I know a lot of you are probably thinking, “That is a terrible idea! That is so much responsibility. Why would someone do that to themselves in college?”. Well trust me, I thought the exact same way, until about a month ago. See, I knew tons of friends who had dogs in college and it just seemed like a hassle, and I told myself I will never get a dog while in college, ever! Well that quickly changed when I met the perfect little miniature long haired dachshund princess that I now call Gertie.
1. You always have a pal to hang out with
One of the best things about having a furry friend is you’re never alone. You always have someone by your side that you cant count on, and talk to and all they do is listen and they have no choice. When you no longer can bare the company of other people, having a dog by your side is the perfect companion for your personal down time away from other people.
2. It teaches you responsibility at a young age
What I didn’t understand, but do now, is that having a dog in college is a responsibility but if you can commit to you’re furry friend as much as they commit to you, the responsibilities don’t even bother you and fall into your normal routine. You do have to feed them, walk them, take them out to potty, pick up after them, and make sure to have someone to watch them while you’re gone. But it is rewarding when you know that you not only can take care of yourself but can provide a life for something else.
3. They keep you on schedule.
Oddly enough, they keep you organized, on time and on schedule. Although it may not always seem convenient, the fact that they need to go potty early in the morning or you have to go home at a decent hour to feed them, keeps you on track and helps you stay on track with other things in life.
4. They teach you how to care about something other than yourself
Selflessness. This is a big one. Having a furry friend has given me the opportunity to grow out of the “me me me all about me” world, and brought me to a point in life where I care about something else more than myself. I has also reflected on how I treat other people and help them as well. I believe overall, this is a good lesson to learn early in college.
5. They provide unconditional love
No matter how bad of a mood you’re in, if they accidentally peed on your brand new white comforter, or wont get out of under you and you accidentally step, or if they knock over the trash can while you’re gone and you get mad at them. Not even more than a second later they are licking you in the face and apologizing for what they have done and you are doing the same. You can always count on their love. They will always look up to you as their care taker and no matter how many times you yell at them they will still be right by your side loving you like nothing else.
6. You now have someone to take care of you
Not only are you taking care of them, but they take care of you. Animals have a great since of emotion. They know when your sick, upset, crying, sad or just plain depressed and they are always there to comfort you and give you all the kisses in the world.
7. If you and your partner get one together it brings you closer together, and adds a new dynamic to the relationship
In my case, my boyfriend of three years and I got our dog together and it is one of the best decisions for our relationship. Gertie brings us together when we’re upset with each other and gives us new challenges to tackle together. It was a great way to spice up our relationship and I don’t regret it at all. It also provides perspective for the future of how we would work together if we did have a child, because in many ways having a dog is like having a child.
8. They relive stress, rather than cause stress
I always thought that having a dog, especially in college would be so much stress. But regardless of the responsibilities, my little doggie relieves my stress like nothing else. When I am having the most stressful day nothing relaxes me more than running around the house with my little friend and petting her as much as I want!! She is a light at the end of a dark tunnel and often brings me out of those days that seem like they have no hope.
9. They make you exercise, at least a little bit...
It is good for a dog to have both play time and exercise everyday, and both of those things can actually give you quite a sweat! You have to walk them everyday, so that in itself is getting you outdoors and on the move if you normally do not. Its a great feeling and you now know you have to do it.
10. You always have something to bring up in conversation and they provide entertainment for the awkward guests at the party that aren’t quite ready to mingle with humans yet.
This one is pretty self explanatory. Pets are an awesome way to get the party going!
So if you’re having your doubts about getting a dog in college, or starting to think about getting one, I say if you are able to provide the time and dedication needed to take care of a furry friend, DO IT! It is so rewarding and a great experience! (P.S. I am a HUGE cat lover as well, but honestly we all know they just do whatever they want and having a doggie is way more fun and responsive)
