"Those who teach the most about humanity, aren't always humans"
- Donald L. Hicks
Adding more responsibility and excitement to your life in college can be intimidating, but there is so much to gain. Animals are able to teach us so much through our journey with them while providing a new sense of love and enthusiasm to our daily lives. Having a pet in college has made me grow in so many ways SO fast, and I never would have expected it.
1. Unconditional Love and Support
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Though they may not always understand exactly what you're going through, our furry friends are always there for us. In times where students are stressed, tired, sick, and even hungover, a soft cuddle from a furry friend always seems to help. No matter the situation, there is no judgement and always unconditional love, support, and loyalty from your best friend.
2. Feels Like Home
Whether you're near or far from home, college can always seem a little out of touch sometimes. It's a strange and busy world, and sometimes students just want to feel at home again. Every once in a while, we just want to relax and destress, be comfortable, and to feel understood. Feeling the happiness and joy of a waiting pet upon your arrival at home, everything melts away and their wagging tails remind you it's all going to be alright.
3. Responsibility
Suddenly, you're forced to become more responsible than what the college life seems to have gotten you used to. Now, you have someone waiting at home for you, depending on you. Learning to juggle the responsibility and time commit along with your school work and social life can be difficult, but once you get the hang of it, it isn't so bad. This greater demand for responsibility allows a better organized, more healthy routine and teaches you how to accommodate for the obligations in your life.
4. Confidant
Your pet quickly becomes one of your best friends. He/she is always there for you, even though they may not be able to verbally respond. Animals sense human stress and emotions, therefore they know when something is wrong. Quickly, your pet is able to detect physiological changes in your body causing them to attempt to make you feel better. Without realizing it, they become the most loyal, trustworthy best friend you could ask for as they are always there and ALWAYS keep your secrets.
5. Partner In Crime
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Bringing a fun and enthusiastic friend into your life means you now have a partner in crime. Pets love spending time with their owners and are always looking for ways to explore with them. No matter how fun or boring your next task is, your friend's excitement to join you makes the short trip more enjoyable. Now you have a furry friend happy to accompany you everywhere you want to go.
6. Safety
Whether big or small, your pet offers a sense of protection throughout your hectic time in college. Animals are easily alerted and hear much more than us, so having a furry friend in your home allows a sense of comfort as they signal you as they hear something. Unfortunately, taking your pet on a run or walk alone can be nerve-racking sometimes, especially for a young girl. Having an animal with you can also help deter some of these dangers and offer you a feeling of security.
7. Alone - But Never Alone
Pets offer the best of both worlds; you can get a piece of quiet or a step away from your busy life, but never feel alone. Especially after a little exciting playtime, pets often lay around and give you the time you need to study, relax, or even nap. Best part is you get quality alone time for both yourself and your loving best friend. Often, these are the times we enjoy most.
8. Exercise
Along with responsibility, you have to ensure your pets physical exercise. This often means, you now get more exercise as well. Having a pet gets out of the apartment or house and moving around rather than laying in bed during all your free time. Exercising in college can be difficult, but when you have a pet, quick walks through the neighborhood or downtown or walking the track at the dog park helps both you and your pet increase your physical activity. This can be a great motivator for some of us as it doesn't feel like you're forcing yourself to get up and go do boring gym exercises!
9. New Adventures
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Finding a new adventure is always fun and easy to do with a best friend. Suddenly, you're more motivated to explore the community you're in, as well as new places. Seeing your enthusiastic and wondrous companion enjoy the journey and special time with you only makes the experience even better.
10. Growth
Overall, adding a furry friend to your life during college is hard, yes, BUT it is definitely worth it. You can grow as a loving person as well as a more responsible adult. For many, this is the first time we are solely responsible for something living a breathing.You learn to adapt and how to balance your life in a more healthy way. Having a furry friend offers more opportunities and leads you to fun experiences throughout the day, rather its taking some personal time to spend with your friend or taking a quick jog down the street. No matter how you decide to spend time with your pet, they're always overjoyed just to be with you. Nothing can compare to the love and happiness a pet can provide.
