If you’re anything like me, your pet is basically your best friend. They love you unconditionally, are always there if you need a little pick me up, and they are always excited to see you whenever you walk in the door. And if you’re also anything like me, you were heartbroken when you had to leave your pet behind when you went to college. My sweet half-pug, half-poodle Max is my baby boy and I hated not being able to see him every day.

There are some lucky people who go to colleges that allow pets (including Eckerd College, University of Washington, Seattle, and Washington and Jefferson College), but unfortunately, we at Richmond are not allowed that privilege. But I 100% believe that that should change. There are a few reasons why:

1. You always have someone to greet you when you get home.

It may not be exactly the same if you have a fish, but it’s always nice when you see them after a long day.

2. They’re great to cuddle with when you’re upset.

3. They don’t nag you about where you’ve been or what you’ve been doing or if you finished that paper you were supposed to be finishing.

4. They eat all the food you give them, even if it seems completely unappetizing to us.

They also clean up the floor when you drop stuff, like a built-in vacuum cleaner.

5. They’re ALWAYS in a good mood. Who doesn’t want to be around someone who is happy?

6. They’re just plain adorable.

Pets are great and should be allowed wherever there are people living. And they should especially be allowed around young adults who are often stressed. True, pets are work, and they are living creatures who need love and attention, but they also bring a certain type of happiness to life that is hard to find elsewhere. That is something that all of us need.