President Lynne Murray and her husband Jeff hold great trust in the students on campus. The trust runs so deep as to allow some students the opportunity to take care of the Murrays’ two purebred standard poodles.

The poodles go by the names of Kassie and Lucca. They also are siblings, born into the same litter on Sept. 16, 2008. Today they can often be seen strolling around the campus, sometimes with a student or two at their side.

Jeff Murray said that upon arriving at Baker in 2014, he and his wife soon realized that because of their schedules, they would need assistance with the dogs.

“Probably the best aspect about being dog owners in Baldwin City is the friendliness of the people who live here and the students,” Murray said. “Kassie and Luke love people.”

Many students on campus enjoy seeing the Murrays’ dogs on campus. Junior Madeline McCrary has the opportunity to work even more closely with Kassie and Lucca. McCrary often walks the dogs around campus and said she enjoys those relaxing moments.

It is often said that dogs and owners share similar personality traits. McCrary said this is definitely the case with the Murray family.

“I definitely see many similarities in the dogs’ personalities compared to Mr. and Mrs. Murray,” McCrary said. “This includes the way they present themselves. They always maintain good posture and are groomed well.”

Anyone who has ever come in contact with the human Murrays would find that they are very social beings. The same can probably be said about their canine companions.

Former Baker student and presidential-poodle walker Madison Dispensa said that Kassie and Lucca are incredibly friendly and outgoing animals.

“They would go up to anyone and everyone,” Dispensa said. “It seemed as if they truly fit in with the Baker community.”

Similarly, Jeff Murray believes that Baldwin City and Baker University are the perfect place for his whole family to call home.

“Like everybody else with their own, we love our dogs,” he said. “We really are blessed to be at Baker and in Baldwin where there are so many animal lovers. They have embraced it and love being here.”

He also encourages students, faculty and community members to introduce themselves to Kassie and Lucca on campus.

“They are really people oriented,” he said. “If you ever see them on campus, don’t be afraid to come pet them.“