Since home for me is the suburbs of Chicago, I don't always find the time to head back, which means I don't get to see my dog Murphy too much. This is probably the worst part about being seven hours from home.  A little over 3 months ago, I decided to fix this situation.

After looking all over the Internet and talking to countless pet stores, I finally saw a picture of a puppy who I knew was the perfect fit.  Let's fast-forward fourteen weeks later, and you meet Bud: the Kappa Sigma house pup, purebred golden retriever and my best friend.

Bud is a great dog all around.  He listens well, knows tricks and still has his puppy face although he has been growing a great amount lately.  People always have the perception that the dog will be treated cruel and not be given the right attention it needs and deserves, but Bud definitely doesn't fit this assumption.  

Every guy in the house helps me with taking care of Bud every time I need someone to take him out, play fetch or just relax with him.  His bowl is always full of food and his water dish is topped off with purified water (he's spoiled...).   Bud loves to run around in the backyard and doesn't need a leash to be taken outside.  Most puppies wake up their owners at brutal times like five in the morning or maybe just a little later, well not Bud.  Bud usually is the one that gets upset with me when I am getting ready to head to my eight in the morning class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

It definitely is a lot more on my plate, especially now as I am more involved with my major, working a part time job and having to deal with everyday stuff, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. If you are thinking about getting a dog in college, I say do it.  It is a great experience to give you some responsibility and you now have a friend that will never talk back to you or be mad at you.  

It has been a great time taking Bud for walks around campus, bringing him to tailgates with his Mizzou bow-tie on and hanging out in the backyard for bonfires.  I cannot wait to take on more adventures with Bud.