Student pet ownership depends on landlords

Jerry Hoffman

Many CMU students love their pets, but are either forbidden from having pets in their Mount Pleasant residences or are to busy to care for them.
Jena Priebe, Escanaba senior, has had her iguana, Marley, for three years. Priebe bought Marley because iguanas are allowed in her apartment building and are easier to take care of than a cat or dog.
“I would cry so hard if I lost him,” she said. “I thought I lost him on several occasions. I thought he went out into the neighborhood, but he was really in my room. He comforts me as any pet does. I love him and he really does have his own personality.”
Synde Conant, Mount Pleasant junior, lives in an apartment and is not allowed to have pets. In her hometown, Conant has had her dog, Griz, for three years. She would have a pet in her apartment if it was allowed.
“I think (pets) bring comic relief,” she said. “My dog is a total idiot, and you can’t help but laugh at it.”
Luli Chaluleu, Sterling Heights freshman, said she has had her dog, Dallas, in her hometown for six years. She lives in the residence halls and is not allowed to have pets. But she said she does not have the time to take care of one.
“He’s like a little brother to me,” she said. “He’s part of the family. He’s like a friend.”
Kim Organ, Waterford sophomore, lives in an apartment and cannot have pets, although she would if they were allowed. She has had her cat Radar in her hometown for 12 years.
“I’ve had him so long, he’s just part of my family,” Organ said.
Jamie Petersen, Sault Ste. Marie senior, has had a fish in her apartment for a year.
“It’s really not that important to me,” she said. “My roommate got it and called it our pet.”
Angela Sullivan, Kingsford sophomore has had her dog Moose for 12 years, her dog Laddie for five years, and her two horses Wheeler and AJ for six years in her hometown. She has no pets in Mount Pleasant because her roommates do not want any, and because she feels she does not have enough time.
“Moose is getting old and I make a point to go home and spend time with him,” she said. “I’ve had him since I was a little kid. There is sentimental value.”
Abby Collins, Owosso freshman, lives in the dorms, but would bring one of her cats from home to Mount Pleasant if she were allowed. She has had her three cats, Kit, Thomas and Arista for 10 years.
“They’re pretty important to the family,” she said. “They’re nice company to have around. It’s a matter of attachment.”
Miranda Bailey, Drummond Island senior, currently has gerbils in her Mount Pleasant house. Last semester, she had a cat named McGee she was forced to give up because her new landlord would not allow pets. In her hometown, she has had her dog, Shadow, for five years.
“Shadow was there since I was growing up,” she said. “She’s a living, breathing creature and she’s beautiful. “
Bailey was upset when she had to give up McGee, but is getting used to the two gerbils.
“It was sad, we had him for a year or so, and we were pretty attached to him,” she said. “The gerbils are growing on me. They just had babies so they’re pretty cute.”
Ryan Wessell, Rockford junior, lives in an apartment and would have a cat if he were allowed. In his hometown, he has had his dog Sugar for 10 years, his cat MC for five years and another cat Happy for three years.
“They’re fun to have around,” he said. “The dog we have for protection. They’re fun to play with. The dog is probably more important because I’ve had him for so many years.”
The Forum apartments will allow cats for a fee of $200, but does not allow dogs or ferrets. Smaller caged animals such as iguanas, hamsters and fish are allowed with no charge.
Timber Creek Apartments charges a $300 fee per cat or dog. Cats and dogs must be spayed or neutered and cats must be declawed. There is a two-cat and one-dog limit per apartment. Small caged pets less than 30 pounds are allowed without a fee except for ferrets, mice and rats. A copy of shot records must be presented.
Edgewood Apartments will only allow residents to have fish.