Titus, an 18-week-old German Shepherd, is the new dog at Catholic High School for Boys. Within days of arriving from a breeder in Houston, Titus already knew his Biblical name and began following around new owner Brother Richard Sanker, the school’s counselor. (Aprille Hanson photo)

Zeke, the school’s 13-year-old German Shepherd, had to be put to sleep in May after suffering from old age. A special plaque in front of the school marks where he is buried.

Titus enjoys lunchtime with students, happily taking on the role of “clean-up crew” looking for scraps. Pictured are seniors Duncan Diaz (left), Joseph Enderlin, Jack Storey and Seth Parham. (Aprille Hanson photo)

Even though Titus is calm-natured, he still has his puppy moments, like pulling the leaves off of a bush. (Aprille Hanson photo)

The school has a long tradition of dogs on campus that act as unofficial therapy dogs to provide comfort and companionship for students. Pictured are juniors Blake Schulterman (left), Payne Hill, Conor Rutelonis, Harry Cummins and Alex Harris. (Aprille Hanson photo)

While Titus still has a lot to learn and will soon begin obedience training, Brother Richard said he is adjusting well to Catholic High. (Aprille Hanson photo)

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It’s puppy love for Brother Richard, students and new dog

After 13-year-old Zeke’s death, high school counselor finds new companion in Titus

Published: August 25, 2016

By Aprille Hanson
Associate Editor

Aprille Hanson

Brother Richard Sanker, CFP, gives a command with the promise of a treat to Titus, the new German Shepherd at Catholic High School in Little Rock. The 18-week-old pup carries on the tradition of a dog at the school.

Aprille Hanson

New Catholic High School freshman Titus has just a few things to learn — how to sit and listen, understand when to be quiet and to use the restroom outside.

He is, after all, just an 18-week old German Shepherd with some big paws to fill — and a little growing up to do.

“The second day of school I was talking to somebody in the hallway and he came running past me with somebody’s pencil case,” said Brother Richard Sanker, the school’s counselor and Titus’ new owner. “He will continue to do that, as you can see the kids leave their books on the floor (during lunch) and he’ll search.”

Titus was introduced to the students at a first-day assembly Aug. 15 as the new dog on campus. The school has a proud history of man’s best friend living at the school, with at least seven dogs trotting around campus throughout the decades. On May 23, Brother Richard said goodbye to his loyal companion Zeke, a German Shepherd that roamed the halls of the school for 13 years. During graduation week, he was put to sleep after suffering from old age.

Along with Jonah, the late Father George Tribou’s dog, Zeke was buried in front of the school, with a plaque that bears his name.

“I still miss the boy … He’s buried out there. We cremated him and,” Brother Richard said, pausing as his eyes filling with tears, still grieving “all these weeks later; 13 years and 13 days,” he added about his time with Zeke.

“Companionship and loyalty,” he said about what he misses most about Zeke, proudly showing off photos of him as a puppy from his “Zeke file.” “He was a good companion.”

As Brother Richard fondly recalled the regal nature of his late friend, Titus laid sprawled out on the hallway floor, his green frog toy not far out of reach.

“They (students) smile every time he runs down the hallway; they’re all petting him all the time,” he said. “They’ve been very good about following the instructions” which include not touching his ears as they are sensitive and still growing upward, no feeding and no teasing.

Through Mark Johnson, owner of DAR Transportation in North Little Rock who helps transport dogs being adopted in other cities and states, Brother Richard instantly fell in love with Titus after seeing a photo of him from a breeder in Houston.

When Zach McKinnon, alumnus from 2003 when Zeke first arrived, found out the school would soon look for another dog, he created a GoFundMe account online that was shared with many Catholic High alumni, raising $1,836 within four days.

“I just want to give back, I owe so much to that school,” McKinnon said, who now lives in Dallas. “It’s a very difficult school, there are very high expectations for each student. Having a dog there was very therapeutic, at least it was for me.”

Because an anonymous donor paid for Titus, nicknamed “Ti,” the GoFundMe donations will go toward food, veterinary bills and toys until it runs out. At that time, the school will take over payment for the dog’s care.

Several volunteers have already offered to help train Titus or keep up his lessons once enrolled at Little Rock Dog Training Club.

“I have a German Shepherd at my house and I trained her to walk on a leash at my side. I kind of helped with basic commands like sit, stay, come, stuff like that,” said freshman Isaac Hall, 14, who is eager to help with training. “I think it’s pretty cool to have a school dog … If I do get to help train that will be even cooler.”

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