Fido as a health benefit
College Students and Their Pets
Fighting with friends may place a huge stress in someone’s life, but regardless of life’s battles, Bowling Green State University senior, Derek Miller can always count on his pooch to cheer him up.
Miller rescued his lab-mix dog, Braxton from the Wood County Humane Society last summer. Shortly after Braxton came into his home, Miller experience a series of life hardships including a break-up, job loss, medical issues and preparing himself for the “real world.”
“Somedays I would come home from class and be completely bummed out,” Miller said. “Braxton was always there to put a smile on my face. He actually became my best friend.”
Braxton was constantly by Miller’s side whenever his owner was having a bad day, Miller said.
“Things are changing so much for me right now since I’m graduating college,” Miller said. “But Braxton has been a constant and I know he will stick with me, no matter what I’m going through.”
Miller is not the only college student that relies on their pets to cheer up their day. Beth Golemiewski, also a graduating BGSU senior, said she can’t stand a day without being surrounded by animals.
Golembiewski grew up riding horses and since she cannot bring her two horses with her to college, she decided to settle for a more domestic kind of animal. She rescued her gray kitten, Baby, when she was a sophomore in college.
“I couldn’t stop playing with her,” she said. “It was quality entertainment for hours on end. Kittens are so funny.”
Though Baby is grown into a full adult kitten, Golembiewski won’t forget the college times they’ve experienced.
Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
Several studies are showing that pets have more than just a best-friend benefit. According to the CDC, owning a pet can:
- Decrease blood pressure
- Decrease cholesterol levels
- Decrease triglyceride levels
- Decrease feelings of loneliness
- Increase opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
- Increase opportunities for socialization
For more options, watch this video from Intelligence for Your Life on the John Tesh Radio Show as Tesh discusses some other health benefits pets bring.
Pets Aren’t for Everyone
Though pets provide significant personal health benefits, not everyone is meant to be a pet owner. Pets may become a students’ best friend, but unless students have the energy, money, time, proper living space and other essentials, a pet may not be the right idea for a college student.
Follow this checklist from the Ranchero Coastal Humane Society to see if you’re ready for the responsibilites of a pet.
- Why do you want a pet? – Don’t adopt a pet just because “it’s the thing to do.” Pets live for several years and you will be stuck with the responsibilities.
- Do you have time for a pet? – Dogs, cats and other animals cannot be ignored because you have a test to study for.
- Can you afford a pet? – If you can’t afford to feed yourself, you probably don’t have the cash to feed a pet.
- Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? – Fleas, destroyed furniture, and accidents are only a few options. Also, unexpected medical emergencies are common for any pet owner.
- Can you have a pet where you live? – Many rental communities don’t allow pets, and most of the rest have other restrictions.
- Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? – Will you be moving or experience a major life change, like graduation soon?
- Are your living arrangement suitable for a pet? – Dogs, espeically, need room to roam when they’re not outside. Placing a large dog in a small apartment just isn’t going to work.
- Who will care for your pet while you’re on vacation? – Before you plan your spring break, make sure you know who will watch over your pet.
- Will you be a responsible pet owner? – Pets need to be neutered/spayed and some pets even require licensing.
- Will you be a best friend? – Though an animal may be your best friend, will you be its? You are committing to an animal for several years of your life.
Heather Teague ran into some of these issues once she graduated from the University of Toledo last year. While she was in school, Teague lived in her parents house. Once she graduated, she could not find a suitable apartment to keep her dog, Riley.
“It was a really hard decision, but I knew Riley wouldn’t be happy and I just couldn’t do that to him,” Teague said. “If you want to get a pet, be sure you can handle the responsibilites.”
People and Their Pets
Here is a slideshow of some responsible college pet owners with their pets.
on May 5th, 2011 at 1:43 am
I have a cute dog named cute woo~~
on May 5th, 2011 at 3:59 am
nice information, i learn a lot from it. but keep a good healthy is a long-term plan. we should pay much attention to our diet.
on May 8th, 2011 at 11:25 pm
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on May 18th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
Great post. Depression and anxiety are more prevalent than ever in collegiate environments, and so many students are turning to antidepressant medications without exploring alternative therapies. We use “therapy dogs” as an adjunct treatment in some of the mental health support groups I lead, and the difference I see in patients after just 5 minutes with a companion animal is absolutely amazing. It’s encouraging to see people at the university level advocating healthy, natural ways to combat stress and depression.
on July 8th, 2011 at 5:36 am
Hi
good info, i learn some from it. but keep a good healthy is a long-term plan and difficult. we should pay much attention to our diet.
on July 10th, 2011 at 12:25 am
Couldn’t agree more with this article. Your dog makes you get up and DO something, it keeps you active and moving without even knowing it. I think everyone should own a pet!
on July 10th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
I love my dog and definitely think he helps me get through the tough times.
The fact that he’s always happy makes me have to smile!
Plus he never barks and is chill whenever I want to chill.
Great post
on July 11th, 2011 at 4:27 am
Nice article. Thanks
on July 11th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
They always say that a dog is a man’s (or women’s) best friend! This is certainly testiment to this and being a dog owner myself I know how loyal they are.
on July 11th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
Hi there, thanks for the input. Appreciate the effort taken for sharing your insights. we should pay much attention to our diet.
on July 11th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
I can always talk to my best friend, loyal, obedient, and always listens to my woes, kirt, my staff, my true best friend.
on July 12th, 2011 at 4:38 am
This was insightful; I actually bought a Husky for my dad (who is 63), after reading an article similar to this. It has made his life more active and he’s a much happier person now.
on July 12th, 2011 at 11:10 am
Hi! I appreciate your generosity in sharing these information. Everything is true since I’m also a pet owner. They are really helping me ease my loneliness and hardships in life.
on July 31st, 2011 at 12:54 pm
Largely my dog is a great companion and stress reliever…always happy to see me when I get home from work. However, sometimes she can be a stress inducer…like when she sneaks my sandwich off my plate while I’m distracted.
on August 3rd, 2011 at 3:24 am
nice picture..nice dog..
on November 1st, 2011 at 6:50 pm
This info was very informative. I have a miniature pincher named Spock. And his diet consists of fresh meat and wheat bread with one raw egg mixed daily. He has grown since his diet has changed. We encourage dog owners around the glob to try this diet for your dog.
on November 7th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
I find that having a pet is a great stress reliever. Just walking the dog or petting him takes away the stresses of the day 🙂
on December 18th, 2011 at 11:27 am
Nice post! I totally agree that a dog is a great way to move freely and staying healthy longer! It’s also great for developing the ability to live in the now, giving your dog full attention forgetting about all the stress and shores of life!
Keep up your writing!
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All the Best
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