It's always a joy to leave after classes on a Friday and be home for a well-deserved leave from campus; to sleep in your own bed, have home-cooked meals, surrounded by family, and the best part of the drive home is your beloved pets.
I have never owned an animal other than fish and birds. Yes, I am that person. Over the last few months of school, my friends bought beta fish, as added company, and I too say I have never been so happy to spend so much money on an aquatic, always sleeping, nonverbal pet. Regardless of what creature our pet is, we miss them when we have to leave, so why not bring them with us to school?
1. Calming
An animal’s presence is soothing and enticing. Whether you have a dog, cat, gerbil, or even fish, it’s always nice to watch them play with a toy or swim around their bowl. Helps calm nerves and any anxiety with their gentle nature.
2. A good distraction
We all need a distraction every now and then. Pets are the best source of entertainment.
3. Company
Some students may not have a roommate, and while there are many plus sides to that, it will get lonely. Having a pet makes being by yourself less boring and exciting. When you come back from class at the end of the day, instead of no one greeting you, you could have the never-ending love of your animal thrown at you upon arrival.
4. Protection
While my parakeet seems nice, if it ever came down to a burglar trying to burglarize and I let him out to attack the assailant, he would probably attack me. I am a loving owner, but he doesn’t like me. If you were walking around campus with your animal, you would have extra protection.
5. Learn responsibility
We are adults, so we should know how to take care of an animal. Keeping the animal happy and healthy can teach responsibility and respect.
6. Respect animals
A newfound appreciation for their animals: instead of leaving them at home where they are cared for by many family members, you will have to care for your animal by yourself. You'll learn respect for your animal quickly.
7. Responsible for something other than yourself
To feed, care, and love something other than yourself, your animals needs will come before your own needs.
8. Create friendships with other people
You take an animal to an event and everyone will go. Once people on your hall find out your pet is there, a flood of people will be at the door to see and play with your pet. Before you know it your pet is beyond spoiled and trilled by all the attention, with an extra bonus for you, friendship.
9. Help you to stay organized
Learn how to make a schedule; if you are in class for a long period of time or have work, you can’t let your pet out to use the bathroom, feed them, or love on ‘em. You’ll have to make a plan for your roommate or another person to watch them for you. Their environment has to be clean, so you’ll have to be organized or some things might go missing or torn up.
10. A piece of home
Not much needs to be said of needing something that represents home, especially if you go out of state.
Bringing your pet with you from home would be an adjustment for you and your pet, but as long as they have you, they'll be happy no matter where they are. Pets should be allowed to stay with us on campus!
