Mr. Eric Emerson, Upper School Debate Coach, is known for his unconventional teaching styles, but his students’ favorites are his pets. Priscilla and Dodger are Australian Shepherds from the South Texas Aussie rescue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Kinkaid debate team competed virtually, Mr. Emerson often brought Priscilla and Dodger to school, and they were quite popular with the students.

“It was a lot of fun to play with the dogs in between rounds. It was a great break where everyone could take their minds off debate for a minute and just chill, and they’re so cute!” said zophomore and debate team member Kaveen Shah.

Mr. Emerson emphasizes the importance of in-person interaction during this age of screens. Playing with pets has been proven to have mental health benefits such as reducing cortisol and increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

“The dogs are great for reducing stress and the kids just loved having them around as a break from the intensity of debate tournaments,” said Mr. Emerson.

Priscilla and Dodger also helped bond the team members. According to Mr. Emerson, having the dogs around created a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, which allowed the team to connect with each other in a more informal setting. This bonding experience translated into a stronger team dynamic and ultimately better performance during debates.

Chihuahua Craze

When you walk into Ms. Vanessa Zamudio-Lara, Upper School Spanish teacher’s, classroom, it’s immediately apparent how much she loves her pets. Ms. Zamudio-Lara, or Profe, as her students call her, currently has four chihuahuas, and a cat named Dalí.

Profe described Bailey as a perpetual puppy. Although she’s almost 10, she’s still always energetic and ready to play. But despite her playful personality, Bailey doesn’t always get along with others.

“She is the sweetest dog, but she’s un poca gordita, so she’s always searching for food, especially Dalí’s. Every day I put his tuna fish in a dish up on his special chair so he can eat it, but he is a little bit dummy, so he always brings it down. That is not so smart because Bailey is always there to snatch it.”

Holly Santita, her daughter, has a special connection with Profe.

“I believe that in a previous life, I was just like her, and that’s why we get along so well. We’re both tiny but mighty, and although she’s only five and a half pounds, she thinks she is a wolf. She’s the most protective lap dog, so once she sits on your lap, she owns you. If you need to move, you have to ask her permission.”

Raining Cats and Dogs

Mrs. Jessica Hawkes, Upper School English teacher, has two pets that are sure to steal your heart. Moose, a Boykin Spaniel, and Ralph, a black kitten, are known for their adorable antics and loving personalities.

Moose, or Moosifer, as Mrs. Hawkes calls him, is a bundle of energy who loves everyone.

“He’s an idiot, and I say that lovingly,” said Mrs. Hawkes.

Despite his playful nature, he’s joining agility classes to give him a job.

Ralph is a typical cat.

“One minute he’s loving and sweet and the next minute he’s trying to claw your arm off,” said Mrs. Hawkes

Ralph was found under the hood of Mrs. Hawkes’ husband’s car during the freeze in Houston. Ralph and Moose have become best friends and love making chaos. They enjoy cuddling and playing chase, but Moose is often unamused by Ralph’s antics.