When students walk into office hours with Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies Jacob Mundy, they are sometimes greeted by two unexpected companions. Gunter and Myrtle, Mundy’s dogs, sometimes join him on campus, offering what he describes as informal “puppy therapy” during stressful periods of the semester.
Gunter, an eight-year-old corgi, entered Mundy’s life as a gift from one of his spouse’s patients.
“Gunter was a ‘gift’ dog from an owner,” Mundy said. “My spouse is a veterinary specialist and treated the mother during the pregnancy. The owner was so happy with the care the mother received, he said we could have one from the litter as a gift.”
The dog’s name carries a personal and literary significance.
“Her name is often confused with the German name Gunther, but it’s actually a slang word — ‘egg hunter’ — from the dystopian sci-fi novel ‘Ready Player One,’ which we were listening to on a long drive while still debating names for Gunter in 2018,” Mundy said.
Myrtle, a Pomeranian between three and five years old, joined the household under very different circumstances.
“Myrtle is a rescue from a hoarding situation in northern Syracuse,” Mundy said. “She came through the hospital after being rescued, and my spouse took to her.”
Her name reflects both her own personality and pop-culture inspiration.
“Her name comes from Moaning Myrtle from the Harry Potter series because she was so skittish and fearful when we brought her home. She would scream if you picked her up the wrong way or surprised her,” Mundy said.
For Mundy, pets have long been a consistent part of his life.
“I’ve had dogs and cats most of my life, and so has my spouse,” Mundy said. “Her being a veterinarian also tends to lead to us having a lot of pets come our way.”
Beyond companionship at home, Gunter and Myrtle often connect with students, providing comfort during academically demanding times.
“I like to bring them to office hours for puppy therapy, especially during intense periods of each semester [such as] midterms and finals,” Mundy said. “They love the attention.”
Like many dogs that visit the Colgate campus, Gunter and Myrtle are welcomed with open arms by students who are always enthusiastic to receive their attention, too.
These moments of puppy therapy leave a lasting impression on the students, who stop by frequently to play with the dogs. Each has a unique and friendly personality that helps the students de-stress, encouraging students to return to his office hours, specifically hoping for another visit. For many, encounters with Gunter and Myrtle provide a familiar sense of comfort that reminds them of their pets at home.
