Warning: the follow material is so cute it hurts
Think managing your time as a college student is hard work? Try having to take care of another living creature while balancing school, work, and oh yeah- a social life! It isn’t always the easiest thing to do, and there are a lot of sacrifices that come with owning a puppy, but these six girls will tell you that coming home after a stressful day of classes to these furry babies is worth it.
Enjoy this week’s edition of Campus Cutie- Puppies edition
Melissa McNabb
Puppy’s Name: Harper
Breed: Yellow Lab Mix
Do you ever bring her on campus? Or any parks?
I just got her Tuesday so I haven’t gotten a chance to take her many places yet but I’ve taken her to Bowman and I’m planning on taking her to Y Beach this weekend! When she gets a little older I definitely want to take her hiking too!
How did your parents react when you told them about Harper?
I’m a Pre-Vet major, so naturally I’ve been wanting a dog of my own since forever…so this has been a long time coming. I wanted one last year but knew I was going to study abroad in the spring so that wouldn’t have made sense. My parents knew I was interested in getting one and I started looking on the Internet and stuff and kept my parents in the loop. Yes I’m 21 years old and am capable of making my own decisions, but I didn’t want to make this one without their blessing because after all they pay for my college and I live at their house when I’m not in Clemson…they’re super excited to meet her which has made it that much better
Ellie Jennings
Puppy’s Name: Copper
Breed: Australian Shepard Mix
What’s the hardest part about helping take care of a new puppy?
Getting up in the middle of the night to let him out or cleaning up after him when we don’t get him outside fast enough.
Are there any funny incidences with him or funny stories that have happened?
Well he just got used to his collar and leash so before he would literally lay on the ground and refuse to move so we were dragging him everywhere.
What’s your favorite thing about helping take care of a puppy?
It sounds dorky, but it makes our house feel like a home having a puppy in the house.
Meghan Peterson
Puppy’s Name: Sadie
Breed:Australian Shepard Mix
Is having Sadie easier or harder than you thought taking care of a puppy would be?
She’s a person and a diva at that. Bringing Sadie into the mix was like brining a newborn into the apartment. It’s challenging at times, like with potty training and teaching her basic commands, but she’s a smart dog already and I think all the work I’m putting in now will pay off in the end for her and for me. When you get a puppy you have to realize you’re now responsible for more than yourself. She makes it worth it, though.
Is there ever a time when you need your roommates to help you out with watching her?
Yes, of course. She’s my dog, but it’s a team effort for sure
Any funny incidents since you got her, or cute stories?
Well, she an Australian Shepard mix. So naturally, she loves to run or so I thought.. The first time I took her to Bowman I brought a few tennis balls with me to start teaching her how to fetch. It turned into me chunking tennis balls all over Bowman, her watching it in the air every time, sitting, and not moving. Long story short, I got a work out that I wasn’t planning on that day.
Courtney Griffith
Puppy’s Name: Millie
Breed: Boykin Spaniel
How do you manage everything and still have time to take care of her?
It is tough, but it’s rewarding. She is teething so I get overwhelmed sometimes, but when she’s cuddly and sleepy I forget about all the hard times. It’s all about time management and making sure you get things done but also have enough time to give her the attention she needs!
Do you have any funny incidents or stories that have happened?
One morning at 5 am she woke me up and as I’m holding her and running down the stairs to get her outside she just pees ALL over me. It was not very funny at 5 am, but I can laugh about it now!
Bailey Weed
Puppy’s Name: Meeko
Breed: Australian Shepard Mix
Any funny stories to share with about Meeko?
I have three other dogs at home and I took Meeko home a few weeks ago and she was sitting next to me… my other dog came over and just looked at her like ‘I don’t know what you are but you’re making noise and it’s freaking me out.’ It was pretty funny since the other three are so much bigger than her. I get nervous sometimes! I’m such a worried person when it comes to her.
What’s the greatest thing about having a puppy?
I think it’s weird, sometimes I’ll just be looking at her like ‘Oh my God you’re mine’ It’s cool to think that I’ll have her for the next 8 or 10 years. Like longest relationship I’ve ever had!
Caroline Gettlefinger
Puppy’s Name: There are too many to count!
So your dog had puppies? How many?
Yeah she’s an Australian Shepard. And she had 11 puppies!
Was this an accidental thing or does your family breed dogs?
Pretty accidental. My dad moved out to a farm and the dad is one of the neighbors dogs. Once my brother and dad realized it was happening though they really wanted her to her to have puppies!
So you got to spend a lot of time with them? What’s it like having 12 dogs?
The farm was an hour away but I drove back and forth like every other day. It was heaven. The beginning was boring kinda because they didn’t move or see anything. But once they got playful it was great!
Was it hard giving them all away?
Yes! Everyone would say that they wanted them and then would back out. Even once I thought they were adopted, I ended up getting some back. It was hectic, but worth it to have most of them at Clemson