Growing up with dogs, I never imagined I would want one of my own. As much as I loved them, I always saw dogs as a lot of work, a lot of responsibility and one more thing to worry about. College was already busy enough, and the idea of being responsible for another living thing was never really on my radar.
Then came Hank.
Last semester, I was walking to my final when Phi Delta Epsilon, a medical fraternity, was hosting its “Paws for the Cause” event. Among all the people rushing to classes, there was a chunky pit bull sitting on the sidewalk. His name was Hank, and for some reason, I immediately knew I needed him. I stopped, took a picture and texted it to my parents with a message that was less of a question and more of a declaration: I need him.
They thought I was joking. When they realized I was serious, they quickly reminded me of all the reasons I could not possibly take care of a dog at my age. Between classes, a busy schedule and everything else that comes with being a college student, they were convinced I was being a little crazy. And honestly, maybe I was. But one thing you should know about me is that I have never been particularly good at listening to my parents.
Now, ...