I have always loved dogs. If you were to stalk my Instagram, you would see tons of pictures of my fat Chihuahua, who makes me happy and takes away the stress that daily life brings.

When I miss home, she is one of the things that I miss the most. She always makes me smile. She is my whole world and I had to leave her behind when I came to school.

As an animal lover and stressed college student, I would say that I am a big supporter of having animals in dorms.

As of now, FGCU does not allow pets in dorms unless you own an ESA (emotional support animal) license.

I personally think that, as college students, we encounter stress on a daily basis. It would be nice to be able to own a pet that could help ease that stress.

Dr. Alan Beck has performed research projects that have shown that petting a dog can  help lower blood pressure, which could lead to lower stress levels.

As of 2015, Medical Daily has proven that college students are the “most stressed people in America.” It would only make sense to allow stressed people to own an animal that could help to limit that stress.

According to Patrick J. Skerrett, Harvard health editor, owning a pet can help you form better and stronger relationships with other humans, allowing you to have better experiences in both the social and career-related aspects of life.

College is a place where you form habits and become an adult that will go out into society. Having a pet can develop structure and routine for the life you plan to live after college.

Yes, owning a pet is a huge responsibility, and college students are viewed as irresponsible. I agree that some college students can’t even take care of themselves, but that stereotype only covers a small amount of students.

By allowing animals in the dorms, the administration can’t pick and choose who they think can handle the responsibilities of owning a pet. However, government officials also can’t stop an irresponsible voter from taking advantage of their right to vote. . That’s one of the downfalls of living in a free country.

Although owning a pet is not the same as voting, they both require responsibility. We shouldn’t limit everyone just because there are a few that shouldn’t own a pet. I say allow pets, but put limitations in place.

When a pet owner goes out in any public place, they should have to keep their pet leashed at all times and must clean up after any pets. These are known and normal rules that could apply to owning a dog on campus.

I believe that allowing students to own pets on campus could be a good experience. Like Roger Cares said…

“[Pets] are not our whole life. They make our life whole.”