JOHNSON CITY – (Feb. 22, 2022) It’s your birthday, Pepper!
She’s the rock star of ETSU Public Safety’s Community Canine program, and today, Pepper celebrates her 4th birthday with students, faculty and staff. East Tennessee State University and Sodexo hosted a birthday party for Pepper in front of Starbucks at the D.P. Culp Student Center.
Not only is it her birthday, but February also marks Pepper’s second anniversary at ETSU. She arrived at ETSU in February 2020 and hails from Florida, where she was part of the Paws & Stripes Comfort Dog Program.
At ETSU, Pepper provides support for students any time they want some canine companionship, whether it is during exam times, when they feel homesick, or when they just want to pet her and take a selfie. She is frequently spotted at special events on campus.
“She’s just amazing in every way,” said ETSU Deputy Chief Mark Tipton, who coordinated Pepper’s placement at the university. “Everyone loves Pepper, especially the students. She makes you smile no matter what kind of day you are having.”
Pepper also has a new handler. Last month, Sgt. Dreama Pullon became her official handler following the retirement of Officer Bill Mitchell. According to Pullon, Pepper loves riding around campus in the patrol car with the window rolled down, which makes it easier for the students to see her.
Pepper is on Instagram at @pepper_etsu.
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