Since coming back to college, I have had a serious lack of dog interactions. As someone who is used to being around dogs constantly, I felt incomplete without my noble steeds by my side. Making things harder, I have noticed that Emory doesn’t have many dogs on campus or many events with puppies. I think this should change, so I have created a list of reasons why Emory should host more dogs on campus.
1. Dogs help to reduce stress.
Dogs are proven to help lower blood pressure, release calming endorphins, and initiate an automatic relaxation response to stress. Stress has an enormous impact on Emory students’ ability to succeed, and a greater access to puppies would create a calmer community. Emory should host dog activities not only to brighten everyone’s lives but also because we would physically benefit from their presence.
Gif courtesy of giphy.com.
2. Dogs can help students with homesickness.
A new study shows that interaction with dogs helps to reduce homesickness in students. Emory’s first-years already have a difficult enough time transitioning into college life. If we had puppies in the quad every week, I know everyone would feel more at home on campus.
Gif courtesy of tumblr.com.
3. Petting a dog can make a person’s day.
Whenever I see a dog on campus, a piece of my heart melts, and I have to go pet it. Studies have actually proven that dogs boost your mood by releasing serotonin, a feel good chemical in your body. I propose that we should have dogs every week in Wonderful Wednesday. I know I would not be the only one who would benefit from getting to snuggle a dog once a week.
Gif courtesy of popkey.com.
4. Dogs help people in the community bond.
Dog events would lead to a greater sense of community because they would gather a large portion of Emory’s students in one area. Therefore, more of the community would be able to meet and connect through their love of puppies. What bonds people together more than puppy love?
Gif courtesy of mshcdn.com.
5. Dogs are just adorable.
For the final point of my case, dogs are just adorable. Bringing them into the community would not only help promote our health, but also bring awareness to dogs who need help. If we are able to provide more opportunities in which people can be reminded of how cute dogs are, the more likely they are to adopt.
Gif courtesy of tenor.com.
In conclusion, we should have more dogs on campus because petting dogs releases endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don’t stress out.
Gif courtesy of tumblr.com.