Let’s face it, even though most of us thought we knew how college would be, it was still mostly a shock. You’re living with people you have probably never met before, seeing new faces around every corner and having entirely new experiences. While classes and homework fill a lot of time and going out to Stephenville’s one dance hall adds a little spice to small-town life, things can get lonely after your work is done and you’re in your room again. If you’re anything like me, then making friends everywhere you go is easier said than done and being far from home means missing family and friends. One thing that most students do to fight off the newfound problems and changes of school far from home is get a puppy.
1. Combating loneliness:
For many Tarleton students, Stephenville is not our hometown. No matter where we traveled from to end up here though, we all share one thing: We each left our family and friends for school. Of all the new relationships and friendships a new town and school can offer, the one that will never falter is that of a puppy. A dog will love you whether you're doing schoolwork or putting off studying.
2. Emotional support:
College isn’t easy. Tests are stressful, studying is exhausting and bad grades can make anyone cry. A dog doesn’t ask questions or judge your tears, but it will lay its fluffy head on your lap and let you hold it until you feel better. Cuddling and petting a dog or cat is a proven way to beat the blues that higher education brings now and then.
3. Leaving your room:
Lucky for all of us homebodies, our bathrooms are located safely indoors and away from any bugs or sunshine. Puppies, however, need to go outside every few hours to sniff every blade of grass from here to Hico. I get into the bad habit of never leaving my room unless it’s for food or class. The need of a dog to use the bathroom helps all college kids get out of the house for some fresh air and sun every day.
4. Fast friends:
How many times have you walked up to somebody just to pet the puppy they were showing off? I, personally, will cross the street and push through a crowd to see a cute dog. Dogs are a major conversation starter. Not that dogs are the answer to not having friends, but they definitely can’t hurt your chances.
5. Getting up:
College is not at all like high school. We make our own schedules and most of the time that involves not having classes until after noon. With a dog, you can guarantee it won’t let you sleep in or stay in bed. If a puppy wants to play, that little ball of happy and fur will wake you up and get you out of bed. Staying in bed until the afternoon isn’t possible with a dog. After being forced out of bed, it’s not that much harder to use the rest of the tired college kid energy to make some coffee and get stuff done.
6. The laughs:
Dogs have no shortage of personality. Especially as puppies, dogs are little jokesters. Whether they’re chasing their tails, throwing a toy around, or licking peanut butter from the roof of their mouths, dogs are almost always happy and ready to play, and as such, they are constantly prepared to be super cute. Laughter is said to be the best medicine, so why not have laughter and a puppy?
