Written by Shanti Hastings-Kimball. Graphic by Shanti Hastings-Kimball.
It starts with an afternoon trip to the shelter, “just to look.” Pets have become a fixture of college life, offering unconditional love. They ease the isolation of being away from home for the first time and in a new environment.
Animals provide emotional stability, a consistent routine, and motivation by depending on you to care for them. Most of the time, peers talk about their pets and sometimes show a picture. Below, I introduce you to some SCAD students and their four-legged companions.
Kenzie, 15 years old
Kenzie has lived at SCAD all four years with her owner Shannon Rattray, a senior majoring Business of Beauty and Fragrance.
“Having a cat helps me stay grounded in reality,” Shannon says. “She gives me motivation during stressful times.”
Though many parents say having a pet just adds more stress than benefits. Though for Rattray, the opposite is true.
“She doesn’t add more stress; it makes me happy to care for her. I’ve also made arrangements in my room to accommodate her.”
Kenzie was very good and posed for the camera.
Kiyomi
Senior, Bella Bosch, is majoring in painting. She lives with her fuzzy Ragdoll cat that she got last year.
“She keeps me company and on a schedule, which brings me immense joy.”
Bella adopted Kiyomi when she was a kitten.
“She was definitely work and got in the way of my work as a baby,” says Bella. “But she is used to it now and sleeps while I paint.”
When asked about parents who think they get in the way and add more stress, she thinks that they do not, but rather add more comfort above all else. Kiyomi stayed unbothered like a queen during my visit.
Princess Kenny (right), Wyvern (Left)
Alexa Seawright, a senior majoring in Film and Television lives with her two cats named Princess Kenny and Wyvern. She adopted Princess Kenny at three months old then Wyvern three months later.
She shares how they offer emotional support and are full of love. Though she acknowledges financial implications as well.
“Their care can be expensive at times but it brings happiness,” Says Alexa. “Litter box duties aside.”
She encourages other students to adopt. She says balancing academics and a furry friend is not difficult. All her cats were very friendly and playful with me during my visit.
Luna (Left), Thorgy Thor (Right)
Mahalie Vera, a junior Photography major, brought her cat Luna from home freshman year and has been with her ever since. Mahalie and her roommate Roberto Casteñeda Vades adopted Thor, a 100lb mastiff last October from the Chatham County Animal Shelter.
“Thor sure gives emotional support and keeps us both moving and encouraged,” they both agreed.
Mahalie mentioned that it was stressful to have her cat Luna in the dorms, but it was still worth it. Luckily, their friends live close, and they can rely on them in case they miss a walk.
Overall, they both think it depends on the student to be able to afford it and to be there every night, but they would recommend having pets at school.
Luna only cared about getting scratches while Thorgy Thor was very awkward during my visit.
Having an animal companion at school brings more benefits than one offering comfort, motivation and a routine for a normally busy school week. Being mindful of what you can handle financially and emotionally play a big part in whether or not you should get a pet. If you feel you can, then I recommend you go take a look at the animal shelter.
