Many aspects about college are stressful. You are expected to keep up with school, work, extra curricular activities, clubs, a social life, relationships, etc. It can be difficult and sometimes we all just need that something to bring us back to reality.
I am a senior at a 4-year university and I made one of the best decisions I've ever made early during my sophomore year. I got a dog. Mine. No one else's. My own puppy. In October of 2015, I welcomed an 8-week-old, black lab/golden-doodle puppy into my life as my own. In the last 2 years, he has brought more joy into my life than most humans. He is my child, my best friend, and always a good boy.
Having a dog in college has been an interesting journey, but one I would never turn down. Having something that depends on you to be fed, walked, and loved can really bring you back to reality. On those Thursday nights that you're tempted to go out with your friends, even though you have work the next morning, you contemplate it, but remembering you have an anxious dog waiting for your arrival at home will always put things into perspective. When you've have had "the worst week of your life" (that you will have 8 more times that year) you always have a companion who can lick your tears away and snuggle with until you fall asleep. Not to mention, who doesn't love dogs!? They're a great conversation starters and people in college always love the girl or guy with the dog at events!
Needless to say, having a dog in college can be stressful. They can get expensive and sometimes test your nerves, but you love them and you would do anything for them. At the end of the day, I look forward to seeing my dog more than anyone else and I can't imagine college without my little fur-child by my side.
No matter the age, if you're thinking of becoming a new pet owner, please adopt and don't shop! Every year about 6.5 million animals enter shelters in America alone. These animals need you more than you need them, and you could provide their forever home. For more information about adoption listings in your area, click here.