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PUPPY LOVE
Adopting pets can be helpful, time-consuming
JENNA JAKOWATZ
Buster might only have three legs, but scaling fences, chasing squirrels, and going for walks are still a part of his daily life.
jjakowatz@kansan.com
Buster has been a part of Kelly O'Neill's family for 11 years. O'Neill, a sophomore from Leawood, took Buster in September when his older brother, who had been taking care of Buster, graduated and moved to California for work. O'Neil had to adjust his life to include taking care of Buster every day.
"I've got another life to take care of," O'Neill said. "I have to make sure he's healthy, well fed, he gets enough exercise and gets groomed."
O'Neill is one of many students who owns a pet while in college, and the added responsibilities of caring for pets while in school might be something students should consider before adopting a pet.
On top of regular student expenses like rent, tuition, books and food, O'Neill has to devote some of his money to Buster. Veterinarian bills especially have put a large hole in O'Neill's pocket.
"Food costs $15-20 a month. He has medicine for his joints that costs about $200 a year." O'Neill said, "His most recent vet bill was $50, and his yearly vet totals can come up to $150-$200."
Dori Villalon, Executive Director of the Lawrence Humane Society, says that before adopting a pet and taking on the additional expenses, students should consider fostering an animal.
All these expenses can add up over time, but these costs do not include emergencies. In October of 2011, Buster dislocated his hip and that vet bill alone added up to $1,000.
"If you're adopting simply because you miss your cat or dog back home, consider volunteering instead," Villalon said. "We need foster homes for cats and dogs (we pay for all food, medical care and supplies) and have a great dog
walking program where you can take shelter dogs for the day to hike or just hang out."
The Lawrence Humane Society, a popular place where students go to adopt pets, recently completed kennel repairs for dogs available for adoption. Thirty-nine local volunteers stepped up and fostered the dogs while construction was underway.
"Thanks to our community, the repairs went smoothly and were completed on schedule," said Villalon.
The Humane Society is currently gearing up for spring, and the increase in kittens and other newborn animals that come with the season. Villalon says the Humane Society will be tackling this spring and summer's animal increases by participating in a nationwide challenge.
"The Lawrence Humane Society is one of just 50 shelters nationwide selected to participate in the ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge." Villalon said. "We have set a goal to save 122 percent more animals this summer than last year."
Part of achieving that goal means the Humane Society will have to undertake the task of finding homes for their adult animals who have been in the Society for some time, as well as the more desirable newborns.
The Humane Society doesn't reject applicants because they are currently a college student, but Villalon offers advice to students looking to adopt a pet.
Despite the travel hindrances animals might bring to students who have to move, Villalon says the Humane Society does not see the animals they adopt out to students come back after a year or two.
"We want them to consider that adopting a pet will limit where they live and their ability to travel or go on vacation—important considerations while in college," Villalon said.
"Moving" and 'landlord won't allow' continue to be top reasons
why animals are relinquished to the Society, but college students don't relinquish animals at a higher rate than anyone else and despite the myth, we don't see an increase in abandoned animals at the end of semesters," Villalon said.
O'Neill says that Buster has increased his daily responsibilities, but coming home after a long day of classes to a smiling, happy dog is worth it. As he looks for a home to rent for next year, one of his top questions for landlords will be, "Is it pet friendly?"
Villalon stresses that if you are currently looking to get a pet, you should consider adoption from the Humane Society.
"If you are ready for pet ownership, please adopt, don't purchase a cat, dog, rabbit or 'pocket pet,' Villalon said. "Lawrence Humane Society animals are already spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped and you'll be helping us save a life."
Edited by Tyler Conover
ASHI FIGH IFF/KANSAN
Owning a pet in college can have its pros and cons. Having a pet can instill responsibility and other life lessons. Cons can be that watching a pet is costly.
assassinated just weeks later.
On Monday it will have been 44 years since classes were cancelled so that students might see Robert F. Kennedy speak at Allen Fieldhouse. He opened his presidential campaign on KU's campus, and was tragicallyinated just weeks later.
POLICE REPORTS
- A 26-year-old male was arrested yesterday at the intersection of 23rd Street and Louisiana on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence. A $500 bond was paid.
- A 33-year-old female was arrested Tuesday on the 1600 block of 7th Street on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence. A $500 bond was paid.
- A 29-year-old female was arrested Tuesday on the 2500 block of 9th Street on suspicion of failure to appear in municipal court. A $1,225 bond was paid.
- A 28-year-old male was arrested Tuesday on the 3600 block of 25th Street on suspicion of failure in an out-of-county court. A $1,500 bond was paid.
Emily Donovan
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