Kelsey Applegarth, freshman doctoral clinical psychology major, gives Copper some love during her walk. PHOTO BY INDAYA BYER.
William Patterson, freshman marine biology major, is the proud owner of two pet ferrets, who live with him in his on-campus dorm.
“My favorite memory with my ferrets is the day that I brought them home,” Patterson said.
With the recent celebration of National Love Your Pet Day took place on Feb. 20, there is still time for students to show appreciation for their pets.
Take them outside
One way students can show their pets love is taking them outside. The Quad outside of the Alvin Sherman Library is a great place to walk a pet on campus. Taking pets on long walks allows them to get their energy out while helping the owners bond with them. Make sure to give them extra cuddles and bring a few of their favorite toys to the Quad. Whether it’s a dog, a bunny, a ferret or any other indoor pet, playing with a pet outside is a small action filled with love that many pets will appreciate.
For dogs in particular, Performance Pups Freshwater Dog Beach located in Dania Beach is a great place to go to celebrate your pet. This pet-friendly beach is a 15 minute drive from NSU. It is home to a large freshwater, crystal-clear lake. The area is fenced-in for the pets’ safety, so dogs can be unleashed to fully enjoy the water, the soft sand and the grass. Make sure to call and schedule a visit to this dog beach ahead of time.
Another local dog park is Happy Tails, also a 15 minute drive from campus. It includes three leash-free areas, one for big dogs, one for medium dogs and one for small dogs.
Alicia Phillips, a senior education major, takes her puppy, Kylie, there often.
“I take my dog to Happy Tails almost every other day. It’s really nice,” said Phillips.
Make homemade treats
Students can also make homemade treats for their pets to make them feel loved and appreciated. Pet-friendly recipes can be found online for any type of animal. Pinterest has a wide variety of treat ideas, ranging from peanut butter and banana dog cookies to special bunny treats and even mini cookies for pet rats and mice. Students can also watch YouTube or Instagram tutorials for more visual instructions. These treats can be made into all types of creative shapes and sizes suited for any pet.
Take photos
Students can also direct a photoshoot for their pets to make them feel special. Take some adorable photos of them while they’re scarfing down their homemade treats.
Phillips said that taking photos of her pet on National Love Your Pet Day gave her a “really cute Instagram story.”
Post photos of you and your pet with the hashtag #NationalLoveYourPetDay to share the love with other pet owners.
Rescue a pet
Adopting a pet from a rescue shelter is perhaps the most meaningful way to celebrate this special day, every day. You may turn an animal’s life around for the better.
Patterson’s ferrets were initially surrenders. Surrendered animals are animals whose owners can no longer care for them.
“I found a place near NSU that had surrenders, so I decided I’d rather rescue them since I had the opportunity,” Patterson said.
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