculty, and staff to sample the entries for themselves.

Here are this year’s winning entries, with each winner receiving a Dunkin Donuts gift card:

Tastiest — Wizard of Oz by student Keshia Posada

Most Creative — I Spy by Research and Instruction Librarian Mary Jackson

Punniest/Funniest — Hamlet by Kirstin Blackburn, wife of Milligan History Professor, Lee Blackburn

Overall Favorite — Bob’s Burgers by Corbin Drinnon, son of Milligan Psychology Professor, Joy Drinnon

This year’s Edible Books Festival received some great local media attention, including this TV spot from WJHL, News Channel 11. Thanks to everyone for making this year’s festival a great (and tasty) success.

Students were greeted this afternoon in the Welshimer Library by Indy and Lily, twin 11-year-old Weimaraners, and Rudy, a 14-year-old Toy Fox Terrier all decked-out in Holiday attire. They are trained certified therapy dogs, owned by Lou Pesch and his sister-in-law, Ms. Molly Smolko.

Indy, Lily, and Rudy are certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.). Rudy has been a therapy dog since he was 1-year-old. Indy and Lily were rescues, and it was Molly, who after observing their gentle dispositions encouraged Lou to get involved in training them as therapy dogs. The twins have been at it now for the last 7 years.

Indy, Lily, and Rudy are regular vistors to the Johnson City VA Hospital, the Children’s Hospital, Johnson City Public Library, and ETSU. We are so happy that they could also come and visit us here at Milligan College. They will be returning to the Welshimer Library on Wednesday (December 7) from 1-2 PM.

On Tuesday (December 6), the Library will host a Kitten Cuddle Puddle, sponsored by the Milligan College Occupational Therapy Department. Other Final Exam stress relief activities in the Library include puzzle and coloring stations, and free bubble wrap. The Library is also providing free coffee and tea all this week (while supplies last).