It can be difficult saying goodbye to your childhood dog when leaving for college. When you are moved into a dorm room you may feel a longing to spend time with a furry friend. As a college student, there are a few different ways that you can go about finding some canine companions on campus.
Hang out in outside common areas or a local park
Although you may not have a dog on campus, there are probably many students and professors on campus who do. If you spend time outside in common areas on campus, you are likely to see dogs being walked or playing with their owners. It is important to always ask the owner before petting the dog and to also make sure it is not a service animal. If you do not see many dogs on campus you can also check out a local park.
Keep an ear out for any therapy dog events on campus
Many universities are now hosting programs where therapy dogs are brought in to help relieve stress around midterms and finals. Universities such as Kent State, Seattle University, Tufts University, and New York University hold events that provide students the chance to destress with therapy dogs. These programs have been successful and are becoming increasingly popular on college campuses.
Volunteer at a local dog shelter
A great way to get your dog fix and also do some good is volunteering at your local dog shelter. Animal shelters are always looking for new volunteers and it’s likely that there is one near your campus. You can search for opportunities near you and check to see if your school provides opportunities to volunteer (you might even get class credit).
Skype with your dog back home
This may seem a little silly, but Skype and Facetime are great ways to connect with family and friends so why not skype with your dog? Next time you are talking to your family, have them grab the dog and have a little face to face time with your favorite pooch.
Dogs can bring so much joy to your day and there is no need to have a dogless college experience. If you are missing your dog back home, follow these tips from GradGuard to brighten your day and de-stress.
