College is a weird time in life when you start coming into your own. You're at a transitional stage where you're finally living independently, making decisions for yourself, but also have to call your parents when you're having car troubles. While these years are some of the best of your life, they are not without hard times and challenging obstacles. These new experiences can be a lot to face sometimes, but thankfully there are some special beings that exist and make those problems seem a little more conquerable. You know who I'm talking about. There's always one of them nearby, you pass them on campus all the time. Whether you stop to say hi or smile at them from afar, just a simple interaction with one can turn a bad day around or make a good day better. They always offer up a friendly greeting, and never want you to leave. Just one look into their innocent eyes has the ability to reassure you that everything is going to be okay. They also just so happen to walk on all fours and be covered in fur.
Dogs. The unsung heroes on college campuses around the country. It's always a great day when you cross paths with a good boy who lets you pet him. If you're having a bad day, dogs have the ability to spread some positivity to your negative mood. One of my favorite things about this year is the fact that so many of my friends are getting dogs of their own. Similar to baby fever, there seems to be something in the air of Eugene that's prompting young co-eds to get their own pups. However, it's still up in the air as to if I'll be as excited for them when they start having real babies. While some days I wonder if these people are responsible enough to take care of themselves, let alone another living being, they pleasantly surprise and provide for their fur child with lots of love. The best perk of having friends with dogs is benefiting from all of the puppy love without having to actually raise the dog.
How greatly college kids enjoy spending time with dogs is somewhat of an unexplained phenomena, but there is a mutual understanding among most students that it is perfectly acceptable to stop a conversation, take the long way to your destination, or even be late to class if it means you get to have some quick but quality dog time. It may be that we miss our own dogs at home, or enjoy the fact that dogs will never judge us for getting a C on an econ midterm. Maybe they just help us hate ourselves a little less. Whatever the reason is, we're lucky to be on a campus that has so many dogs wandering its grounds. Dogs are helpful in any situation and no matter what mood. Happy? Play with a dog. Sad? Play with a dog. Get a date? Play with a dog. Get dumped? Play with a dog. They don't get the title of "Man's Best Friend" for no reason!
