Tahoe Jonah Johnston
Labrador, Australian Cattle Dog and German shepherd mix
Owner: Lexie Johnston, senior.
How did you and your dog meet?
I moved out of the dorms on Nov. 10, 2018, because I was wanting to get a dog to train to be a service dog. I was really sick at the time. I went to the Searcy Animal Shelter that day to “claim” him. I went to the shelter earlier in the month and I really wanted him. Luckily, he was still there. I came back the next day and adopted him. I trained him myself to become a mobility assistance dog, and now he is a trauma dog.
What is your dog’s favorite thing about Harding?
Tahoe’s favorite thing about Harding is probably the wildlife. He loves the squirrels and the birds. He also loves people who pay attention to him and pet him. But he also loves swimming in the fountain.
Does your dog have a favorite toy?
Tahoe loves bones and treat balls that dispense treats. He also plays with a tennis-ball gun that he loves.
What is your favorite thing to do with your dog?
I really enjoy exploring with Tahoe or treating him to what he wants to do. He did so much for me while I was sick and still does, so I always want to treat him for being a good boy. I like when he has puppy play dates because it makes him so happy.
Can your dog do any fun tricks?
As a service dog, Tahoe can do a lot of skill-specific tricks to help me. He can always detect if someone is having a bad day; he will go lay with them and stay next to them. Some “normal” dog tricks he can do are dancing, hugging, waving and shaking.
Do you have any funny stories about your dog?
Tahoe is very popular on campus. People will often say “Oh, that’s Tahoe!” or “Hey, Tahoe,” when I have never met that person in my life.
Does your dog have a favorite study spot on campus or place to relax?
We like to study and do homework in front of the library at tables outside or the tables outside of Starbucks. At Starbucks, people will bring him Puppuccinos.
Does your dog have a favorite Harding holiday?
His favorite holiday is his “adoptiversary day,” which should be a Harding holiday. But otherwise, he enjoys when there are extra people on campus.
