By Ethan Shea

Lake Pocotopaug in Ethan’s hometown of East Hampton, CT

Dear Falvey Patrons,

After midterms week, this Cat in the Stax is dog-tired. I’m sure plenty of you are too, so I hope you’re having a restful Fall Break.

I’m writing this blog from my parent’s home in Connecticut, where I’ll be spending the week. It feels great to return home and see your family for the first time in a while, but if we’re being honest, it feels even better to be greeted by your dogs.

Ethan’s Dogs, Lola and Ted

While I’m away, there are a million and one ways to keep in touch with my human family members.  I can text them, call them, DM them on Instagram, FaceTime them, send them a letter, an email, or even a package in the mail. On the other hand, my dogs are unable to communicate with me when I’m away, as a lack of dexterous digits prevents my pets from responding to my instant messages.

I’m happy to enjoy some repose and sleep like a dog if you will, but as you know, even during break there’s work to be done. Luckily, even when you’re away from the stacks, Falvey Library is just a click away.

I know I’ll be doing some research during break, and having access to a plethora of online material is a life-saver. There are hundreds of well-known databases, such as JSTOR and Project Muse, in addition to way more online books than anyone could read in a week. Not to mention the ability to live chat with librarians at a moment’s notice.

It’s odd that I’m just now noticing the irony in me being a thoroughgoing dog person while also being the Cat in the Stax. What strange double lives we lead…

Anyways, I hope that maybe, for just this week, cats and dogs can get along while I visit my canine companions.

Sincerely,

Falvey’s Cat in the Stax

Ethan Shea is a graduate student in the English Department at Villanova University and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Memorial Library.