Pawsitively awesome Waylon to bid adieu to students

The stone fence and brick façade of the Chancellor’s Residence give it the appearance of a stately, important structure, but for the past four years, a friendly sentinel has stood watch over its lawn, greeting passersby with a smile and the wag of a tail, inviting them to come inside and make friends.

Waylon the Vizsla arrived on campus four years ago from Bozeman, after a faculty member decided to give his sister, Pipasc, a home, and told the Cook family about it. Waylon was an instant hit on campus and has become universally beloved.

“He has his moments of being crazy, but we are so lucky that he doesn’t run out of the yard too often,” Montana Tech’s First Lady Stephanie Cook said. “He is so sweet, rarely barks, and loves to lie in the sun. He is very much an observer and often just sits by the wall watching the activity. He also likes to help us garden around campus.”

Waylon’s favorite people are the students, who often greet him, pet him, or throw a ball for him.

“He brings a sense of home for some students who miss their pets,” Cook said. “Most students that stop to pet him say it makes their day. We believe having him around makes it feel like a home, rather than a house that students shouldn’t approach.”

Cook says Waylon’s favorite thing to do is “fetch the ball, fetch the ball, fetch the ball,” and she’s often seen on the trails around campus making sure the Orediggers’ favorite pup gets his steps in.

Skyler Fox is a mining engineering student from Middleburg, Virginia, who is fond of Waylon.

“Waylon has brought an undeniable happiness to my life, and has transformed even the toughest days into moments filled with laughter and pure joy,” Fox said. “I can often be found calling out Waylon’s name and dropping everything to go say hi to my furry friend. Whether we’re outside playing fetch or simply relaxing after playing, Waylon reminds me that sometimes taking a second and living in the moment is so important.”

Fox sometimes dogsits Waylon.

“Being Waylon’s dogsitter has not only deepened my bond with him, but has also introduced me to Les and Stephanie Cook, two incredibly wonderful people whose love for Waylon and Montana
Tech mirrors my own,” Fox said. “I’m very sad to know that Les, Stephanie, and Waylon are leaving us, but I am so incredibly grateful to have met them and wish them nothing but the best. We all love Waylon so very much and hope he knows he is the best boy!”

Morgan James is a nursing student from Medford, Oregon who often stops by the Chancellor’s residence to say hello to Waylon.

“Getting to see Stephanie and Waylon is always a highlight of my day!” James said. “My friends and I love to take him on walks or just stop by and chat with Stephanie while he runs around. He reminds me so much of my dog back home. Seeing him makes it easier to spend so long away from home. He will be considerably missed; I can
only hope the next chancellor has a dog as sweet as him. ”

Stephanie says the love from students is beneficial for Waylon.

“It makes Waylon’s life better to get exercise and socialize,” Cook said. “He will greatly miss the campus interaction and lying in the bay window watching over campus.”

Waylon and Stephanie are both looking forward to spending more time with Chancellor Cook, who will have more time in retirement to join them on their daily adventures.