Everyone has been there: gone away to college without the beloved pet that you loved and grew up with and you quickly realize there is a void missing. The comforts of home are far and few between.
Being a college student can be stressful and cause a host of issues such as stress, depression, separation anxiety and other mood disorders (a.k.a just a typical semester for any college student with a full load of classes). We are bogged down with endless reading, studying, work, trying to keep up with a social life and all the while be perfectly balanced- which is a nearly impossible feat to achieve.
More and more college campuses across the nation are recognizing 'comfort companions' in the form of dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and exotic pets as something of a commodity for students these days. And many people believe that living with a pet can drastically increase levels of happiness and reduce instances of stress throughout a person's day, which in turn may lead to better grades and happier individuals.
In an article recently published in The New York Times, it states that campuses across the nation are adopting a policy of allowing students to have pets on campus- which many otherwise would not normally allow. These are landmark decisions to letting students finally have the furry and friendly companion that they have needed all along.
Even the National Institute of Mental Health is recognizing pet therapy as 'a type of psychotherapy for treating depression and other mood disorders' according to Everyday Health. They even recognize that 'Being around pets appears to feed the soul, promoting a sense of emotional connectedness and overall well-being.'
Pets provide something music, money nor even a boyfriend can provide and that is endless affection and adoration. Something everyone can use a little of in their lives.
It's a no brainer that cuddling with something (with fur) that loves you unconditionally is the right path for college campuses across the country to adopt a 'bring your furry companion to class' policy.