Photo by Phoebe Bartlett

Comet is happiest with his toys by his side, and senior Phoebe Bartlett said that he can’t even fall asleep if they “aren’t lined up behind him”

Whether they’re furry, scaly, or covered in feathers, pets can play major positive roles in people’s lives. They can provide emotional support, comfort, and also teach valuable lessons. If you ask me, we don’t give enough recognition to the incredible pets in our lives. To start, here are some of the adorable companions belonging to our very own Lancers. 

Comet

After a family friend couldn’t take care of him anymore, senior Phoebe Bartlett’s family happily took in Comet, who they’ve now had for four years. 

“We call him ‘Big Boy,’” Bartlett said. “He’s a shih tzu, we like to humor him.”

Bartlett said that “always having someone there” when you arrive home after a long, stressful day, just seems to make every difficult aspect of the day less noticeable. 

“It’s always so nice to just see the sweet face of your small companion,” Bartlett said. 

Because she has other pets along with Comet, including several cats and dogs, Bartlett said that she’s learned a lot from being constantly surrounded by animals in her home, including the fact that animals in general are “a lot smarter than we think.” 

“My dogs know exactly when dinner is,” Bartlett said, “my cats know how to open doors. We’re still learning new things about them every day.”

Though cute as he is, Comet is apparently rather materialistic, and he can’t go to sleep when his toys “aren’t lined up behind him.”

“He collects rubber ducks, rubber donuts, pine cones,” Bartlett said, “just any kind of toy, he has to have lined up and accounted for before he goes to bed.”

Perseus

Junior Sophia Miller has had her cat, Perseus, for eight years. Perseus was originally feral, before Miller decided to tame him. She said that taming him taught her “elementary self” about caring for animals. 

“Before he came inside my home I had to feed him outside for months,” Miller said. “Until one day, he finally walked through the front door.”

Though he started out as a stray, Miller said that Perseus has “always been there for [her].” And Perseus may not at first appear like the friendliest cat, Miller said that looks can be deceiving.

“He looks menacing with his ripped ear,” Miller said, “but his meow is the most high pitched out of all my cats.”

Just because Perseus is sweet, doesn’t mean he’s necessarily gentle, in fact, Miller said that he “loves to headbutt people.” 

“If you put your head down to his level, he walks towards you and slams his head on yours,” Miller said. “It’s not necessarily an abnormal action, but he headbutts people a lot.” 

Winter and Pipsqueak                                                                                                                                                  

Megan Edwards has had her cats Winter and Pipsqueak since they were eight weeks old, and she said that “building a connection” with your pet makes the process of training them even more rewarding.

“The best thing about having a pet is the comfort they provide,” Edwards said. “To be able to bury your face in the fur and feel the comfort, the honor of having an emotional bond with them and knowing you gained their trust, is fulfilling.”

Winter, who is turning seven this year, has become incredibly close to Edwards and she always stays by her side. 

“Winter has claimed me out of the family as her owner,” Edwards said. “She’ll follow me anywhere.” 

Pipsqueak, also known as Pip, is turning three next month, And Edwards said that he often “acts like he has ADHD.”

“He’ll drag random items around the house,” Edwards said. “Things like my mom’s slippers, his cat bed, sometimes stuffed animals.”

Xander

Xander, a Pit-Bull mix, was given to sophomore Sarah Wood’s family after her uncle passed, and they’ve now had him for seven years.

Wood said that Xander is “always there to cheer me up” when things get tough and she needs comfort and support. 

“The best thing about having a pet is that you have a best friend always there for you,” Wood said. 

Because of a dental issue, Xander’s tongue is constantly sticking out, though Wood believes this only serves to make him even more lovable. 

“He has an underbite,” Wood said, “he’s just so funny.”

 Teddy

Freshman Kyra Coutemanche’s dog, Teddy, is a golden-doodle. Coutemanche said that Teddy is an “amazing emotional support dog,” not just for her, but for her entire family.

“Whenever one of us has had a bad day, he’s always there to cheer us up,” Coutemanche said. 

Because of his constant support, Coutemanche said that she’s learned some valuable lessons when it comes to helping people. 

“Teddy has taught me how to be there for others,” Coutemanche said. 

Teddy is a walk fanatic, and is never able to hide his excitement at the prospect, or even the aftermath one

“After every walk he runs in circles around us,” Coutemanche said. 

Pets can provide support, comfort, and a constant source of love. It’s important to appreciate the little things, starting with the little (or not so little) companions in our lives.