I love animals. Back in my hometown, I always returned after a long day of college to a house populated by two cats and a dog, not to mention the collection of poultry and goats wandering about just outside. One of the hardest parts about going away to college has been leaving these beloved pets behind. There is something incredibly comforting and cheering about the simple love for a pet. They ask no questions, don't demand perfection, and forget any argument under the presence of food. Plus, pets are just plain entertaining. Though nothing can fully make up for the lost company of my pets, Bellingham boasts a friendly animal population which has partly stepped in to fill the role of furry friend.

One of the first things that struck me upon coming to Bellingham was the black squirrel population. Although not particularly rare throughout the U.S., I had never encountered this ninja-like subgroup of the grey squirrel before. Both the grey and black versions are everywhere in Bellingham. I've had one outside my apartment run right up to me and sniff at my leg, probably hoping for food. Mostly, though, the squirrels make for constant animal entertainment. Whether it's popping out of a garbage can or chasing each other up trees, these little guys are sure to be running around somewhere. The sight never ceases to put a smile on my face.

Then, of course, there are the deer. My first couple months at WWU, I thought deer sightings were a rarity and stood transfixed as a mother and her two fawns wandered right across campus. Now I realize deer regularly roam across the area, and yet it is still a magical experience to catch sight of them, especially when the adorable fawns are present. There were plenty of deer around my home in Washougal, but Bellingham's deer are even calmer around people, freely wandering into backyards, campus, and sidewalks. Sighting these majestic animals during my walk across campus was like a breath of fresh air, a reminder that there is beauty in the world which exceeds the hustle and bustle of the everyday grind.

Runs and walks on Bellingham's lovely trails affords great opportunities to witness wildlife. During runs I have shared moments with herons, owls, and raccoons, among other creatures. During these times, I like to stop and take a moment to just observe the life around me. Even in the city, roaming animals provide a brief source of connection for me. The York neighborhood in particular is home to many friendly neighborhood cats, which will run out of their yards for a scratch behind the ears.

It may seem simple and silly to take such joy in seeing animals during my daily life, but these sightings help me reconnect with both the natural world and myself. Nature and animals are close to my heart, and the further I become entrenched in the "real" world of academia and work, the farther I grow from my roots as a country girl surrounded by trees and chickens. Yet this background is something I treasure and miss, just as I often wish I could sit here in Bellingham with my cat curled up lovingly on my lap. An animal's love is a gift, and even passing interactions can brighten one's day. So, to Bellingham's animal population, I say "thank you" for making my time here a little more fun and furry.