When I was little, I was afraid of dogs (gasp). Unfortunately, by the time I got over that irrational fear, my parents were already content with not owning one. Now that I'm in college, this aftermath of lacking a puppy in my childhood is really depressing. I hear people talk about their beloved pets back at home, and I just smile, trying to hide my jealousy, while feeding my pet fish, Hunter. I have realized, though, that being in college and wanting a puppy is not a rare thing. I have also realized that it is not an easy thing. Here's what I have to deal with:

1. Watching puppy videos and then remembering they’re someone else’s.

“Aw, my dog is the most adorable- wait, what? Its not mine? Oh, yeah." You can only watch so many (dozen) videos before you forget a little bit…

2. Seeing people post pics with their new pups.

Ugh, Christmas. Ugh, Birthdays. I get it, you got an adorable puppy that is wearing a sweater and will love you for all of its life. I got a laptop case…it’s fine.

3. Not being able to afford a puppy.

I can hardly afford to go to the movies. Even if somebody gave me a free puppy, those things need to go to the vet and eat and have other expenses. Why do the good things in life have to cost so much?

4. Being in college.

I have never heard of a dorm building that allows residents to own puppies. Even apartments will usually only allow dogs up to a certain weight. So, at school, we just have to pretend that fish are the same things as dogs…even though they are not.

5. Being allergic to dogs.

These are the folks I feel the worst for. There’s nothing worse than loving something that is no good for you. If dogs make it impossible for you to breathe, but you still adore those little furry creatures, then you deserve some kind of prize for being put through that. Also, I'm glad that I'm not in your boat.

6. Seeing commercials about animal abuse.

Stop it. Just stop it. I don’t want Sarah McLachlan singing sad songs and telling me about neglected puppies. I’m trying to love them, Sarah. I’m trying. I would be your hero if I could be, but I can’t exactly rescue all of your shelter dogs at 19 years old.

7. Having to leave a house with a puppy.

I’m sorry, pup. I knew I was going to leave you, but I let you get attached to me anyway. I will miss you, and I will not forget you.

8. Needing to be content with stuffed animals.

Pro: you don’t have to clean up after them when they go to the bathroom on a walk! Con: they cannot love you back.

9. Leaving when your time is up at the pet store.

I’m sorry, tiny chihuahua. I never intended on giving you a forever home. I just wanted to experience your cuteness for a few minutes. I promise I’m not a terrible person. “I’m sure you’ll find a family one day,” you say as you have to give them back to the store employee and walk away.

10. Not being able to decide what kind of puppy to actually get one day.

If you do manage to get to the point where you can get a puppy, apparently you have to decide on a specific breed. I am not at that point, but I would assume that it’s pretty difficult because I want all of the kinds of dogs.