Students share rewards, challenges of being dog owners

A best friend is loyal, loving and always there for those hard days. For some, that best friend may have four paws.

Ashley Buentello, a senior communication studies major from Arlington, received her dog, Grizzly, as a Christmas gift from her parents when she was 15 years old. Now after keeping Grizzly for six years, Buentello said having him in college reminds her of home.

“There is no one who gets happier to see you than your dog,” she said. “It also helps because I’m responsible for another living thing besides myself.”

With taking care of a dog, Buentello said it helps her from lying in bed all day and keeps her active by taking him on walks to get exercise. As a full time student and working part time, she said it is difficult when she wants to travel since boarding Grizzly can get expensive and taking him on the trip could be a potential hassle.

Susan Bozeman, veterinarian, said there may be misconceptions in Lubbock that students do not take good care of their dogs. Even though there may be dogs taken into the shelter, Bozeman said the blame should not automatically be on students.

“All the dogs I see that come in from students are taken good care of and all the owners are very responsible,” she said.

Jessica Underwood, a sophomore animal science major Denton has grown up with a house of dogs her whole life. On Sept. 14, Underwood got her dog, Zeppelin.

“This is my first dog raising on my own,” she said. “I didn’t know how much work it was at all until I got him.”

Underwood said Zeppelin has given her so much responsibility and helps her manage time between work, exercise and her sorority.

Since Zeppelin is three months old, Underwood said potty training him has been one of the biggest difficulties since it takes a lot of time and dedication.

Jacey Mitchell, a senior marketing major, and Derek Lamb, a junior management major, started dating while living in Sulphur Springs. Now engaged and together for seven years, their relationship has involved a lot of love for their dogs.

Daisy, Mitchell’s dog, was a birthday present when she was 16 years old. Mitchell said she had always wanted an Australian Shepherd, and her mom had decided then that Mitchell was responsible enough to take care of a dog.

Lamb and his younger sister grew up with a dog their whole life. After the German Shepherd died, Lamb said his dad got another dog, Cheyenne, because the house would feel too empty without a family dog.

After coming to Tech with their owners, Mitchell said Daisy and Cheyenne became best friends, and both dogs have specific personalities, full of sassiness and a need for attention. Mitchell said Daisy is the dog version of her, filled with stress and fun, while Lamb said Cheyenne has a very quirky personality.

“I think having a dog has helped me to lower my stress some days,” Mitchell said. “I’m a firm believer that cuddles with your pup can help you relax and get in a better mood.”

With two dogs in the house, Mitchell and Lamb said both always add laughter and love to their lives daily.

By paying for food, toys, shots, medicine, boarding and grooming, Mitchell said pets can be expensive, and they have seen a constant flow coming from their bank accounts.

“That’s what having a dog means. It is a huge responsibility, and I have to take Daisy and Cheyenne into account before making plans,” she said. “I think it’s worth it. I want my dogs to have the best life ever. I will always have a dog, no doubt.”

http://www.dailytoreador.com/lavida/students-share-rewards-challenges-of-being-dog-owners/article_00841e20-deb5-11e8-badb-ebf923d6857c.html