Let's face it: the majority of us want a dog in college but then reality sets in and we wonder if we are able to handle it. Here is my list of all the great things and tough things about having a dog in college based on my experience :)
Let's go ahead and get the tough parts out of the way.
1. Money
Pets are expensive to buy, take care of medical, groom, and feed. Depending on whether you rescue or buy from a breeder, you either have the total from the breeder which can be hundreds of dollars OR you can adopt but you still have the adoption fee, etc. The dog will need to receive all required shots, a general exam, and monthly preventative.The tough part is deciding whether all of those expenses are worth it? Scroll down and see why I say YES :)
2. Potty Time
It does not matter if it is gorgeous and sunny or cold and pouring, you are letting that dog out. There really is no option there. Most of the time, you are going to have to suck it up, walk the dog, and wait for him/her to go to the bathroom. *Training Tip: Train the dog to go to the bathroom to go on command so that in emergency weather you can go out really quick, say the word/phrase and go back in so that the dog is not expecting a long walk to decide when they will go to the bathroom.
3. Social Life
You have to make sure that your social life "plans" work with the dog's potty schedule. For example, you can't decide last minute to spend the entire day in Atlanta and then go out at night. It just doesn't work that way. That being said, you most certainly still need to have a social life without the dog but you just need to plan ahead.
YOU MADE IT, now for all the good stuff :)
4. A Wagging Tail at the Door
After a long day of classes, you get the biggest smile on your face when you see the excited, happy dog waiting to love on you when you come home. It lifts up your mood no matter what you are doing, makes you forget all the stress in the world just for that time, and is the best gift in the world.
5. Study Partner
Through quizzes, midterms, and finals, your dog is supporting you through it all. Sometimes they will come and distract you for a second, which overall is a good thing to just have a five-minute break. They remind you that even if you bomb your final, they won't judge you :) Lastly, they will be up sitting beside you when you are going over your notes at 1 am.
6. Never Alone
As I am writing this article, my 80-lb, Black, Labrador Buddy is laying beside me on this rainy day. I am in the apartment by myself since my roommates are still out for the day, and I do not feel lonely at all. In fact, Buddy is the reason I have never felt lonely which is a common feeling, especially in college. If I have to go out late at night to walk him, walk to the convenience store, or get the mail...he is always there protecting me and never do I feel uncomfortable.
7. "OMG, Can I Pet Your Dog?"
Do not expect to go for a walk without someone smiling at you (they are really smiling at the dog) or without being stopped and asked if they can pet your dog. No matter how many times this has happened, I love being able to talk about Buddy and the way people's faces light up after they pet him makes me feel so good. So many people say "you literally made my day" after they pet Buddy and I am so happy I could provide a few seconds of happiness and no stress.
8. Responsibility (I'll make it quick")
Believe it or not, this point is a positive one. Having a dog in college helps you make responsible choices and helps you figure out how to balance life best. What I am trying to say is that having a dog in college or in life keeps you out of trouble, because you have something at home thinking about you and you will choose that over staying out for "one more drink".
9. Keeps You Fit
When you are laying in your warm, cozy bed on a rainy day and your dog gives you that look "I need to go outside", you have to get up and go for a walk.Buddy is the reason I have not gained any weight since being at college. Sometimes I don't want to walk him, but most of the time I am looking forward to our walks and I always come back feeling better about myself and more motivated to do something else rather than climb back into bed.
10. Need a Smile?
Play with your Dog, Pet your Dog, Snuggle with your Dog.
A human is a dog's whole world and their goal is to make you happy. After reading this, I hope you realize that through all the tough times it is so wonderful and beneficial to have a dog. However, right now might not be the right time but you can consider all of these things when it is the right time.
