A 'hairy' decision
Brian ManzulloBeing a full-time student can require a significant amount of time, dedication and investment.
Yet, every semester, students still find the funds and room in their hearts and homes to adopt animals.
Parma graduate student Sandra Allen adopted her cat, Kitty, two years ago.
"I missed not having animals in my life," she said. "If I could, I'd have a million."
Allen is one of the many pet-owning students at CMU. Regardless of the reason for adopting an animal, the implications of such a commitment affects several aspects of those living the college lifestyle.
"It's a lot more work than you think," said Grand Rapids senior DeMarcus Brooks. "We just kind of hang out. It's cool to have a little companion."
Brooks got his 6-month-old miniature Doberman pincher, Zeus, this July.
Pet expenses, such as food and veterinary visits, may wind up becoming overwhelming to a student's budget.
Allen said she spends approximately $400 per year just taking care of Kitty's basic needs for litter, food, toys and annual check-ups. Each apartment complex in the area has its own pet policies and fees by which pet owners must abide.
"I think it's like having a kid," Allen said. "They need a lot of attention."
The amount of time set aside to care for the animal also factors into a student's schedule, such as sacrificing social events and other extracurricular activities.
Humane Animal Treatment Society volunteer Cindy Bryant said her biggest concern with students adopting pets while in school is what will happen after they graduate.
"You can't get one just because it's cute and then return it later," Bryant said.
Keeping the animal adequately active is another issue students must take into account. Pets that are left alone can be more destructive, while pets that exercise are better behaved, Bryant said.
Brooks said it has been a group effort raising Zeus while he juggles his own work and class commitments.
"My roommates help out a lot," he said.
Both Brooks and Allen agree that living in apartments definitely limits the type of animal one should have for a pet. Size and temperament are two of several variables one must consider when adopting pets, Allen said.
"Obviously, you can't have a horse in an apartment," she said. "Dogs are more noticeable, and it's not fair for the big ones to be cooped up in a small space."
Safford the daily obligations could think about volunteering with HATS. Bryant said that simply visiting an animal for a few hours a week will help keep him or her socialized.
"It may not seem much to you, but to the animal and volunteers it's a big deal," Bryant said.
Other services a student may take advantage of are the obedience classes taught by the Mount Pleasant Kennel Club. Further information can be found on its Web site, mpkennelclub.tripod.com.
Of all the aspects that come with pet-owning, Brooks said it's most important to stay organized and disciplined.
"If you're not balanced, your dog's not balanced," Brooks said.
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