For this reason, Cole appreciates the friendly pet policy at Eckerd.
“[The pet policy] is really cool because, you know, folks leave home and that transition can be hard, and to be able to have that companionship of animals seems to me to be just a really natural way to make college feel like home,” he stated.
This sentiment is shared by Hoppie, who noted the importance for students to become independent and responsible—both traits can be fostered through owning pets.
“Also, [having pets] offers a really good physical, emotional and mental release from stress,” she added.
The inclusion of pets in campus life stretches far beyond the pet blessing. In fact, Pet Life, a department at Eckerd dedicated to registering animals, recently held a Halloween costume contest for pets.
Hoppie recalled dressing her snakes up for the occasion during her first year.
“I dressed Soup up as a witch and he had a very tiny paper hat that was very delicately taped onto his head… I made a tiny broom out of a single paperclip and a little piece of felt,” she explained. “And I took him to class with me and I was a witch as well… I think that was one of my fondest memories.”
It is a common sight to see dogs walking along South Beach and students introducing their turtles, fish, birds, and hamsters to their peers. It is simply a part of the Eckerd culture and the Pet Blessing is merely an example of that.