At SUNY New Paltz there will never be a day that goes by where I don't see a pup walking with its owner around campus, or speak to a friend that says something like "I pet a dog today. It was a good day." Dogs are one of the most loyal animals a man can have. They are never mad at you, they aren't malicious and their intentions are never bad (unless of course they are raised in an unhealthy environment to be that way... just like people). I find that even if you aren't a "dog person" a smile is still forced upon your face when seeing one. And chances are, if you go to SUNY New Paltz, it's impossible to not be a dog person... they're everywhere.

Dogs, no matter what age, give unconditional love to their owners. Even if a dog unfortunately belongs to an abusive owner, they will still try–they never give up, and this to me is so amazing. They respect their master. You could yell at a dog one minute for peeing on the carpet and then the next minute they're licking your face and rubbing up against you, craving your attention and reminding you that they love you. Some people call them stupid for this, but I think it is the definition of unconditional love. Dogs have a much shorter lifespan than humans, so while they are only in our lives for a small amount of time, we are hopefully a part of the entirety of theirs, so we have to be good to them. There is no other way to put it. If you choose to bring an animal of any kind into your life, make sure you can care for and nurture that angel to your full capability, because they are now a member of your family. I'm not saying clear a seat for them at the dinner table, but give them the love and care that they need, because all they want is to be loved.

I recently found myself in low spirits and looking for companionship. I was struggling to make friends and balance schoolwork and a social life, and I just wanted something steady that would bring me happiness and keep me busy. I impulsively asked my roommate if we could get a hamster, thinking it was something small to care for but also soft and adorable. Living in a dorm on a college campus where they don't allow anything but aquatic animals made this idea difficult to pursue. After much discussion of the lack of capability of being able to care for it, along with the issue of it being straight up illegal, I came up with a new solution to my problem.

I wanted to give my love and care to something or someone who would appreciate it, and what I wanted in return was the simple satisfaction of knowing I was helping to make sure they were happy, healthy, and loved. I decided to look into animal shelters nearby and I came across the Ulster County SPCA. The application took just a few minutes and I heard back from the volunteer coordinator later that day. I set up an orientation appointment and off I was, getting acclimated with the shelter and the animals that I could tend to and care for. I was amazed at how simple and easy the entire process was and how satisfied I was when I left. Animals placed in shelters are still looking for forever homes and unfortunately, some of them may never find those homes. In these cases, the shelters become their homes, but that is no reason that they don't deserve the same love and affection that they would receive after being adopted. Some of these animals have come from abusive households and have been through hell and back. Even more of a reason to show them that you care.

The dogs I have had the chance to care for and walk at the shelter made me realize how similar they are to any other dog I see walking around campus with their owner. They are excited and happy to see you, and they just want to be noticed and cared about. These dogs don't have families to give them these needs every day. Staff can do their best, but volunteers play a big role in their time stuck in the shelter.

If you are somebody like me who lights up at the sight of a dog or any animal for that matter, or who is looking to be something bigger than yourself... find a shelter near you. It's a win-win situation. The satisfaction of helping the ones that need it is indescribable. If a dog can make YOU that happy, imagine what you could do for the less privileged ones.