Video: Meet Tom the Dog, Canine Stressbuster

MIDDLEBURY, VT. – Tom, the dog—a very good boy most often seen chasing squirrels or hanging around Kitchel House—did his part to ease final-exam stress this week. On Wednesday afternoon, the fluffy goldendoodle showed up at Davis Family Library atrium to meet and greet dozens of students on their way to study. In typical style, Tom calmly listened and nuzzled, generating countless smiles.

Tom, who belongs to Middlebury Magazine editor Matt Jennings, is a popular figure around campus, frequently charming students outside of Wilson Café during his morning walk to the library.

Many people enjoy his athletic, if futile, aerobatics in pursuit of campus squirrels. On this busy finals week, students seemed especially grateful for a few minutes with Tom. “This is a great stressbuster,” said one, burying her hands in Tom’s white fleece before moving on to the stacks.