Our Petless Void

When I returned home for break, I was excited. I was, of course, excited to see my parents and my siblings, to eat good food and to sleep in my own bed, but what I anticipated most of all was seeing my dog. My little 14-pound, black-and-white ball of fluff made me happier to go home than seeing my family. After feeling slightly guilty, I noticed that many of my peers were also very excited to see their pets. Animals, it turns out, have lots to do with keeping people happy and stress-free.

Pets are remarkably beneficial to human health. In a recent study, researchers found that walking a dog drastically decreased a person’s risk for obesity, while increasing their mobility and agility. The health benefits don’t just stop at dogs; owning any kind of pet lessens the chance of a person having heart attack.

The positive impact of pets extends beyond physical health; mental healthiness benefits too. Petting and holding an animal releases endorphins, which causes a person’s stress levels to decline. Because pets also like to be cuddled, animals enforce the behavior by purring or wagging their tails, causing more endorphins to be released. Certain pets also force their owners to go outside as part of their general care. By exercising a pet outside, a person is more likely to meet other people, which can help with social anxiety. Playing with a pet can alleviate depression and lessens grief.

Though plants and other people’s animals may be all right, they cannot easily replace our own pets.

Pets also provide a source of comfort for students in that an animal companion does not pass judgement on them. Pets always seem happy and accepting, do not become angry over bad grades, and do not gossip. They are fuzzy confidantes, and this can be very important in an especially demanding environment.

Many students at Exeter leave their beloved pets at home. Exonians, who were accustomed to being greeted by their dogs or ignored by their cats, do not have frequent access to animals at school. They may be more stressed as a result. It may cause a more difficult adjustment time. If students are used to having pets around, how can the lack of one be filled?

Unfortunately, as students at a boarding school, we can’t bring animals to school. Most pets need consistent attention, other students may have allergy issues, access to medical care and liability issues are a few reasons why. In the meantime there are other ways to fill a petless void.

For a stressed student, having a plant in their room may help. Though it’s not necessarily a pet, caring for a living thing increases a person’s happiness and decreases their stress. It also requires much less maintenance than a pet, so it would not distract very much from studying. Pet sitting faculty dogs might also help, if a plant does not hold the same charm as an animal.

Though plants and other people’s animals may be all right, they cannot easily replace our own pets.

I miss my doggy.