OK, listen. Ever since I was a small child I have had a stupid love for animals. Not just a fondness but a real obsession. If it weren't for my parents I probably would have taken home every stray dog/cat/turtle I ever found. Sadly, even though I am technically an "adult" (in the loosest sense of the word) I am not allowed to own a dog in my place of residence. But my love for them isn't shifting any time soon and in my time of being an animal — mostly dog — lover, I have noticed there are a few stages to go through whenever you see a high-quality "pupper" on the street, at the humane society, or just in everyday life.
1. Excitement.
In that moment, there has never been a cuter dog; and I mean never. A rush of happiness hit you like a freight train and it's almost impossible to keep from jumping up and down.
2. The need to pet.
If you're lucky, the owner of said dog will be kind enough to let you pet it and in that moment, you have never been happier.
3. The questioning.
How long is too long to pet someone else's dog? Is there a limit? Eventually, you have to stop and move on with your life but when does "long" become "too long." Is it too far to ask if you can spend the day with this person you have never met and their dog?
4. The longing.
OK, you're getting a dog. This dog is the greatest part of this day and you want to feel like this every day. Who cares if you can't keep him in your dorm/sorority house/apartment. You can train him to never bark and they'll never know. Right? Right?
5. Denial.
Sadly, now is that time to leave this dog and get on with your life. Although maybe if you ignore it you won't have to get on with your dogless life and get back to writing your midterm paper or studying for that test. There is no way you could be an adult at a time like this. There are dogs to be pet.
6. The doggy break-up.
Sad. So, so sad. You stand up and prepare to say goodbye promising the dog that they're "so, so, so cute" and thanking the owner for brightening your day by letting you pet their magnificent puppy. You can't believe this has come to an end and you don't have a dog of your own.
7. Acceptance.
"All right I guess it is a little ridiculous to think you could keep a dog hidden all semester, plus it's not really fair to the puppy. He needs to roam free and not be locked in a dorm room 24/7." This is what you tell yourself as you walk away from that beautiful exchange.
8. Pure joy/invincibility.
Somehow that tiny, or not-so-tiny creature has made you so happy in such a short amount of time and now you can do anything. Term paper to write? You just pet an awesome dog. Test to study for? You just pet an awesome dog. Presentation to present? You just pet an awesome dog. You know there is no way you can have one of your own but that exchange made your day so much better.
Dogs just have a way of just making life better. I advise everyone to own one at least once in your life. You'll never be lonely and you'll always have someone to keep your secrets. If you're ever feeling down, get yourself out there and find an adorable puppy to pet! I suggest starting somewhere like volunteering at an animal shelter because those puppies need all the love they can get, and when you get the means, maybe adopt one. I promise you won't regret it.
