PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY
5/24/2012

iPods old news, dogs are new trend

DAVID KOB
Staff Writer

Last week, I spent most of my time visiting friends’ off-campus housing. I was surprised that everybody found a decent place despite Malibu landlords’ immense bias toward renting to Pepperdine students (More on that in another article).

On a visit to my friend Jenet’s new condo, however, something unexpected happened. I leaned in to give her a big hug when suddenly I was knocked flat on my back by what seemed like her jealous boyfriend.

When I woke from my coma, I discovered it was just her massive dog. This monster (which Jenet assured me was still a pup) spent the next 30 minutes fused with my leg, taking intermittent breaks to bite my face off. Jenet and I could barely hold a conversation without the dog barking or breaking something or peeing on the floor. After awhile I just said, “Jenet, why on earth did you buy a dog?” to which she calmly replied, “Well, I already have an iPod.”

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Pepperdine.

First it was iPods, then came those stupid big sunglasses (thanks a lot, “Laguna Beach”), and then it was Facebook. I thought maybe this year we could go at least a semester without another absurd trend sweeping Pepperdine. Not a chance. Dogs are the next big thing and everyone is getting one. Fanatical environmentalists have practically outlawed wearing fur, so if killing a dog and wearing it around your neck is taboo, why not keep a live little puppy in your purse instead?

This is just the beginning. Breeders are working with fashion designers to color-coordinate dogs with outfits. Next to your shoe rack will be your puppy rack. Don’t believe me? Just wait.

The collegiate dog trend might be silly, but it’s not the least bit inhumane. Little purse puppies receive overwhelming love and care, especially from flirty guys with nothing else to talk about. The bigger dogs get to be around lots of people and have a beautiful campus to frolic in. As long as you’re willing to take care of it, a dog is great to have around at Pepperdine.

All in all, I’m warming up to the trend. Dogs are more fun than Facebook and they don’t wear oversize sunglasses. (Well, most don’t) Perhaps the “dog ate my homework” excuse will be taken more seriously now, especially when the professor sees those cute little puppy eyes peeking out from your purse. Not that I carry a purse around or anything.

Submitted 08-28-2006