Just this past week, while walking across my college campus, I noticed two puppies enjoying the school's greenery with their owner. Beyond that, several students surrounded the puppies with smiles lighting up each of their faces from the joy of getting to pet and play with such cute canines. I am a major dog lover myself, so I couldn't help but walk up and get my own dose of doggie love. Then the idea struck me - a program should be created where college campuses use extra funding that they have available to adopt/rescue some dogs and puppies from shelters and humane societies.
Here's why a program like this could work:
1. Most colleges and universities in the United States are rather wealthy institutions.They have and receive tons of funding throughout the year, and typically have leftover funds available to them for usage of their choice.Thus, these schools could use their additional funds to put towards a program that is likely to be widely received by college students and faculty alike. Colleges are always looking for more programs and services to implement anyways, so why not add a perk that benefits a multitude of parties?
2. It's evident that many animal shelters and humane societies across the country are burdened with more animals to care for than they can manage. There are more puppies and dogs especially that are in need of a good, long-term home. Think of the impact that a program like this could have if campuses across the nation adopted the surplus of dogs? And what better home could there be than one with thousands of young people looking for some canine cuddles?
3. College is notably one of the most stressful times in a person's life - any current student or graduate would agree. Dogs, like most other pet animals, are known for their stress-relieving and therapeutic qualities. Studies have shown that even just petting a dog consistently can increase a person's life span. Dogs are also the kind of animals that are typically always happy to see people. Puppies in particular can make anyone light up with joy. Imagine what a few canines on every campus could do for all the stressed-out students that spend the majority of their time on site.
4. The vast majority of college students are young adults who are living far away from their home and often times their own dog, too. Everyone misses their dog when they're away for an extended period of time. Therefore, students are would likely feel happier and more at home if they had fury friends to visit all the time while at school.
These are just a few of many reasons why a campus canine program would be a great idea to implement in colleges.
Here's how a program like this could work:
- The first step would be getting basic credentials figured out and then having a program approved by the college or university.
- Approved schools could then reach out and make connections with their local humane societies and animal shelters to find the right dogs to adopt or rescue.
- A designated dog area would be set up on campus. Dogs would have the option of an indoor enclosure for shelter and then a large enough outdoor pen where students could enter to pet and play with them whenever they want.
- A qualified staff member or student could be in charge of overseeing the care of the dogs, but students and faculty could sign up and volunteer to walk the dogs around campus every day.
- For breaks and holidays, approved students could opt to take the dogs home over break and care for them, or remain onsite and do so.
Ultimately, I think that a campus canines program is the perfect solution for the countless amount of puppies and dogs in need of a home, as well as the unending amount of students looking for a fury friend to love. Some schools already have a similar program in place, but I think we could make a larger, nation-wide impact. Wouldn't you love to walk by and visit some friendly canines on your way to class?
