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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (May 6, 2005)
Nicolf. Barker | Photographer Business senior Brian Thomas has owned his golden retriever, Ellie, for ten years. She usually lives with Thomas’ parents but occasionally stays at his campus-area home. The price of pats Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility for college students with busy schedules and tight budgets, but pet owners say it's worth it EMILY CHARRIER DAILY EMERALD FREELANCE REPORTER Swimming in a bowl in Eugene are two well-traveled goldfish named “Oso” and “Pearl.” They have traveled more than 4,200 miles from Eugene to Wisconsin, and back in a milk jug. “They’ve been to more states than most peo ple,” said political science major Matthew Botts. Botts got the fish his freshman year in the resi dence halls. When he went home to Wisconsin for the summer, the fish came with him. Many students, like Botts, are learning that having pets in college is a big responsibility. There have been a number of psychological studies about the benefits of having pets for both physical and emotional health. The Delta Society, an organization that supports human health through animal therapy, says on its Web site (www.deltasociety.org) that the benefits of pet ownership can range from lowered blood pres sure to combating loneliness. Scamps Petstore and Greenhill Humane Society said it is common for college-aged students to buy or adopt pets. “Girls buy kittens. Guys buy dogs. Athletes buy fish,” said Scamps employee Jessica Ketelsen. Audrina De Moss, 20, received a “Alfie,” a 4-month-old calico kitten, from her room mates for Valentine’s Day. The two quickly became inseparable. “Everywhere I went, she’d have to go with me. I was that girl that showed up at people’s houses with a cat,” De Moss said. De Moss said the multitude of costs is the worst pet owner responsibility. She estimates spending $50 per month for general expenses. There are many financial responsibilities for pet owners. A regular vet visit, recommended once per year, costs around $40. Spaying or neutering a pet at low-cost clinics ranges be tween $35-$160, depending on the type and size of animal. A baby animal requires a number of vaccina tions against diseases like rabies. Some of these vaccines need to be repeated annually at $14 $20 per shot. In addition to routine costs can be unexpected costs. “People are never (financially) prepared for the accidental broken leg,” said Liz Cooley of the Eugene Animal Hospital. Finding a place to live with pets is another po tential cost. Chase Village near Autzen Stadium is one of the few rental places that allows dogs in some apartments. Other rental companies usual ly have some apartments that allow cats. Most rentals require a pet deposit from $50 to $350, and in many cases the landlord can still charge tenants for any damages the pet causes. Aside from financial responsibility, pets take time and require a good deal of personal atten tion. The Humane Society recommends that dogs get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Be cause many students have full schedules, pets run the risk of being neglected. “It’s like another life, being responsible for more than yourself,” De Moss said. “Some crave it, others can’t handle it.” Even with the additional costs, students with pets find it worthwhile. “It’s something to come home to other than homework,” De Moss said. pearl garden apartments Welcome to Pearl Garden, the height of spacious apartment living in the heart of Eugene’s midtown, and home to an exciting wav of life we call metro living. A Pearl Garden address says more than just where you live— it’s a statement of how you live. Pearl Garden is situated between South Town and Down Town and offers spacious two and three bedroom apartments in a dynamic setting. the life—close distance to campus • University of Oregon • Amazon Park with tennis courts and jogging paths • Summer nights of baseball at Civic Stadium • Saturday market in downtown • Local grocery stores with healthy and fresh options • Great restaurants with a taste of Eugene • Living conveniences—coffee shops, video stores, pharmacies, hair salon, etc. • Bus route and bike paths Reserve your unit now! 1 541-501-3560 it s a way of life the flats—2 & 3 bedroom • Spacious floor plans • Vaulted ceilings—loft/study • Large decks and patios • Units with two bathrooms • Onsite laundry • Convenient parking • Washer/dryer in selected units bell real estate 630 r'ver road • eugene. Oregon 97404 phone: 541-501-3560 • fax: 541-688-9728 pearl@bell-realty.com Noel N. Reece 541 -688-2060 ext. 105 cell: 541-501-3511 • pager 541-341-6715 email: noelr@bellrealty.com “Something for everyone. 11 floor plans to choose from. Call ahead for Fall availability. Space is limited. Month to month contracts available. We offer: • Selection of studios and 1, 2, & 3 bedroom town homes available • Swimming pool and year-round spa • Fitness center open 24 hrs. • Washer/dryer hook-ups • Close to Delta ponds & bike path • Pet friendly • On bus line • Free covered parking or garage with each unit • Professional, caring and friendly staff • 24 hour emergency response • Spacious & unique floor plans • Fireplaces in select units • Air conditioning in select units • Convenient to downtown & Valley River Area • Community playground • Free bike check-out • Free video & DVD Library (541) 687-6800 >50 Goodpasture Loop • , OR 97401 • foresthilIsapts.com 022136 Special move-in incentives available at this classy alternative. • One and a half miles to campus • Washer/Dryer in each unit • Near bike path & bus station • Outstanding landscaping • Controlled access • Markets & bistros onsite • Studios, 1 & 2 bedrooms, $595 - $1,295 Broadway Place APARTMENTS 255 West Broadway, Eugene (541) 242-1077 Office open 6 day* a week www.broadwaypl.com Managed by HI (U LOR Management Services. 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