As summer comes closer and closer to a close, many of us are contemplating the details of the upcoming school year. What to bring, how to budget, and for some, how to manage the demands of life while being a full-time parent to a furry little fiend. To those of you psychotic enough to bring your pet to college, here's five inevitable occurrences you'll be faced with.
1. Your dog will become like an actual baby
Some of you might feel like this is already the case for you, and perhaps to an extent it is. However, being primary caregiver to your little pup will be a completely different ballgame. You'll be responsible for feeding them, bathing them, and helping them fall asleep. If they're small enough, don't be surprised when you find yourself cradling them like a baby and singing a lullaby. This is all part of the "nesting" stage.
2. You'll bombard the world with pictures
To your friends, to your family, or perhaps even random strangers on the Harrisonburg shuttle. When you have a charming dog you are hellbent on sharing that beauty with the world, and rightfully so. Amongst photos of the babies in your friends' lives, you'll have a way cuter baby on display.
3. The dog will have an accident... in your room
Which admittedly is better than the living room or bathroom, for the sake of having a harmonious relationship with your roommates. But yes, this will happen and it will all but make your head explode. Even if your dog has been housebroken for years, some combination of a new environment, stress, and perhaps a little-too-long absence from you will result in such an occurrence. Be sure to always have some product for it on hand, and try not to go too berserk when you come home or wake up to the sight.
4. You'll have to ask your roommates for help once or twice
If you're the pet parent, they're the pet nannies of sorts. However, it's best for everyone if they remain as part-time as possible. When things come up, you'll have to ask your roommate a favor, as it's in the best interest of your pet and likely your entire house. Hopefully your roommates already like the dog and are willing to help. Still, try to avoid being the person that constantly needs help, because the animal is always first and foremost the responsibility of the person who brought it. Failure to acknowledge that fact could lead to a tremendous amount of conflict.
5. You'll cancel plans just to spend time with them
Turns out Netflix with your dog can be more fun than Chipotle with friends after a long and stressful week. Plus, vet bills are very expensive, so you might find yourself cutting back whether you want to or not. Either way, it'll be worth it when you get to cuddle up with your dog every night, and know that you wouldn't trade the little shed machine for anything.
