Dog daze

SUU students find time
to balance pets, school

By KATIE ANDERSON
UNIVERSITY JOURNAL

While SUU student dog owners may have busy lives, it is possible to properly care for a pet physically, emotionally and monetarily while attending a university full-time.
The Web site www.dogscouts.com reported that many things pertain to being a responsible dog owner. The basic way to go about becoming a conscientious owner is to realize the dog must not be allowed to “decrease the quality of life of others in (the) community.”
This goal is achieved by ensuring the dog does not destroy property, livestock, bark excessively or harm children or other animals, as mentioned online.
“Being a responsible dog owner is easy,” the Web site reports. “It means making sure that your dog is not a nuisance.”
Tim Dulaney, co-manager of Renaissance Properties in Cedar City, said he doesn’t allow dogs or other pets in his apartments because of “the messes they make.”
Dulaney said he used to allow pets in the buildings, but when he had trouble getting people to rent the rooms previously inhabited by animals he changed his policy.
“It just didn’t work out in an apartment situation,” he said. “When the pet owners moved out there was a definite smell.”
There was also a problem with the roommates of the animal owners, Dulaney said. He said he used to have problems with people not wanting to share the rooms with the dogs.
One student disagrees with that assessment. Steve Price, a junior physical education major from Las Vegas, said his roommates have no problem with his American Stafford Terrier (commonly referred to as a pit bull) living with them.
“They help me walk him,” Price said. “He lives in the house with us and I clean him once a week, so he doesn’t stink at all. Neither does the house.”
As for the financial aspect of owning a dog while attending a university full-time, Price said his dog’s food costs between $40 and $60 per month. His father paid for the shots and vaccinations, the most expensive one costing $60.
Scott Rawlinson, a doctor at the Color Country Animal Hospital, said the average cost of an exam and some vaccinations is between $20 and $40. The city requirement of a rabies vaccination costs from $10 to $20.
While that may seem like a lot of money to spend on a pet, one should remember the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
“Animals need regular health care just like people do, and preventative vaccinations and exams are relatively
inexpensive compared to correcting problems that have already occurred,” Rawlinson said.
Other expenses and demands dog owners incur beyond the cost of food are grooming, board while the owner is away, city registration requirements and the general need for attention.
Mary Blackner, utility billing clerk for Cedar City, said the registration fee is $35 if the animal is not spayed or neutered and only $10 if it is. There is even a certificate of proof. There

 

Kammon Hiatt, a senior communication major from Mount Airy, N.C., plays with his 8-week-old Bulldog puppy, Bailey. Hiatt’s family breeds the dogs in North Carolina, and sent Bailey to him by plane. Students at SUU enjoy owning pets away from home.
ANNE McCONNELL / UNIVERSITY JOURNAL

must also be evidence of the rabies vaccination. However, there are people who vaccinate their animals beyond what is required by the city, which raises pet-ownership costs. Chris Shipman, a junior physical education major from Salt Lake City, said his yellow Labrador’s vaccinations cost around $200.
The dog grooming can be done at home, Price said. He said he grooms his dog himself and keeps it outside in a full-sized kennel during the day, allowing it plenty of room to play in so it doesn’t feel trapped.
Kammon Hiatt, a senior communication major from Mount Airy, N.C., has an American Bulldog, which he cleans and bathes once a week to keep her healthy. He said she stays outside or in the garage with bowls of food and water while he is attending classes.
To deal with the attention his puppy requires, Hiatt said he makes sure to walk her every morning before he leaves for school and to play with her when he gets home. His roommates also help him with the puppy.
“The attention thing isn’t a problem if the roommates love the dog too and play with it,” Hiatt said. “Mine are great – they hold Bailey and play with her and show her off when people come over.”
Hiatt’s family raises American Bulldogs, and he said that anyone who is considering owning a dog should consider the attention and the responsibility necessary for a healthy dog.
“Make sure to give it adequate attention, plenty of food and a fenced area to play in,” he said.