Walking around campus here at the University of Kentucky, you can spot an adorable service dog around every corner, so one day my roommate and I thought, "Why don't we get a dog?" As we thought about it more and more, we could not think of a reason that would make having a dog cause a negative impact on our lives. Now, we plan to rescue a dog who we will name Franco this fall, and I know it will be the best decision we could have made to make our college experiences unforgettable.
1. Rescue an abused dog from an animal shelter.
Give an innocent dog the home it deserves after a life of brutality from a violent previous owner. Teaching the dog to feel loved and to feel safe in your arms will be the most rewarding experience imaginable. Also, you will be saving a life the day you rescue your new dog, which is miraculously selfless.
2. You will have the cutest support system possible during finals week.
When you are pulling your hair out at the stress of finals, your dog will be there by your side to support you on your quest for an A. Looking over at your fur ball will remind you that no matter what happens after the horrific tests that are to come your way, you will have a furry friend to come home to either cry or celebrate with once you learn your grade.
3. Become one with the outdoors.
Since you’ll have a dog, it will need to go for walks and get some exercise outside of your house or apartment. Therefore, you can always use your dog as an excuse to go for leisurely strolls outside or take your dog to run around and play fetch at the park. It will be relaxing and you could also get a great tan.
4. Dog owners always have the most friends.
While taking your dog for a walk anywhere around or on campus, people will come up to you and ask to meet your adorable bundle of fur. In these moments, get to know the other dog lovers and make some great friends.
5. Enjoy a healthy dose of added responsibility.
Your parents will love to see you grow up and become a parent in training for the future. The dog’s afternoon walk will become more important than catching up on your Netflix shows. Having a dog is the next step after moving out of your parent’s house to experiencing the amazing terror of adulthood. It is amazing how much a person grows when they move out and become so much more independent, so how much will you grow when someone becomes dependent on you?
6. Add a cute new mascot to the tailgating squad!
Every game day you can dress up your dog in a dog jersey with your college’s logo on it. All of your friends will love how cute it is while it helps you all cheer on your team. Plus, a dog in a cute jersey will certainly spice up your game day Instagram picture.
7. Diversify yourself by integrating into the dog owner community.
You will surely run into the same people at the pet store, the groomers, the dog park or simply passing by while walking your dogs on the same route each day. Meet these dog owners, as they will be able to appreciate the same experiences you have encountered with your own dog. This is also a great way to meet people that you can call for help in a time where your dog is sick or perhaps you need a last minute dog sitter. There is a sense of community around every corner.
8. Claim the perfect party trick.
When you go out to parties, start your conversations with, “I have a dog.” This will lead people to instantly love you as much as they love the guy who will always win at beer pong. Dogs are often a reminder of home for college students or at the very least, a reminder that such adorable balls of fur exist in the world, so stating that you are a dog owner will never steer you wrong.
9. Every dog is a guard dog.
Never fear the creepy noises coming from outside your door again. Your dog will be there to protect you as you are its owner and it will do anything to protect the alpha of the pack. Even if your dog is tiny and clearly full of love, so it is not very intimidating, the chance of the trespasser dying of cuteness once they see your dog is incredibly likely.
10. Your dog will kill any selfish teenage attitude.
As you grasp a greater sense of responsibility from making this dog a part of your family, it will likely replace your youthful immaturity. Having a dog that will do nothing but care about your wellbeing above its own can only force you to reflect on your own behavior. You will begin to put others before yourself involuntarily like your dog does off of instinct. In the long run, the best thing that you could ever do for your college self is rescue a dog because it will better your life, guaranteed.
