Since the weather has started to get warmer, the dogs have emerged from their houses and apartments to go on long walks with their owners. If you’re like me, then you squeal with delight every time you see a puppy on the street. Puppies give you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. We could all use a little happy as we face the upcoming finals week.
Finals week is a time of sleep deprivation. This puppy understands what it’s like to fall asleep in random places and there is no judgement from this puppy.
The week of finals often consists of leggings, sweatpants, baggy sweatshirts and a lot of time with no shoes. There’s no need for them when you’re holed up in your room studying for 15 hours. We get so used to not wearing shoes that when we put them back on, we’re confused. Kind of like this puppy.
You’re done with your first final. It did not go well. You leave confused and feeling slightly betrayed. The sadness threatens to overwhelm. You’re not off to a great start…this puppy is equally sad. Probably because he didn’t get any treats that day, but still.
You’re halfway through the week. You’re hopped up on caffeine, sour gummy worms and you’re sleep deprived. It all culminates in some slaphappy behavior where you’re rolling around and giggling like a maniac. This puppy understands.
You’re craving fried food because you’re stressed and stress-eating is a real thing. You’re walking down State, trying to control yourself and then you walk past a restaurant and you can smell the cheese curds. Your stomach growls. You feel like you deserve a reward…you look in longingly. You and this puppy have a lot in common.
Summer is here. Finals are over. You can see the light and you’re ready to go home and start summer. The sheer excitement might just overwhelm you, just like this puppy. You should follow his lead and run around in circles to try and shake out some of the joy.
Finals is a stressful time and nothing alleviates stress like a bunch of cute pictures of puppies.* Their little bodies contain so much joy, it’s impossible not to cheer up when looking at them. Chin up, these puppies believe in you and so do I.
*DISCLAIMER: all dogs are referred to as puppies despite their age because all dogs are puppies at heart.