'The 6 Million Dollar Dog': St. John's Unofficial Mascot
By KELCIE PEGHER
The Capital Gazette
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Taylor Waters never thought dog sitter would be in her job description as the director of student services.
In fact, until a certain Parson Russell terrier entered the landscape, she didn't think she was a dog person.
Arcadia changed that.
Arcadia is known in the St. John's College community as the "Six Million Dollar Dog" -- a donor promised the college a $6 million donation, provided a dog would be on campus at all times.
There was a rigorous process to find Arcadia, who came from a shelter. A search committee was formed, and they had a few requirements - the dog had to be small, it had to be friendly, and not get too attached to any one person, and have a soft bite.
"As long as you have food, she's really loyal," Waters said.
Since arriving in September 2006, Arcadia has become a part of the St. John's community, though she has a little bit of a reputation for being stand-offish.
Arcadia ducks her head, when newcomers first greet her and try to pat her head. Waters thinks it's because she was with a family with young kids, who may have tried to pull on her ears.
Arcadia spends her days with Waters, who enjoys the benefits of Arcadia without many of the responsibilities. The school often hires a student to be a companion for Arcadia.
This year, Marybeth Beydler got the job.
On a typical day, Beydler picks up Arcadia at 8:30 for her morning walk. Beydler grew up in Houston, and worked with golden retrievers growing up. When she saw the job listing for taking care of Arcadia, she signed up.
"Having a dog near you is really comforting," she said.
Since Beydler began walking Arcadia this year, the dog has become much more involved among the students. Beydler started bringing Arcadia around her friends, and they were able to see what a friendly dog she is.
At an end-of-the-year party, Beydler ran with Arcadia, who was dressed with orange ribbons in her hair.
The two walk to downtown Annapolis, where more locals say hi to Arcadia than they do to Beydler. One person told Beydler he bought a Parson Russell terrier because of Arcadia.
And then there are those who give a sideways look, or make a comment about the dog. St. John's College doesn't allow dogs on its campus, with Arcadia as the college's sole exception.
Having Arcadia has "changed the dynamic of the office," Waters said. Arcadia likes to sit on her lap while she works. Her dog bed is just under Waters' desk.
St. John's College had its graduation Sunday. Most students returned home at the end of last week. After Beydler heads back to Texas, Waters picks up the slack for summer duty. In the summer, it's a bit more relaxed. Waters will walk her during the day, and return her to a senior resident.
She takes trips with whichever family she is staying with. Arcadia will visit Florida in the middle of May.
Hiring a senior resident to take care of Arcadia is a strenuous task. Waters said she spends more time interviewing for that position than for most others. She has specific requirements for the canine companion as well.
"We want them to be very reliable, because the creature really relies on that," she said.
Beydler is giving up her canine companion duty at the end of this year to take a job in the planetarium at St. John's College. Waters has already selected the new companion.
The student came into the office for the first time to talk to Waters, and Arcadia jumped right in her lap.
A photo of the two is tacked onto Waters' office door.
------
Information from: The Capital, http://www.capitalgazette.com/
(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
