Students (try to) fit pet adoption into their college lifestyle

Twice, Victoria has been adopted and returned in less than 24 hours. She is an American shelter mix and is not the first dog who has been given back to a shelter after finding a home

“I know what the college lifestyle is like,” said Dr. Jo Liska, behavioral consultant and Community Outreach coordinator for the Bloomington Animal Care and Control Center.

“What happens when you go to Florida for spring break or when you get that wonderful opportunity to go to Japan for a year-long internship? What happens to your puppy then?”

Students adopt animals often. Whether it is a new puppy, kitten or rabbit, a pet can seem to be a positive addition to any household. But many times the responsibilities that an extra life brings proves to be too much for the average undergraduate.

Instead of adopting, Liska encouraged students to volunteer at the shelter.

“We have a wonderful foster-guardian program at the shelter,” Liska said. “That way students can get their critter fix and won’t overtax themselves or put the critters in non-ideal situations.”

Liska said she has seen many pets placed in non- ideal situations.

Preparation for adopting is key for anyone considering a pet. Animals are both a monetary and time commitment. Junior Preston Hughes said he understands these responsibilities with his basset hound, Ringo.

“When you first get it, it seems like all fun and games,” Hughes said. “But it is a lot of money and time just to keep them satisfied — not even to make their lives gratuitous or fun.”

The average dog costs its owner about $1,000 per year, while the average cat costs its owner between $500 and $600, according to the shelter. These figures do not include extra veterinary costs or other emergencies.

“Sit down and have a conversation,” Liska said. “Ask yourself questions. Have you planned financially? What happens with the holidays, or what happens when the dog needs to be walked and there’s that big party?”

Senior Ann Baenen agreed — Saturday nights are the hardest nights to have her Golden Retriever.

“With 40 people in the living room, the door’s always open and closing, and he’s just walking out,” Baenen said. “There’s people stepping on him, broken glass, people feeding him human food. We always have to watch him.”

Baenen and her roommates adopted Duke, their 4-year-old dog, for protection.

“He barks and whimpers,” Baenen said. “In a house of 10 girls we feel a lot safer.”
Hughes adopted his dogs, Ringo and Biggie, and his cat, Reggie, for a different reason: companionship.

“It’s hard to put into words how much joy you get when they’re running around having fun,” Hughes said.

And Liska would have to agree — animals and owners have a unique relationship.
“They don’t tell you you’re stupid or that your opinions are wrong,” Liska said. “It’s someone who listens openly and honestly.”

If students find themselves understanding and open to the responsibility an extra life brings, as Liska said, “Take the dog home!”