Drury University is home to a vast student body that are intriguing, ambitious, individualistic and a delight to know. To showcase these varying personalities, the Mirror has created Panther Profiles, an outlet to showcase those within the campus and to share their memories and experiences at Drury University.

The Mirror has chosen to highlight two paws-itively amazing dogs that are well-known on campus. These two dogs are Sunflower, Mick Sokol’s dog, and Lottie, the dog of President Cloyd and his wife. Both of these dogs are beloved on Drury’s campus and are showcased in this edition of Panther Profiles.

First is Sunflower who is owned by Dr. Mick Sokol. Dr. Sokol answered questions concerning Sunflower in an interview, giving an insight into his adored pup.

The illustrious Sunflower. Photo by Sam Walter.

Can you tell me the story of how you found/got Sunflower?

“Sunflower was a rescue dog. I adopted her from the CARE shelter on Sunshine in May of 2012. She was about 6 months old at the time.”

What kind of dog is Sunflower?

“Sunflower is a mixture of beagle, maybe some husky, and something yellow like a yellow lab. She may have other breeds in her as well – she’s a true mutt.”

Can you tell me a story or time that showcases the kind of amazing dog Sunflower is?

“Sunflower has appeared in two short films and was featured in a story for the local news. Oddly, she has never appeared on stage (yet). She is extremely calm and well behaved, so she could probably handle the situation, but she would probably get bored if she had to sit backstage all night long.”

Is there anything you would like to add?

“Sunflower loves Drury students! When a student is having a bad day, they will drop by the office and pet Sunflower for a while. The students refer to this as “puppy therapy”.”

The next recognizable dog on campus is Lottie, who is owned by Wendy and Tim Cloyd at the President’s house on campus. Wendy Cloyd had this to say when asked about her dog.

The famous Lottie. Photo by Sam Walter.

Can you tell me the story of how you found/got Lottie?

“Tim had worked and hunted with dogs in Texas and New Mexico and he loved the breed – Small Munsterlander. We found a place here in MO that raised this breed – Mustain Kennels. A current Drury student lives in the city near the Mustain farm. We went up there to see the puppies. I immediately saw Lottie lying on her back sleeping in the corner. I picked her up and we fell in love! We brought her home that day!”

How old is Lottie and how long have you had her? And what kind of dog is Lottie?

Lottie was born on May 21, 2019. We got her 8 weeks later. Lottie’s real name is Mustain Nell (Charlotte) “Lottie” von Ronko. Lottie’s breed is willful, stubborn, but gentle, kind, shy, non aggressive and loving – she loves attention and she is very smart – she loves to stare at me for an unusual amount of time like she wants to say something.

Can you tell me a story or time that showcases the kind of amazing dog Lottie is?

She is also a natural protector and hunter – by 12 weeks she was running around the yard stalking and pointing at any animal. More than once Lottie has caught a possum at night and she loves to run around the yard with it holding it gently in her mouth until all of the sudden she drops it to come inside then she goes back out to look for the possum and looks at us so puzzled that the possum has of course run off.

Is there any extra information you would like to include?

Please thank all of our wonderful students and the grounds, security, and facilities folks for loving her, spoiling her and helping us chase her down when she gets out of the fence.

Both dogs are loved by their owners and any Drury students, facility and staff they encounter. The Mirror would like to thank Dr. Sokol, Wendy Cloyd, and of course, Sunflower and Lottie for spreading their joy around Drury University’s campus.

Article by Gabriella Wuller