These first few blog posts for this semester are going to be tricky. When I’m on campus, it’s easy to find new experiences and perspectives to write about as I integrate into the college life during my freshman year. At home, however, everything is familiar and mundane, so my topic ideas are a little bit more limited. Until I go back next Friday, I’ll simply have to be a little creative about aspects of my freshman year at home that make it memorable and exciting. Compared to the constant social hub of Penn State, taking classes at home in an empty house while my parents are at work can get lonely and boring sometimes. Although my homework and other activities keep my busy, I’m thankful to have my dog, Willow, to keep me company throughout the day, so I’m going to dedicate this blog post to talking about her. Plus, I just love talking about her.
Willow is a 2-year-old, 145 pound Great Dane, so in terms of dogs, she’s about as close as you can get to a human roommate. Trust me when I say the pictures don’t do it justice…she is massive. When we brought her home a couple years ago, she was just a cute little 10 pound puppy. Within a year, she had already grown to the size she is today. People always wonder what it’s like having a dog that’s the size of a small horse walking around your house, and honestly, it’s awesome, especially when she’s as calm-tempered and chill as she is. To me, it honestly feels like having a roommate to hang out with while going about my day, so it makes the days seem less monotonous.
Most mornings, I wake up to her laying on the ground outside of my bedroom door, taking up nearly the entire hallway. Then, she follows me downstairs to see what I’m making for breakfast. If I’m cooking eggs, she always makes sure I know that she wants some by staring right at the frying pan, which is easily at eye-level for her. While I’m doing my work or taking classes for most of the day, she either lies down next to me or sleeps on the couch, aside from occasionally walking over to me and hitting me with her paw to show me she wants to be pet or go outside to run around. Besides that, she does her own thing. Simply stated, her day pretty much consists begging for my food, playing outside, sleeping, and walking from one sleeping spot to another: a chill schedule for a chill dog. 
During the week when I have classes, I love having an easy-going dog like Willow because she barely adds any stress to my schedule. In fact, she makes the weeks at home alone so much better by keeping me company and improving the long, repetitive college schedule. It may not be as fun as being on Penn State’s campus, but she sure makes home a lot more enjoyable.
Hi Beck! I never had a dog growing up but I was always jealous of people that did and your dog is definitely making me wish I had one. She’s so cute and seems very easygoing! I’ve read a couple of your blogs from when you lived at Penn State and you definitely put me on to the idea of ordering some DP dough for my late-night grub. Can’t wait to see what you do next!
Wow, your dog is super adorable! It was really cool to read your post this week. Staying home does get really dull sometimes but it’s really cool that you’ve got your dog with you to keep you company.
Hi Beck! Willow is so cute! My dog always chills on the couch during the day, but I have to agree that having her around makes my days so much better. I can’t wait to go back to campus, but I know I am going to miss my dog a lot. It’s good that you get to spend quality time with Willow before you go back to State College. Great post!
Hi Beck,
I really loved your post, I thought it was creative and definitely interesting. Willow is absolutely adorable and it sounds like she is great company to have. I liked how you also included pictures of her throughout the blog. Really great post!