Meet Knox: The Best Decision I Made in College (Even When It Was Hard)
Getting a dog while in college at Michigan State University might sound crazy to most people—and honestly, sometimes it felt a little crazy to me too. But when I found Knox, my Saint Bernard Poodle mix, I just knew he was meant to be mine. He was only 8 weeks old when I brought him home, with giant paws, soft curly fur, and the sweetest eyes. From day one, he completely changed my world.
Raising a puppy at MSU while juggling classes, job applications, and everything else that comes with college life was no small feat. There were days I would be running on two hours of sleep after staying up late finishing assignments, only to be woken up at 6 a.m. for a potty break. I missed out on more nights out than I can count. There were times during March Madness when my friends were packing into bars, and I was home making sure Knox wasn’t eating my sneakers. During internship interviews or midterms, I had to find ways to manage my time even if that meant studying with Knox curled up next to me or squeezing in walks between classes.
The sacrifices were real. I had to say no to spontaneous road trips or late-night study sessions because I had a puppy depending on me. There were moments I felt overwhelmed, especially when he was going through his wild puppy stages. Trying to train a 100-pound dog who thinks he’s a lapdog isn’t exactly stress-free. But despite the chaos, there were also the quiet mornings, the long walks through campus, and the comforting feeling of coming home to someone who was always excited to see me.
There were tough times, but Knox gave me a sense of purpose and responsibility that nothing else in college ever could. He helped me grow up a little faster, in the best way. Instead of feeling like I missed out, I look back and realize how much he added to my college experience. Sure, I had to make sacrifices, but I also gained a best friend who’s been with me through late-night study breakdowns, early-morning interviews, and everything in between.
Getting a dog in college isn’t for everyone—and I get why. It’s hard, it’s expensive, and it takes a lot of patience. But for me, the love, comfort, and joy Knox brings into my life every single day has made it all so worth it. He’s taught me about balance, unconditional love, and how to find calm in the chaos. And even during the craziest moments—like trying to prep for finals while he’s zooming around the room with a slipper in his mouth—I wouldn’t trade him for anything.
