An ode to my dog

I brought my dog to Pullman my senior year. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made at college.

I’ve had horrible living experiences in Pullman, but they were mostly my own fault.

When I got here, I was on crutches because of a skiing accident, I was a transfer and I only knew one other person at WSU.

I didn’t know where to live. I couldn’t do the Greek thing – apart from sports, I never really cared for group activities. I picked a random dorm on the WSU Web site after looking at the pictures online. Bad move.

The building was old and my broom-closet sized room had a sink. It was stained, crusty and belched blood-colored rust water the entire first week. I got the distinct feeling that many men who had inhabited that room before me had peed in that sink.

After a year, I was ready to leave. I moved to an apartment. I liked it. It wasn’t cramped, I didn’t have to share a bathroom with six amazingly pale men and I didn’t have to eat dining hall food (which was a blessing unto itself).

But I still missed home and horses and dogs. I live on a farm and grew up with dogs, cats, horses, chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, cows – you name it. Not all of those animals I like, and some I hate but I love dogs. Since I was a boy I’ve always had a dog as well as a special connection with animals. Not like a dog whisperer thing, we’re just familiar.

Back in high school, I wanted to get off the farm and leave my small town so bad. So when I went to college, I left everything behind and felt liberated, free. I met new people, learned new things and had amazing experiences.

But by my junior year, I really missed my dog. Like I said, since I was a kid, I’ve always had one. There’s a special bond between a boy and his dog.

So when I got to bring my Australian Shepherd, Belle, to Pullman I was happy but a bit hesitant. I already lived in a pet-friendly dorm, all I had to do was pay the pet deposit, but my dog needs a lot of exercise. And I have a busy schedule.

I had been thinking about it and talked it over with my parents. My class schedule did allow me to get home periodically during the day, yet I brought her and it actually has worked out amazingly.

I get outdoors more, I see more of the Palouse, Pullman and Moscow than I did before and I have a great time. She’s more fun than most people I know. And never underestimate the chick-magnet factor.

I have a girlfriend, so I don’t capitalize on the female attention, but I let my friends take her for walks all the time.

For women, it kind of works the other way. Let’s be honest, a good dog is the best safe walk there is.

Having a dog isn’t for everyone, though. But let’s be honest – who doesn’t love dogs?

The point is, if you want to have a pet at college, any pet, you should. Most college towns are great for pets.

Now we just need a couple more dog parks in Pullman …