From shared housing to shared healing
Before moving into my student house, I had never owned a pet on my own. I had always wanted a dog, but for one reason or another, it never felt possible. Living at home, dealing with school and managing responsibilities meant that having a pet was always something I imagined for the future rather than the present. So, when I found out that one of my new roommates had a dog, I was curious, but also unsure. I had never lived with an animal before, and I did not know what to expect.
At first, my thoughts were practical and cautious. Would it be messy? Would it be loud? Would it cause tension in a shared living space? I worried about whether I would struggle to adjust or whether living with a dog would add stress rather than comfort. But, once I actually moved in, those concerns quickly faded. Instead of disruption, the dog brought something entirely different into the house.
Almost immediately, I noticed how calm I felt whenever he was around. Being in the same room as him gave me an instant sense of ease. On stressful days filled with lectures, deadlines and constant mental pressure, his presence felt grounding. There was an unexpected rush of positive energy that came from something as simple as petting him or watching him move around the house. Even though he could not speak to me or understand my problems in a human way, I still felt a real emotional connection. In many ways, he felt like emotional support without needing words.
What surprised me most was how naturally I adjusted to living with both the dog and his owner. There was no awkward transition or tension. Instead, it felt like he had always been meant to be part of the space. Over time, I realized that his impact extended beyond individual comfort. He changed the entire atmosphere of the house. The energy felt lighter, warmer and more welcoming. Coming home no longer felt like simply returning to a place to sleep. It felt like coming back to something familiar and comforting.
The dog also brought my roommates and I closer together. Because of him, we started spending more time together in ways that felt natural rather than forced. We would go on walks together to take him out, spend time playing with him, and gather in shared spaces more often. In a student house, where everyone can easily become caught up in their own schedules and stress, he became a reason to slow down and connect.
Living with a dog taught me that companionship does not always come from conversation. Sometimes it comes from presence, routine and shared care. I never expected that someone else’s pet could have such a profound impact on my mental health and my student experience. But now, I cannot imagine this chapter of my life without him. He is more than just a pet in our house. He is part of what makes it feel like home.
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