I’ve heard many of my colleagues in the world of higher ed bemoan the end of summer and the return to the classroom. For the most part, I can’t relate. I LOVE teaching. I LIVE for interacting with my students and being in the atmosphere of learning and discovery. While I hate trading in my cargo shorts and t-shirts for long pants and ties, it’s a small cover charge to get to be a part of my profession. The only part I dread is the day my dog realizes that summer is over. Yesterday was that day. My steady companion Willis is an 8-year-old Jack Russell who has seldom left my side since he showed up unannounced in 2017 as a rescue. He is 10lbs of absolute sass and attitude who has been a fixture in most parts of my home life. I refer to him as a co-worker (he shares my recliner during most of my work-from-home endeavors), and his duties have ranged from being a teaching assistant during the early days of COVID to being a research consultant, inclusive of earning a spot in the fo...