The article explores the dreams many students have of owning a dog while balancing their academic and work commitments. It highlights the emotional benefits of having a pet, which can provide companionship and affection during the often isolating experience of university life. However, it also raises practical concerns about whether a pet fits into the hectic schedules of students who are juggling classes, jobs, and personal responsibilities.

Through the author's humorous anecdotes about her own dog, Gustav, the piece captures the struggle of fitting a pet into student routines, particularly at night when responsibilities and distractions weigh heavily. The narrative describes a specific moment when the author, standing outside in the cold, feels the frustration of having a dog that is slow to attend to its needs, juxtaposing this with the carefree social life of her peers. This reflects the broader tension faced by students who aspire for companionship while questioning if they have the resources and time to care for a pet properly.

Ultimately, the column invites readers to consider the balance between the joy a dog can bring into a student’s life and the commitment required to care for one, prompting a thoughtful discussion about the realities of pet ownership in a busy, transient phase of life.