>>From:    "K. Crassi"
>>Subject: Re: no pets allowed cont.
>
>I wonder about something, most dorms do not allow children either, would
>you have written the same letter if she was talking about having to leave
>her human child instead of her fuzzy child?
 
Please -- let's compare like situations rather than far fetched analogies.
Mothers with human children who choose to attend college usually choose
colleges and universities local to them so they can commute as day
students, knowing full well that dormitory life is not an appropriate
setting in which to raise a child.  If dormitory life is unsuitable for
raising a human child, what makes anyone think it is a more appropriate
situation for a fur child?
 
Yes, it is unfortunate that Jenna cannot take her ferret with her to
college.  But, there are very good reasons for why almost all colleges and
universities ban pets in the dormitory.  Colleges and universities make no
secret of that rule -- it is clearly spelled out in the student handbook
for dormitory living.  Teens (and their parents) considering college in
their future need to take that fact into account when deciding that they
want a personal pet -- ferret or otherwise.  Responsible decisions need to
be made before bringing any pet into the home.  What is the average
lifespan for the pet?  Will the pet be a family pet, and a welcome (or even
acceptable) responsibility by other family members when the primary
caregiver is away for brief and extended periods?  Where will the primary
caregiver be in 2 years, 4 years, 10 years time?  If the family is
unwilling to assume caregiving responsibilities for the pet while the
primary caregiver is away at college or sumnmer camp etc., it would be a
wiser idea to put off getting the pet until such a time as the individual
can take on the responsibilities of being a good pet parent.  Of course,
that is not the advise that young people living in the here and now
generally want to hear.
 
In most cases, the decision to attend college is not a snap decision -- it
is an event planned for a year or more (in most cases, for several years).
Pursuing a college education following high school is a deliberate and
planned act that takes time.  Part of that planning needs to include the
welfare of the pet -- it is the only responsible and mature thing to do.
 
Yes, it is possible to live off campus and share expenses with a roommate
or mates.  But, then again, unless the individual can afford to pay the
entire cost of rent and utilities without the assistance of roommates,
there could be a problem.  What happens if only one other roommate fails
to come up with his or her share of the expenses for one or more months?
The individual is back to square one -- no place to live with his or her
pet.
 
Just something to consider.
 
Scott and the Mustilid Mob
 
"Lack of prior planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my
part." -- Anon.
[Posted in FML issue 2674]