This past Friday, I walked into Heartland Pets, located in the Millcreek Mall. Any time I visit the mall, it’s a must for me to stop and look at the new animals. As I walked past the glass, I peeked into each and every cage, looking for the perfect puppy to take out and play with.
About two-thirds of the way down, I spotted the perfect one. On the bottom shelf, curled up in a little ball and taking a nap, was a male Italian Greyhound. For those that don’t know what an “iggy” looks like, think of Jenna Marbles from YouTube and her dog, Kermit. I was so excited, I didn’t even finish looking at the rest of the dogs.
I brought him into one of the rooms and set him down, so he would have a chance to run around for a little bit. However, he wanted nothing to do with it. As soon as I set him down he ran over to me and stayed by me the whole time. I sat down next to him and he jumped right in my lap and curled up. The little guy even managed to fall asleep on me.
First and foremost, I am a dog lover. So if you put any kind of canine near me, I will just about lose it. So obviously, when one of my favorite dogs falls asleep on me, I was sold. However because of my college income, or lack thereof, and the fact that my landlord doesn’t allow animals, there was no way I was going to get this dog, no matter how much I wanted it.
But it got me thinking. Every time I leave the pet store, I always find myself in a good mood. I never had a dog of my own growing up, but several of my family members did and I considered their dogs to somewhat be mine. When I was little, if there was a dog walking with its owner, I would ask to pet it.
Maybe I’m a little obsessed, but I think dogs bring us so much joy throughout our entire lives. Not only are they furry and adorable, but also they are always happy to see you. All they want is to be around you and please you.
I think they offer a form of companionship that is so unique to them; and it’s not just dogs, but animals in general. Animals are always there when you’ve had a good or bad day. They don’t judge you on anything. They simply love you for who you are.
I think that’s a pretty great thing, especially in this day and age. Animals don’t care what car you drive or how much your job pays or the size of clothes you wear, they just want to be with you.
With all the hustle and bustle of life, I think that’s a spectacular feeling. We are constantly surrounded by school, work, technology and life in general. I’m excited for after college when I can finally have my own dog. Coming home to a wagging tail will be a real treat.
SAMMIE JANIK
