It is said that pets often reflect the personalities of their owners. The burly motorcycle man might be more apt to choose a gigantic Doberman. Snobby, wealthy women dress their Miniature Poodles in pink bows. The extravagant Paris Hilton dotes on her tiny Chihuahua, Tinkerbell.
Julia Pastore is proof that not all pet owners and their pets fit neatly into any stereotype.
Pastore, a petite brunette with long hair and stylish clothes, is as devoted to her sorority as she is to her unique sense of fashion.
Strutting around campus with her high heels and designer sunglasses, one would never guess that sitting in the living room of the University Heights apartment she shares with two friends, is a two foot long Ball Python named Jada.
The brown and tan snake, which could eventually reach a length of six feet, was a birthday present she received last December.
Pastore, a senior psychology major, loves talking about her scaly third roommate.
"Most people are afraid of snakes, especially girls," she said. "But I've always loved them."
Apparently, growing up as a child with Garter and Banana snakes as pets can have that effect on people.
While a snake may not seem like everyone's idea of a good housemate, Pastore believes they make the perfect pets for college students.
"Snakes are easy to take care of," Pastore said.
Compared to dogs, which need to be walked, fed and watered throughout the day, Jada is relatively no-hassle. Pastore simply mists her with water once a day to keep her moist. As far as feeding goes, Pastore gives her one live mouse per week.
A secure housing unit and a heat lamp are needed to keep a snake, and they cost around $140. The snake itself can cost up to $70.
Pastore said that Jada is an intuitive pet who understands her feelings. They often sit and watch television together. She admitted, however, that a Ball Python was not her first choice.
"I really wanted a Red-Tailed Boa," she said. "But those cost about $200 just for a baby."
Mary, a senior employee at PetSmart in Amherst, spoke of the rewards one receives from the unconditional companionship offered by pets.
"Modern lifestyles can create loneliness, and an animal is someone to share your time with," she said.
For many students like Pastore, pets are a part of the family. But it can be difficult to find a landlord who is willing to open their rental space to animals. Pets are a definite no-no in the dorms and apartments at UB. So, for those absolutely devoted to their animals, living on campus is out of the question.
In fact, the reason Rachele Trippe, a sophomore undecided major, chose the one-bedroom apartment she lives in near Chestnut Ridge is because it was the only one within close range of the University that accepted pets without a deposit.
At first glance the only sign of a pet in Trippe's apartment is the sprinkling of cat toys littering the floor. A fluffy ball here, some catnip over there, and two small dishes placed in the corner of her kitchen filled with food and water.
This was, of course, until Mittens came bounding out of the bedroom to meet her at the door.
"Come here my little baby," Trippe said, stooping over to pick up and cuddle her affectionate, black and white kitty.
Trippe was quick to claim the feline as her best friend.
"I know it sounds strange to say I talk to my cat, but it's the perfect animal to tell my frustrations. It just sits on my lap and listens," she said.
Trippe, who wears the Chinese symbol for kitten tattooed on her hip, had no qualms admitting the scope of her love for Mittens.
"I'm obsessed with her," she said.
While pet owners gush about the love they have for their pets, others emphasize the importance of considering the level of responsibility associated with them.
Alexandria Hassan, a junior human services major, said she learned her lesson when she made the decision to bring her large, misbehaved Labrador and Husky mix, Jack, to Buffalo to live with her.
Raising Jack as a puppy, Hassan quickly became aware of the time and effort a young dog requires. She said she had to leave him alone during the day when she had to work or attend class.
"I had to think about what he could get into, what I needed to move before I left," she said. "You name it, he got into it."
Initially it was difficult for her to find an apartment that allowed dogs.
"It's pretty hard, especially if you want a decent place to live," she said.
She eventually chose to move in with her current roommate and his cat. The problems between the dignified feline and the oblivious dog began immediately.
After an incident, where according to Hassan the cat "took a kamikaze leap off of a counter and onto the dog's head," the two animals proceeded to fight it out, and Hassan realized something had to be done.
"I had to bring him back home," she said.
And although she had her problems with the dog, she says he is still one of her best friends, and that she frequently visits him.
"Luckily I had someone at home who could take care of him. Otherwise I would have had to get rid of him or change apartments," she said.
Still, because of her busy work and school schedule, Hassan considers the situation to have worked out for the best.
"It was sad, but at the same time it's kind of relieving. I can go out and do so much more without worrying about being back to let him out and take care of him," she said. "It's hard to have that much responsibility."
Although most pet owners admit that the responsibilities are substantial, they say the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
James Blayer, a senior majoring in architecture and civil engineering, said his frisky, 1-year-old Pitbull and German Shepherd mix is a complete joy.
Blayer, who grew up with his parents' dogs, got Lucy when she was 4 weeks old from Animal Paw Rescue, a small animal rescue organization that he found online at petfinder.com.
Blayer said that though Lucy is quite a handful, she is often the bright spot at the end of a long day.
"When school sucks, you know that when you come home you always have her there," he said.
