Back to school continues for students across East Tennessee, and as students head to Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, some are moving more than just beds and books into their dorm rooms.
Pets.
This year, the university is starting a pilot program, offering graduate students the option of a pet-friendly residence hall.
"I come home and he just licks me and he's so happy, and I'm so happy too,” said Kristina Aranaz, a first year veterinary student.
She is one of 17 graduate students participating in the program. When Aranaz moved into her dorm, so did her dog, Chico.
“Cats dogs and reptiles,” said Vice President of Student Services Jonathan Leo. “There’s no komodo dragons allowed, but pretty much everything else!”
The university says it’s the first in the state of Tennessee to offer specific pet-friendly housing.
"All to make the students happier and make their lives better and improve the quality of life on campus,” Leo said.
It costs students $150 for a special ID tag and flea treatment for the residence hall. Across the street, LMU built a small dog park.
"I wanted the convenience of living on campus, but I also wanted to bring my fur baby with me so it was a really good 2-in-1 deal,” student Morgan Haning said.
Tackling her first week of vet school has been easier for Haning because “Willow” has been by her side.
“During the day its long days sitting in an auditorium listening to lectures and stuff and having to focus and pay attention, so it’s nice whenever you’re able to come home and get a hug and have fun and just be greeted by such a loving companion animal,” Haning said.
Her roommate Catherine Hali Holloway shares the same feelings.
“To move in and have my animal with me and also be in a place where other people have their animals, it’s just a really exiting environment to be in,” Holloway said.
Kendra Harper is a second year veterinary student and said she has already noticed a huge difference now that “Kitty Norris” is living with her.
"I didn't think it was going to be that big of a deal but when I came down last year for my first year of vet school she wasn't here and it was just too quiet, I hated not having her here,” Harper said.
With homework and a grueling class schedule, you might think another responsibility might be tough, however these pet owners say it’s just the opposite.
“Honestly I think she takes care of me, as much as I take care of her,” Holloway said about her cat. “She sleeps on my feet at night, and it’s kind of like something I'm used to having and without that I don't think I would be able to function.”
Whether the animals are stress relievers or study partners, it’s clear their presence has a “paws-itive” influence.
The pilot program will span two years and is only open to graduate students.
LMU hopes to expand the option to more buildings and undergraduate students in the future.
