Get your pet fix at local Humane Society

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The Independent Florida Alligator

By Patrick Barrett

Going to college means a whole new set of experiences and a whole new life. Whether you're getting drunk in a new house or just plain getting drunk during the week, it's all about spreading your wings!

OK, for many students, college isn't what it should be - that's another column for another day.

No matter how you look at it, though, college is an escape from the rules and structure of high school life. And how do we take advantage of our new freedom? Crystal meth. That's called a "bad decision."

Another, better way to take advantage of it is by getting a pet. Maybe you always wanted one, but your parents wouldn't let you. Maybe you miss Boopsie and need something furry to fill the void. Either way, you're a grown-up - and you'll get a pet if you want to, right?

Unfortunately, the rationale for most pet-buying in Gainesville doesn't go much farther than that. You move into an apartment, get lonely and pick up a cat or dog somewhere. All of a sudden, you've got a purpose, and your friends have a reason to go to your place. Then what happens?

If you're the kind of short-sighted jerk I'm talking about, you get tired of your pet and, when you move out, you just let him go.

Want proof? Go to any apartment complex in Gainesville and look around the parking lot. You'll find dozens of stray cats who once had names and homes, but now scrounge for food.

What's the solution? Glad you asked. Gainesville's pet-rescue organizations are easy to find online - and most of them need volunteers. But another way to help is through a program recently started at the Alachua County Humane Society, five minutes from downtown.

Students who need a dog fix or who just want to help can walk into the Humane Society, spend two or three minutes filling out forms, pick the dog or dogs they want - and then go play with them all day.

That's right. You can just take the dog of your choice to any local dog park and let him run around outside and play with you and other dogs for as long as you want. When you're done, just bring him back. It's that simple.

I once took three dogs at the same time, and each one was incredibly well-behaved and immensely grateful for the opportunity to run around. It's a great way to spend an afternoon, and the dogs really need the exercise and fresh air.

Also, for cat people, there's a room full of about 50 cats you can just hang out in all day. It has all types of cats and kittens, all anxious to play with you.

So if you want a pet but not the commitment, don't get one to keep that you'll only let down. Go to the Humane Society, and play with the cats and dogs there. And if you are ready for an animal of your own, don't spend $500 at the mall. Save your money, go to the Humane Society and get a loyal pet who needs you. You'll be glad you did.