A Pup’s Ponderings

Marbry, the beloved black Lab, has spent the last year at Washington College training as a service dog. He recently graduated from the Fetching Freedom program, a student-run service dog training club where puppies learn basic obedience and skills, such as settling in crowded places. Next, Marbry will go to a low-security prison to learn more complex skills, like opening a refrigerator door, before going on to work with an advanced trainer.

We sat down with Marbry ahead of his next chapter to discuss his experiences. Having already given an interview with U.S. News & World Report for a story on service dogs on college campuses, Marbry was well positioned to share his unique perspective on life as a canine student, his favorite campus haunts, and his aspirations for the future.

“Woof! Let me tell you, this past year at Washington College has been quite the adventure. I can still recall my first day here. I was overwhelmed, to be honest. So many leaves! I’d never seen so many leaves in my life.

I was just eight weeks old, and this place was a whole new world to sniff out. And the smells, scents, odors, stinks, and fragrances! The dining hall, oh boy, the dining hall. I tried my best to resist the delicious aromas wafting through the air (I’m not allowed table food), but sometimes… well, let’s just say a rogue potato or two might have found its way into my mouth.

My days here at Washington were a whirlwind of sensations and learning experiences. Depending on which handler I was spending the day with, I’d wake up in one of the dorms—usually a Western Shore dorm or Chester Hall. Then, it was time for my morning walk and a stop at the Java George coffee kiosk, followed by a delicious breakfast and the exciting prospect of work! I’d get all geared up in my vest, and we’d head out across campus.

Classes were… interesting. I attended a ton of them with my handlers, Erin Helgerman ’26, Skylar Fairbee ’26, and Margaret Quinn ’27. My favorite classes, to be honest, were any of the sciences. (My handlers go to so many different kinds!) I’ve been to loads of chemistry and biology classes, and they are very interesting and soothing—great for power naps. I have been told that occasionally, I snore in class, but it makes the professors laugh, so all is well.

Speaking of naps, daily human and weekly puppy classes can be exhausting, so I definitely recommend the library study rooms for anyone needing some midday shut-eye. The comfy carpets and the hushed whispers of students studying are the perfect combination for a snooze.

Naps and odors aside, my favorite thing about Washington’s campus is all the places to have a good run! The open area by the softball field was my favorite. The wind in my fur, the feel of the grass beneath my paws… pure bliss! I’d chase my ball, practice my recalls, and defend the students from the army of squirrels who seem to think they own the place. Sometimes, people would try to pet me as I made my way around, but my students would thank them for trying to love me and remind them that I was actually here to work (just like them!).

I’ve come a long way these past few months. When I was little and first started going to classes, I was taken to the John S. Toll Science Center. The stairs there have a really weird texture, and I was scared to walk up them. But my handler worked with me, and now I can go up or down them easily. I feel like I’ve grown emotionally and intellectually here. From being a cautious little puppy I’ve become the best dog I can be.

I will miss Washington—the smells, the leaves, the cheery students in the mornings, the professors’ voices lulling me to sleep, and the photoshoot in front of George’s bust outside Hodson. And did I mention how much I’ll miss the dining hall? My only regret is not being able to see the ghost who always says “Wait!” to me before I can cross Washington Ave. when we’re going and coming from Minta. I do wish that guy well, though. 

I’ve learned so much here about how to function in a world of people. I’ve made some amazing friends (human and canine) and even made peace with those squirrels.

Now, I’m moving on to the next phase of my training. I’ll be heading to a prison program, where I’ll learn to be even calmer and more focused. It’s going to be challenging, but I’m ready. Washington College has prepared me well, and I can’t wait to meet my future partner and make a real difference in their life.”