Stone Lab’s Beloved Goose Dog Newton Has Passed Away

For generations of students, researchers, staff members, and visitors, Newton was one of the most recognizable residents of Gibraltar Island.

Stone Laboratory announced on Thursday that Newton, the border collie who spent 14 years helping keep Canada geese away from campus grounds while greeting visitors to the island, has passed away.

“With heavy hearts, we wanted to share that our beloved Newton has passed,” Stone Lab shared on Facebook.

According to Stone Lab, Newton spent more than a decade serving as a hard-working member of the campus community. While his job was to help keep Canada geese away from the island, many knew him simply as a friendly face who became part of the Stone Lab experience.

The response to Stone Lab’s announcement quickly showed just how much Newton meant to people.

Former students, staff members, researchers, and visitors flooded the comments with photos, stories, and memories from their time with Newton. Many shared pictures taken during classes and field trips, while others recalled being greeted by him during their first visit to Gibraltar Island.

For many in the Put-in-Bay community, Newton became far more than a working dog. Over 14 years, he became a familiar presence on Gibraltar Island and a beloved ambassador for Stone Laboratory.

Stone Lab described Newton as a dog who brought joy to countless students and visitors throughout his years on the island.

“He was beloved by all and his place on the island will be forever missed,” the organization wrote.

Stone Lab is encouraging people to continue sharing their favorite memories and photos of Newton on its Facebook page as the community celebrates his legacy.

Good boy, Newton.

Photo courtesy of Clay Kessler / Stone Laboratory.