You can see them coming. Running, tails wagging, ears flapping in the wind, tongues hanging sideway out of their mouth as they come through the grass. Big dogs, little dogs, young puppies or old geezers. You can’t escape them. Frat guys playing catch on the quad, families letting their children walk them on the riverwalk and girls hugging them on Instagram. If you're allergic you'll have to get shots, because it seems like dogs are everywhere.
We all know secretly that the hardest goodbye from home is our four legged furry friends. They are part of the family. They curl up on your lap when you’re sad, are your extra trash disposal when you’re full and listen to you when no one else will. Dogs are truly man’s best friend, so how can you say no to those big brown eyes?
The hardest thing to say "no" to in college is getting a dog. No matter how old you are, they seem like a great idea. Looking into their adorable little faces, you forget about how they chew things, pee when they get excited and want to play 24/7 even if you have homework to do. Dogs are basically children. They need to be feed, taken on walks and given lots of attention.
As much as you want to say yes, think about the dog's point of view. It’s not fair to them for you to leave them inside all day during class or have to find a sitter every weekend so you can go to the game. Dogs deserve as much love as we can give them because no matter what they will love us back.
On the flip side, if you do have time to let them out on a regular basis and want to take on the responsibility of a dog, go for it! There are plenty of dogs that need good homes and if you’re willing to give them love then take on that responsibility. Your friends will appreciate having a place to go where they can get some puppy love and you’ll always have someone willing to be you walking partner.
If you don’t have time for a dog of your own, don’t worry there will plenty of them to go around. You can always rent them from the shelter for the afternoon or just hang on the quad long enough for someone to bring there’s around. No matter what you can find a cure for your puppy fever.
