Tucker Scott ’26
Staff Writer
Pet(s) Names: Wilson
Pet(s) Age: 5
Pet(s) Breed: Golden Retriever
How did you first get your pet? After my family’s childhood dog, Fenway, passed away we started talking about getting a new puppy during COVID (as many did during COVID). One day we went to an outdoor ski shop in New Hampshire and we met the sweetest Golden Retriever named Gunner. We talked to the owner about Gunner, and where they found him from. His friendly disposition convinced my mother, who was deeply opposed to shedding dogs, to put our family on the waiting list for a Golden Retriever. About 4 months later we picked up Wilson from a family home in the mountains of Jackson, New Hampshire.
What made you choose their name? Choosing Wilson was a tad contentious in my family. There are six members of our family and we decided that the name choice must be unanimous. That was not the case, even after bringing Wilson home. Half of my family wanted to name him Wally (like the Green Monster) as a way to remember our old dog Fenway. However, some of us were strongly opposed to Wally because it did not seem to fit. After two hours of sitting down and discussing, my sister added the name Wilson into the mix. We grew up going to a place named Wilson Farms in Lexington, Massachusetts. Every fall we would pick out pumpkins and get apple cider donuts there. Also, Wilson Farms arguably has the best chocolate milk in the world (or at least in Massachusetts). We decided that the name Wilson just felt right and was fitting for the glimpses of his personality we began observing that day.
Does your pet have any nicknames? Too many to count, and many that do not make sense. Some notable ones: Wilsy Bear, Lil Wil, muffin, mr. man
How long have you had your pet? Since he was eight weeks old.
How do you stay connected to your pet while you are at school? I FaceTime him several times a week. I make my mom screen mirror our call on the TV so he can see me.
What is the first thing you do when you see your pet after being away for a while? We have a very specific routine. I always call someone who is home to open the front door. It has to be the front door so he can see our car pull up. He starts freaking out in excitement the second he realizes who it is. This is where he panic grabs a toy or the nearest object because he has to have something in his mouth to show us. One time he was so excited and could not find a close enough toy so he instead held the TV remote in his mouth. Once we come inside he practically hurls his entire body weight at you and wants pets. However, his favorite thing is to have us chase him around with his toy. Eventually he calms down and will stay by my side the entire day.
If your pet could come to campus for a day, what would you want to do together? I would take him to Starbucks/Steinbucks in the morning to get him a pup cup (he loves whip cream). Then we would walk around campus for a bit and he would obviously come to all my classes. All my friends would meet us at Croads for lunch and play with him on the Hoval with a stick. Tomo and Toshi would also obviously be there so he would have friends to play with. I think I would take him to Kimball for dinner. I’d give him some chicken, carrots, and whip cream for dessert.
How would you describe your pet’s personality in three words? Perfect, angel, gentle
Does your pet have any favorite toys or foods? Wilson loves his stuffed lamb toy. He always holds it in his mouth and is very careful with it. Although socks are not a toy, he is obsessed with them. Sometimes when I am laying on the couch, he will jump up to take my socks off my feet. He loves when we chase him because he knows he is not supposed to have the socks. Like I previously said, Wilson loves whip cream. If I say, “do you want a pup cup?” he knows exactly what that means and will grab his leash himself and excitedly wait by the door.
What is your favorite memory or moment with them? I think my favorite Wilson memories or moments are when I have been sick, sad, or just having a bad day and he will not leave my side. No matter who is home or what is going on in the house he will just lay with me until I am feeling better. I think that’s a testament to not only how smart he is but also how loving and affectionate he is. It’s almost like he knows that his presence alone makes me feel better and I think that is so special.
What is the most chaotic thing your pet has done? Accidently shoplifted before from the petstore. He took a bone but they ended up letting him keep it for free.
How has your pet impacted you as a person? How has having a dog changed and improved your life? To answer both, Wilson has made such a positive impact on my life. He is such a gentle soul who literally can do no wrong. He constantly reminds me on my worst days that he loves me always and that is truly such a special bond. Anyone who knows me knows Wilson. I am convinced Golden Retrievers are just giant sized puppies forever because they are constantly the happiest/ well-tempered dogs. Wilson has brought nothing but happiness and joy into my life every day. I also feel like he brought my family closer together and we feel so lucky to have him as our dog.
If your pet could speak English what would they say? If Wilson could speak English, I think he would ask us to chase him, or get him more whip cream.
Featured image courtesy of Tucker Scott ’26
Copy edited by Lily Wasmund ’28
Leave a Reply