THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA DECEMBER 10, 1999

UVic goes to the dogs, or is it vice-versa?

A new society has been formed in response to people who don’t leave their canine best friends at home while they work or go to classes. The UVic Society of Dog Owners (SODO) received club status from the UVSS in November. “There are a lot of dogs at the university, along with some negative attitudes to them being here,” says Pauliina Saarinen, SODO spokesperson and a linguistics student. “It’s an issue that has to be dealt with. We have to be organized.” The society’s initial 18 members are dog-owning faculty and students who are concerned about dogs wandering in traffic, being a nuisance, causing dog fights, injuring people, or suffering in the wet, cold weather. The club was formed by graduate student Louise Wilson to protect the well-being of dogs and dog-owners, lobby for dog-friendly facilities, and educate dog owners and non-dog owners on the treatment of dogs. “If people must bring their dogs to campus there is a responsible way of doing it,” says Saorinen. Possible SODO projects include a sheltered place where pets can wait for their owners, “doggy-sitting” facilities, group walks, dog-training workshops, and “poop-bag” dispensers. Saarinen expects more ideas to come out of the club’s first meeting on Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. in the SUB upper lounge. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Saorinen at 370-2971 or pauliina@uvic.ca.

Saarinen and her two Bedlington terriers, Sonata and Essi. Valerie Shore photo

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