Until this past Christmas when my boyfriend surprised me with the love of my life in a miniature dachshund puppy named Beau, everything I did was with me in mind, and I sometimes found myself wanting someone to just sit by my side to enjoy my company. Having a puppy in college has changed everything for the better.
1. They teach you true responsibility.
There is nothing that will make you grow up and be responsible quite like having another life to care for and, short of having a real baby, a puppy is the answer. They are completely dependent on you to ensure that they are fed, taken outside, and given proper medical care. Responsibility with time and money becomes a must when you have a furry friend.
2. They love you more than they love themselves.
A dog is the only animal that will love you more than it loves itself, and will always be excited to see you when you get home.
3. They are the perfect companions for late night study sessions or lazy day Netflix binges.
As I write this, Beau is currently snuggled up beside me and could not be happier to just be spending the day with his mommy in bed.
4. It makes you feel good when people “ooh” and “aah” over how cute they are.
Nothing makes you feel like more of a proud dog mom or dad than a stranger stopping you on a walk just to tell you how incredibly cute your little pup is.
5. They remind you to not always take life so seriously.
Watching your puppy enjoy chasing (and sometimes catching) their tail or running after a new friend at the dog park reminds you to relax and just enjoy life sometimes, no matter how hectic it may get.
6. You’ll never be lonely.
Beau is my constant companion, and the only time he is not with me is when I’m at work or class. Yes, this means that he has gone to a get together or two with me, but when they’re your best friend, you can’t imagine excluding them from the fun.
7. Keeping your room clean is non-negotiable.
When living with a puppy, a clean environment for them to live in is a must. Otherwise, they could potentially ingest something harmful to them, or valuable to you. My bedroom and apartment have never been neater since having a pup.
8. They are a way to bond with your roommates.
If you have super awesome roommates like I do, then they will be sure to love your sweet puppy as much as you do. This provides opportunities for taking them to get ice cream and to go to the dog park together, which is invaluable time spent with friends, both of the human and canine variety.
9. You look forward to coming home to them after a long day of class or work.
I know that when I get home, no matter how long I’ve been gone, Beau will act like he hasn’t seen me in years and I will be showered in puppy kisses. There is no better feeling than being completely adored by another living being, and at the end of a long day, that is all I need in my life.
10. Taking them to do fun things with you provides the opportunity for both of you to make new friends.
Every time I take my puppy to the dog park, there is always another dog mom or dad there for me to make friends with. These are people that I may not have met otherwise, and we can form a friendship around our love for our dogs.
11. Puppy breath, bellies, and ears.
Enough said.
12. They are a constant through all of the changes in life.
Beau will be with me through my college years, graduation, starting my career, getting married, and having children of my own eventually. He will be there to lick my nose on good days and bad, and will love me through any hardships I may face. He will be a part of any celebrations to come, and will always remember the good old college days spent with me. He will always be my first baby.
