Whether you enjoy the sloppy, wet lick of a puppy or the soft, gentle "purr" of a kitten, animals offer a different kind of comfort and love than humans. Somehow, moments of quality time spent with an animal can temporarily silence all of your personal life struggles. This is why bi-weekly trips to the Humane Society in Greenville have kept my sanity afloat during college.
Enter in. Two college students with a common love for puppies. Two doors separate the students from the "gateway to heaven." Beyond the "pearly gates" of the Humane Society entrance, there are the angelic songs of barking and banter. To the left, is the "choir" of puppies yapping and play-fighting in their kennels while others are held like babies in people's arms. Some puppies are play-fighting in their kennels while others and soundly sleeping in the arms of hopeful adopters.
Next up. Holding rooms. No, I'm not referring to "purgatory," but I am talking about the opportunity to pick the puppy for whom you want to spoil with love for the next 30 minutes. This room has the power to eradicate all previous life stressors and pressures for a short duration. If you were sad up to this point, your sadness will not longer linger. While staring into the puppy's eyes while its tail is gleefully wagging, you will realize that life as a dog seems like a viable option(maybe if you're reincarnated). Also, this is the time to reassure yourself that you DO NOT have the funds necessary to adopt. This is also the time where you recant your previous stance of being a poor college student who will give up meals and/or sell personal belongings to keep this puppy.
Post 30 minutes of heaven on earth. This includes the following: endless tears because of uncontrollable puppy cuteness, a damp face from constant licks, and the ultimate sadness of having to say "goodbye" to the puppy you swore you wouldn't adopt before you got there. Fortunately, while you think your Humane Society visit has ended, it has just begun. Adjacent to the holding rooms is the cat room, and right next door is the "big dog" room.
First "big dogs" and then cats. I enjoy my occasional cuddling time with a nice cat, but I'm more of a dog person. In the "big dog" room, there are around 10-12 dogs ranging in multiple sizes, shapes, and colors. The best part about this room is the opportunity for you to pick a dog to walk around the lawn. All of these dogs are energetic and anticipate free time outside their kennel.
Moving over to the cat room, you will be gifted with silence, maybe with the occasional "meow"; but what did you expect? Cats sleep an average of 12-16 hours a day, so don't be too underwhelmed with a lack of energy from the cat corner. Whether it is a dog or cat, I'm sure you will find satisfaction with your time spent at the Humane Society.
Even though you may not adopt a dog or cat from the Humane Society, you learn how to bond with animals as a way to alleviate stress and bring happiness to your day. You're able to enjoy a "little bit of heaven" amongst the walls of wagging tails and hyperactive puppies as well as snoring kittens and playful tomcats. What more could you ask for?
