Having an Emotional Support Animal
People are usually pretty surprised when they hear that I have a guinea pig living with me in my single dorm room. They inevitably ask ‘How?’” or “Are you allowed to have that?” Then, of course, they are even more shocked when I tell them that my guinea pig is an Emotional Support Animal or ESA and can live with me under the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA.
My explanation usually follows with the intrusive “Why?” or “For what?” questions, as if I have no reason to need the emotional support of an animal.
My freshman year, I was very unhappy – to the point of crying alone in my car for hours. It felt like nothing was going right. That winter, I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
When I went home, I was much happier. I could be not only with my family, but with my pet dog and cats. I have always responded positively to the presence of animals, often growing happier and more relaxed after just seeing my yellow lab for a few minutes. I’m sure that many people can relate.
I decided to look into the possibility of having a small pet with me on campus, though I had no idea where to start. After discussing my concerns and feelings with a counselor, she recommended that an ESA actually be prescribed to me - similar to a medication. I decided on a guinea pig. They are small, relatively easy to care for, and rely on their owners for affection, much like a cat or dog. I adopted Newtie and quickly fell in love with her giant personality.
Working with the Office of Residence Life, I was able to fill out necessary paperwork over the course of a few months to have my ESA cleared to live with me on campus.
I have never been happier. All of my family and close friends will tell you about the immense difference having this tiny pig in my life has made. Sometimes I don’t understand it at all, but I truly believe in the power of animals and their ability to love humans as much as we love them.
It often doesn’t get taken seriously, but the impact that ESAs have on the lives of their owners is immense and underrated.
Emma Hildebrand - Editor in Chief