This question was submitted by one of our readers. If you have a question you want me to answer go here to submit it: Fraternity Advice.
Question:
Should Our Fraternity Get a Dog?
Answer:
Not only no, but HELL NO. This is a very, very bad idea for the following reasons:
1) It is cruel to the dog. You fraternity house is dirty, I’ve been there. That isn’t a proper environment for a dog.
2) Dogs are expensive. Shots, food, vet visits, treats and grooming cost between $100 and $200 a month. Also, you will have bigger expenses like getting the dog fixed. If you don’t do those things, you are treating the dog like crap. This is an expense the fraternity cannot afford.
3) Dogs need exercise. They need to be walked. This will turn into an annoying chore for the brothers after about 2 days.
4) Dogs crap – a lot. Your backyard will become a mine field. You will no longer be able to use it for parties. If you don’t have a backyard, then you will have to walk to the dog so he can crap. And trust me, it isn’t a lot of fun walking a dog at 6am when it is 20 degrees outside because he needs to go.
5) Dogs don’t go home for the summer, spring break or Christmas break. Who is going to be responsible for the dog during these times?
6) Dogs are destructive. Dogs chew stuff, pee on stuff and knock things over. You probably have enough guys in your fraternity who do those same things. You don’t need one more.
7) Dogs shed. Like I said earlier, your house is nasty. Do you really want to add dog hair to the nastiness?
8) It is illegal and immoral to give a dog beer. And trust me, some idiot who deserves to get his ass kicked will do it.
9) You don’t have time to spend with the dog. Dogs need companionship. Fraternity men lead busy lives. They simply don’t have the time to spend with a dog while in school.
10) The idea of shared responsibility won’t work. Look at your chapter operations now. Is the work spread out equally among all the brothers? Of course not. The same will happen with the dog. One guy will end up doing all the work. This isn’t fair to him or the dog.
If you read the above reasons, you probably think I am not a dog lover. In fact, it is quite the opposite. I have two dogs that are awesome. Because of that, I realize the commitment and expense it takes.
It is much better for all involved for your fraternity to not get a dog.
This question was submitted by one of our readers. If you have a question you want me to answer go here to submit it: Fraternity Advice.