So I love college for what it is. Be it the amazing people I meet on a daily basis or the extensive amount of work that we are expected to do. I feel like these are the things that will mould us into the wise adults that we would (hopefully) become in the future. However, if there was one thing that I could change about college, it would be the “no pets allowed in dorms” rule. I was fortunate enough to have at least one pet throughout every stage of my childhood. Hence, coming to college and living without one is turning out to be extremely difficult. As of now, I have four cats (Dobbs, Persie, Oreo and Kaka) and a dog (Mojo) back home. Contrary to what people might think, they are all very friendly towards each other and I feel like my little puppy is slowly starting to get some cat-like characteristics! So now that I have successfully digressed from my topic and started ranting about my pets (like I always end up doing), I would like to go back and highlight as to why pets are so important in our lives. Most people take them for granted and never take note of how much of a difference they actually make in our lives. In my case, my pets have taught me some of life’s most important lessons. By watching my cat take care of her baby kittens, I learnt the true meaning of responsibility. By watching my dog just be himself, I understood the true meaning of loyalty. Witnessing my baby kittens slowly make their way towards becoming fully grown cats helped me understand the true meaning of independence. Seeing my dog tear up when I am hurt or depressed helped me comprehend the true meaning of empathy. And the list goes on… As a matter of fact, studies have shown that people with pets tend to live longer that those without pets. Why you ask? Well, it is pretty simple; people with pets around them are happier humans and happier humans live longer than depressed ones. So go find a pet and GET HAPPY! J
I grew up with pets as well. Until we found out I was allergic to my cat around 8th grade. This happened to be the same year I moved to New Mexico. So not only did I have to get rid of my cat, I was also being thrown into a whole new environment. I think having my cat, Shadow, would have helped make the transition a lot easier. It's the friend you always have around and always wants your attention. There is nothing better than that. Even though I was allergic to her, I would have taken that little bit of suffering for a companion. I’m not sure if I would feel the same though if I lived in a dorm with a bunch of animals I was allergic to also lived there. I had an emotional attachment to my cat, but other people’s pets, though adorable and cuddly, I don’t think I’d be willing to make that sacrifice of constant illness. I think pets in the dorms would be great, as long as those of us affected by allergies have a pet dander free place to dwell.
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