Tufts Blogs

One of the hardest goodbyes I make every year during move in day is to my dog, Bella. Bella is more than just a house pet; she is a distraction from stress and responsibility, she is a silent listener of problems, and she is a conscientious cuddle buddy in times of distress. When I came to college I lost these things. My world narrowed and essentially became school work and extracurricular activities. My friends did what they could, but could not compete with all that Bella is.

Fortunately, I could get a temporary fix, one that gave me a connection like the one between my dog and I. Animal Aid is one of the many amazing clubs at Tufts that mutually benefits community members and students. In the fall semester of my freshman year, I applied to get a dog and was matched with Cooper. A golden retriever/black lab mix, Cooper was nearly three times bigger than Bella, a Maltese mix, but at the same age, he displayed the playfulness and joy of a puppy. Every Monday I would walk down the rainbow steps and into the surrounding neighborhood, I would pick up Cooper and walk him back to campus.  

Cooper was a big goofball. Even as a grown adult, he had the personality of a very excited puppy. Every time I entered his house, he would stand up and place his arms on my shoulders, yelping with excitement. On campus he would eagerly greet anyone that walked past us, bowing his head for pats. He was like my own dog and this brought the utmost joy to my heart. I spent each Monday getting tugged along by Cooper as he stopped at every bush and every small patch of grass to smell and I a very clichéd phrase popped into my head and I realized that I need to take some time and “smell the roses”.

Cooper was more than just a temporary Bella; he reminded me that I need to live in the present and take time for myself. I'm a much happier person because of this.