Everyone says it, "You don't need a pet in college!" -- or in my case, I didn't need a dog specifically. Well guess what suckers, I got a dog and it is one of the best decisions I've made.
While yes, it can be difficult and sometimes just down right undoable (but it's not), it is so worth it. My dog keeps me sane; she saves me. Yes, you read that correctly, I was rescued by my furry rescue pal. She is what keeps me going sometimes, as I'm sure many of you can relate.
(the day I adopted my lil rain' Cajun)
I adopted my baby girl last June from a rescue out of Shreveport, LA (LA Baby Mommas) that adopts out and cares for pregnant dogs and their pups. I can remember scrolling online looking at all the dogs needing homes, but I remember stopping by her picture. She was the only girl from a litter of four and also the only blonde.
My heart dropped; she was the one. Initially, I was looking for a weenie pup for my boyfriend. Lillie was a chi-weenie...close enough, right? She was perfect for him, that is until she grew mile-long legs with her long body and instantly took a liking to me rather than him (sorry babe, not sorry).
She helped me survive my sophomore year of college by always being something that could cheer me up and make me smile amidst all the stress I was dealing with -- she is so GOOFY!
(Playing with her favorite toy at about 6 months old)
One day, after only a few short months, she disappeared into the coyote-infested land behind my boyfriend's house. I was devastated; I just knew I would never see her again (she gave a literal meaning to "issa snack" -- wait, too soon). I cried for days, I would hardly leave because I thought she would show up; it took everything I had to go to class.
After three long days and nights, I rushed over after class to check to see if she was there and my heart was flooded with instant relief. There she was, a little shaken, but happy-go-lucky nonetheless, standing on the back porch.
(Happy Halloween 2017!)
She hasn't left my side ever since. She has been there for me through every mental breakdown, every sick day, every walk around the park, literally all the good and all the bad. On the good days, we go to Starbucks for drinks -- I stick to the mocha lattes, but she can clean up a "pup"achino in .05 seconds (so proud).
She has survived the transition from being at home with a huge yard to roam into moving into an apartment in a town full of people in a different place that's new to both of us. She's managed to adjust to my crazy schedule when it comes to "potty breaks" and to live with my roommate's cat (this surprisingly went very well).
We have both gone through a lot of changes in the past year and a half, and I can't even remember what life was like before adopting her. We're heading towards her 2nd and my 22nd lap around the sun, full speed, and I can't wait to do more with her by my side! Thanks, puppers for being my chubby little four-legged BFF that loves Starbucks and dog movies just as much as I do.
(Doggo or penguin?)
Moral of the story, if you want to do something, then do it. Every single person told me getting a pet was a terrible idea for a busy college student; they were wrong. While, yes, finding pet-friendly apartment complexes can be difficult and adjusting her to new places can be hard, she is worth it.
She keeps me calm and is a great way to relieve stress, you can't cry with a dog trying to lick away your tears (I don't like being licked, but c'mon, who wouldn't smile at that?). There are plenty of fur babies out there needing loving humans. Rescue one; you may think you're the one doing the saving, but in reality they just might be saving you.
("Paint me like one of your French girls.")
