I have written a blog post before on emotional support animals and how to get them on campus here at CSS. A recap of the process is to contact the Center for Equal Access and have a bond with an animal already. I have a small, white dog named Javi. He helps me because he is calm which helps regulate my behavior. I also live with a husky puppy. Javi is not quite as energetic or playful as the husky so we as roommates have to figure out how to make it work best for everyone to live together in harmony. Whether it be making sure to pick up toys at the end of the night so no one steps on them and hurts themselves or stopping the husky from entering my room so Javi has a safe space to live and breathe without having to worry about the husky goading him into playing. One of our solutions was a doggie gate (pictured below). As you can see, there are two doors, one for me to get in and out of and one for Javi so the other dog cannot get in but he can. Originally, the husky Could get in that small hole but she grows quickly and it is much harder for her now.
At the end of the day, living with anyone is hard because you have to make sacrifices and compromises. I also had to buy a bark collar for Javi because he would whine and bark while I was away at class and disturb my roommates.
