A student’s best friend
Megan Paxton is the proud fourth owner of a blue beta fish named Jaslene.
“We inherited her from a friend who was getting married and didn’t want her anymore,” she said.
Paxton and her roommate Lauren Page, both juniors majoring in biology, take time out of their schedule to care for their fish.
“We feed her twice a day — once in the morning and once at night,” Paxton said. “She eats a lot for a fish. Her bowl needs to be cleaned about once a week.”
But Paxton maintains that Jaslene is well worth the time commitment.
“She’s the best little desk companion anyone could ask for,” she said. “Every time she sees us, she swims up to the side of her tank. She probably thinks we’re there to feed her, but we like to pretend she’s just excited to see us.”
For many students, one of the hardest parts of transitioning to a new life away from home is leaving behind family pets. Students who have grown up their whole lives with animals may miss their pets as much as they miss family members.
Many, like Paxton, fill this hole by purchasing fish — a small, easy-to-care-for animal with minimal costs and responsibilities — while they are away at school.
But for other students, a fish is not enough. On top of a full course load, some students adopt animals ranging from small rodents to large dogs.
“We got our dog Thor because my wife and I were hardly at home at the same time,” said Lance Rasmussen, a junior majoring in theatre arts. “My wife felt like she wanted some company while there by herself.”
However, Rasmussen quickly came to realize there were many things about a pet to consider. Like many student pet owners, he said, he began to question whether the companionship and love given by his dog was worth all the stress associated with taking care of it.
“Having a pet to take care of can definitely be stressful when added to the rest of student life,” said Joanna Noll, a junior majoring in theatre education who owns two rats and four fish.
Many students who adopt larger animals such as cats and dogs often have to deal with restrictions placed upon them by building management and landlords. No pets — aside from fish — are allowed in campus housing, so students who own pets must live off campus.
Pet-friendly housing can be hard to find in Logan, and often comes with a deposit or extra fee. Landlords also often have strict rules regarding pet ownership.
There are also financial considerations for students who own pets. Noll said expenses associated with her pets include food, terrariums, bedding, aquarium rocks for her fish and toys, as well as veterinary care in case a pet falls ill.
Pets also require a substantial time commitment by the owners. Not only does it take time to clean up after and provide for pets, it is also important to give them daily attention and love.
“You have to be responsible for someone besides yourself,” Noll said, “and who will be directly affected by your actions.”
If a student has a pet and then finds themselves too busy to care for it properly, the pet’s health could suffer and even lead to death.
“You have to think of it as being in charge of keeping a sentient creature alive and happy,” Rasmussen said. “It’s tough.”
However, for some, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Pet ownership has been accredited with giving pet owners longer, healthier lives.
According to a study done by the University of Buffalo, pets can reduce stress, enhance mood and even lower blood pressure.
Larger animals such as dogs give students reason to get out and exercise more often. Students who suffer from loneliness can find companionship and unconditional love in a pet, and it is that love that most pet owners say makes it all worth it.
“It’s frustrating at times,” Rasmussen said. “But every time we think of getting rid of him and moving somewhere, he looks at us and we can’t say no. And it is pretty nice knowing that there’s someone at the house who will always be happy to see you.”
Noll said she could not imagine getting through her daily life without a pet waiting for her at home.
“It’s definitely not very smart or practical,” Noll said. “But for me, it’s 100 percent worth it. Nothing cheers you up and helps you cope like a small, warm ball of fur with a little pink, wet nose.”
– m.van911@aggiemail.usu.edu