I would like to comment on The Spectrum's article "Fluffy Fugitives: Worth the Risk?" (Nov. 25) I disagree with the university's policy of not allowing pets in the on-campus apartments.
One of their reasons for this policy is the welfare and health factors of the pet. While I can understand the welfare of the pet being a problem in the dorms living in such small quarters, I cannot see the problem in an on-campus apartment with regards to space and living conditions. As for health factors, the university could require documentation of the pet's vaccinations. They could also specify other regulations for the type of pets.
Also, it was stated, "the pet's presence stays around longer than the individual who had the pet." I have entered many of these apartments and I feel that in many cases the previous individual's presence can stay around much longer than we think. Shower floors are stained with dirt from the previous person who probably never cleaned it once. Kitchen floors (which were supposedly cleaned before the new students moved in) are covered with a film of dirt over the entire floor.
Another factor people felt supported the university's policy is that "it must be hard to take care of them, especially in the apartments. It's like having a baby there. You have to feed it and stuff." Obviously, it does take responsibility to care for a pet, but that does not have to do with living in an apartment. If you cannot handle the responsibility of a pet, then you should not own one.
The policy is enforced also to prevent apartment furniture damage. Again, I think we are not looking at the damage we students already do to the apartments. The university solves this problem by charging the students for those damages. The students should then be responsible for any damage their pets do to the apartment.
Another problem is student allergies. However, this can be solved by designating certain buildings for pets. And lastly, another student stated, "people have classes all day long and don't really have much time to cater to their pets, as well as take care of them." How is our situation as being students any different from people who have full time jobs and still manage to take care of their pets?
The main reason I am writing at all is because I feel that a pet can really make a happier atmosphere in your apartment or home. I know from my own experience that coming home from a stressful day of work or classes to my pet cheers me up. To have your dog wagging his tail excited to see you or your cat purring while you pet her can really take your mind off of whatever negative events are going on in your life. I think with a few changes the university could make this possible for students.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
