Some colleges are allowing pets in dorms to help students feel more at home. Eckerd College in Florida lets students bring pets like dogs and cats after their first semester. This policy helps reduce stress and build connections. Other schools, like MIT and the University of Northern Colorado, have similar rules with some restrictions. Students say having a pet helps with stress and homesickness. Colleges consider safety and costs, but many see the benefits. At graduation, some schools even let pets join students on stage. For many, pets are an important part of college life.

The pet of choice in Japan, as much as cuddly kitties and playful puppies, is the humble bug. The bug has been a key part of Japanese culture from the Heian era classic “The Tale of Genji” to popular modern-day manga and animation like “Mushishi,” featuring insect-like supernatural creatures. Japanese people appreciate the glitter of fireflies let loose in the garden or the gentle chirping of crickets kept in a little cage. The bug as companion is an essential part of what’s observed, enjoyed and cared for in everyday life, reflecting a deeply rooted celebration of humankind's oneness with nature.