I think we can all agree that the number one person people miss when they go off to college are their dog(s). Yes we miss our parents and friends but they are all just a phone call away, our doggies, on the other hand, are not so easy. So the idea of having one of my puppies (yes my 10-year-old dogs are still puppies) sounded like heaven when my parents said they needed help this year. But not everything that glitters is gold, so here are the pros and cons of being a fur parent as a college student.
Pro: You always have Instagram-worthy pics of your adorable baby
Let's face it, you think your dog is the absolute cutest thing in the world. And Instagram just confirms this. Personally, my baby likes to lay in my bed like a human, all tucked in, and it's so cute that the world deserves, better yet needs to see him. And honestly, none of your followers are going to complain.
Con: A dog is a major time commitment
You can't just randomly take a trip into the city or stay over at a friend's place for the night. You have to plan when you'll be home to take care of your baby. You have to wake up 15 minutes earlier so you can take him out before you have to leave in the morning. He needs to be fed and taken out and given medicine. If you have roommates who are as awesome as mine they will help out with some of this stuff, but at the end of the day he's your responsibility.
Pro: You always have a legit excuse to why you can't go out
It's Friday night and your friends want you to come out with them but all you want to do is binge watch Netflix, eat ice cream, and deep condition your hair. Well having a dog at home is always a valid excuse. "My poor fur baby has been all alone all day and is getting sick so I think I'm gonna stay in with him." No one is going to question this reason. Plus you get a cuddle buddy for your Netflix binge.
Con: When your dog actually is sick or needs attention
A sick dog is the worst thing in the world. He literally cannot take care of himself at all and might require constant attention. God forbid you have to go to the vet because that will be expensive. Even worse if you have to bring in an urine or stool sample. Have you ever tried collecting a urine sample from a male dachshund? It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. What's worse if your dog is sick just because he has separation anxiety, so you constantly worry if you are leaving him alone for too long.
Pro: Your room is always relatively clean
You can't leave food or clothes all over the place with a doggie around because he might eat it or worse: pee on it. So your room stays pretty clean all the time.
Con: You always have to clean your room
God forbid you leave a notebook out or a piece of candy in your backpack. With a dog around you always have to be picking up your room, even when it's 2am the day before a big exam and all you want to do is sleep.
Pro: People love to visit and cuddle your baby
All your other friends who miss their own furry babies back home will jump at the chance to come over and visit your puppy. This means that you typically can find a dog sitter to come check on your baby at little to no cost when you need to get away. Or if they are just hanging out for the night your baby will get a big dose of extra loving that will make him super happy.
Con: Dogs are a huge responsibility
A dog is like a slightly less scary version of a baby. They can't feed themselves or take themselves out to go potty or bathe themselves. You are totally responsible for this little being's health and wellness. He looks to you to take care of all his physical and emotional needs. Even if you have amazing roommates or an incredible boyfriend/girlfriend that will help out, you are his owner. He wants and needs you to take care of him.\
Pro: You always have a friend and cuddle buddy that literally will always love you
Nothing beats the unconditional love that your puppy will show you. You failed a test? He will still love you. Your boyfriend/girlfriend breaks up with you? He'll be there to cuddle you. You're having a bad day/week/month? He will be there every night to give you puppy kisses. Your dog loves you more than anything else in the world and there is nothing better than that feeling. I had my dog living with me the year I struggled with depression and he was probably just as, if not more, important/effective as therapy or any medication.
Having a dog is a huge responsibility and at times feels so overwhelming. But at the end of the day having my little baby to cuddle with helps keep me sane through the stress and pressures of grad school and I couldn't imagine being without him.
