Leaving home to come to Mount Holyoke was such an exciting experience for me. However, I remember wishing that I could bring my dog with me. If I’m being honest, one of the reasons I get so excited about going home for break is that I get to be reunited with my dog, and even when I’m here it makes my day when my mom sends me pictures of her. Having an animal companion is such a blessing, and it makes me so happy that there are many Mohos on campus who are able to live with their service or comfort animals. If you’re a dog person like me, you probably feel the same way.
While I can’t actually bring our family pet to college with me, I think having a dorm pet is still pretty great. According to Mount Holyoke’s pet policy, aside from approved service animals, students can only have animals that can be safely and humanely contained in a tank/bowl of five gallons or less. Therefore, a fish is the most obvious choice, but there are a number of options.
Pets are natural stress reliever. Studies show that they help reduce anxiety. Personally I don’t think a snake would reduce my anxiety, but to each their own. Though, I definitely think watching fish swim around in water is relaxing and can even be therapeutic.
I think it goes without saying that pets make good company, no matter what animal you have. Living in a single and having your own space is awesome, but once in awhile it might get a little lonely. Fish are nice to live with because they are quiet and they don’t make much of a mess.
Taking care of a pet can generally be a gratifying experience. Our classes and extracurricular activities keep us busy pretty much all the time, but taking care of fish doesn’t require a great deal of commitment. It gives you a rewarding sense of responsibility.
Perhaps getting a little dorm pet might be something you would benefit from. Being without a pet when you are so used to living with one can be strange, especially if you are away from home. Enjoying the company of a fish might make you feel more at home, just please also make sure that you can properly take care of it!.
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