dog!

[veenut]

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anyone planning on bringing/getting a dog for med school? think it's possible to walk the dog every day and take care of it during school?

 

[allisonbk]

anyone planning on bringing/getting a dog for med school? think it's possible to walk the dog every day and take care of it during school?

I have a dog now and he is for sure coming with me wherever I go! I think it will be ok, but obviously means living off-campus.

 

[Pepper1o1]

anyone planning on bringing/getting a dog for med school? think it's possible to walk the dog every day and take care of it during school?

I've been thinking about that too! I really really want a dog, but I kinda want to raise it from a puppy, and I think that might be really difficult. I think it might depend on the school (like if you only have class from 9-12, you could probably do it)...
Also can you have dogs in dorms, or only in some apartments?

 

[tigress]

Puppies are a lot of work. I'm sure you could manage an older dog, though. One issue is that it's difficult to travel. So if you'd want to travel to see family or friends often on the weekends, it probably isn't the best idea.

Cats are awesome for students. I know lots of people with cats.

 

[etown]

ugh double post

 

[etown]

I really hope to bring my dog. He's a bit too spoiled right now though... Housebroken and all, but just too spoiled to cope alone all day (currently have my parents 100 pound lab with him during the day, but I definitely won't be bringing that beast).

 

[RxnMan]

I own a 3-foot ball python named Dog, because at the time the apartment complex wouldn't let me own a dog.

 

[veenut]

I've been thinking about that too! I really really want a dog, but I kinda want to raise it from a puppy, and I think that might be really difficult. I think it might depend on the school (like if you only have class from 9-12, you could probably do it)...
Also can you have dogs in dorms, or only in some apartments?

i'd like to raise a puppy too, but like tigress said, it IS a lot of work. i'm pretty sure that the school i'll probably attend only has class from 9-12, though. pet policies vary from apartment to apartment, but i have a feeling that dogs aren't allowed in dorms on campus.

 

[Radiohead]

During 1st year, you should have no trouble whatsoever taking care of a dog, as long as you live in a place that allows them. You are only in class for 4-6 hours/day so you can walk him/her in the AM and when you get home. You will only be studying 3-4 hours extra/day (at MOST), so that leaves plenty of time for parks, playing, etc. I got a dog during my 3rd year. 3rd year is different, not because it is harder, but because you have so little free time. So, there were times where my dog would go 12 hours without going to the bathroom. We ended up going great, and now I am a 4th year with all the free time in the world. I would say not to think twice about getting the dog, you will need it.

 

[chef_NU]

Damn I really want a dog too. No puppies for first year then?

 

[veenut]

During 1st year, you should have no trouble whatsoever taking care of a dog, as long as you live in a place that allows them. You are only in class for 4-6 hours/day so you can walk him/her in the AM and when you get home. You will only be studying 3-4 hours extra/day (at MOST), so that leaves plenty of time for parks, playing, etc. I got a dog during my 3rd year. 3rd year is different, not because it is harder, but because you have so little free time. So, there were times where my dog would go 12 hours without going to the bathroom. We ended up going great, and now I am a 4th year with all the free time in the world. I would say not to think twice about getting the dog, you will need it.

awesome, sounds like it's definitely doable 👍

 

[tigress]

Damn I really want a dog too. No puppies for first year then?

I love dogs. I'm waiting until we get a house someday, though. Also they're pretty expensive.

But anyway, I just remember when my dog (who lives with my parents) was a puppy. He needed a LOT of attention and training. Maybe a slightly older puppy (like if you got it a bunch of months before starting school) would be more manageable. And probably some breeds would do better than others.

But heck, I'm going to have a baby when I start med school. So what am I saying -- a puppy should be easy

 

[isobel]

i've got a conure (small parrot) and he's coming with me. i'm sure i'll be home more in med school than i am right now working full time. i'm gone from 630am to 6pm or so. but my boyfriend will be coming with me so the bird will have a second person to depend on.

 

[Depakote]

I'd love to have a dog when I get in, but I think I'd be away too much and I couldn't do that to a dog.

I think a family friend is trying to dump a cat on me on the other hand...

 

[Chris127]

Everyone wants to have a dog...

Just curious, what kind of dogs do you guys want? Golden Retreivers are awesome IMO

 

[ShyRem]

Ok, not med school, but four weeks before I went back to undergrad I got a mini dachshund puppy. Since I was home those four weeks, I could completely house train him. I was taking 21 credits (with two labs) so I was often gone for 8 hours at a time. He was in his kennel/crate, and completely happy with that. Four years later and he sometimes goes into his crate by himself for some cozy alone time when things get crazy around the house.

😍 He's my buddy. TOTALLY coming with me wherever I go to med school in August.

 

[GA_MDhopeful]

I currently have a 90-pound freak of nature that is like my own son. He is definitely coming wherever I go next year, no questions about it.

If you're considering getting a dog, do it NOW - that way, it will be fully trained and ready to be more independent when it comes around to next fall. Raising a puppy is literally a full-time job and you don't want that extra stress during the first year of med school.

 

[RxnMan]

Everyone wants to have a dog...

Just curious, what kind of dogs do you guys want? Golden Retreivers are awesome IMO

Definitely go for a mutt. My family has a wonderful, but inbred, standard poodle that has developed Addison's (sp?) Disease. Let the miracle of sexual reproduction wipe away all those recessive traits and save a life at the same time: go to your local pound and adopt a mutt.

 

[ahumdinger]

if you don't have a dog now, and you're thinking about getting one, especially a puppy, I would seriously reconsider. It requires a lot of time and effort, so you have to make sure you are willing to give enough time. Here are some pros and cons of having a dog:

pros:
he/she will LOVE YOU no matter what. it's great stress relief to hang out with your dog.

some responsibility may help keep you on schedule in other daily tasks (the whole "students who have jobs will do better in school" thing)


cons:
it's a bitch to try to find a great apt (cost + location + condition) while you have a dog. Especially for those of you who want to keep big dogs. I happen to live in a very dog-friendly area, so I was able to find an apt that allows dogs. But the apt is not very well kept, and I tried to move into a different, better apt, in a different location, and it's so hard to find one (with hard wood floors) that will allow dogs. It's also harder to find roommates.

it's hard to travel. Again, especially if you have a big dog. You always have to remember that you have to find a dog sitter!

will you study at home or at school? For me, I have a hard time studying at home-- I study much more efficiently at the library or at the carrels. That means I have to leave my dog alone, even at night. I feel really guilty about it, so this year I've been practicing good study habits at home, so that I can stay home with my dog next year at school.

Depending on where you go to school, there may not be a dog park around. It's hard to keep a big dog in the city.


For small dogs, the cons may not be as severe, so if you must get a dog, don't get one that requires lots of outside running time!

 

[Orthodoc40]

Dogs are pack-oriented animals (aka - family oriented). Even though they are capable of it, they really can't stand being alone for hours on end. If you aren't going to be home much, or you want the freedom to come & go as you please, making last minute plans to be out all night and the like, please don't get one! As a former pet-sitter, I've seen so many people get a dog and here is what the dog's day is like:
Wake up
Maybe get to see your family for an hour in the morning before they all run off to work or school, etc....during that hour you get hurried out the door to pee or poop as fast as possible so your owner can get to work, or school, etc...
Spend 8+ hours a day alone, doing not very much of anything fun or exciting.
Family comes home, hurries you out the door to pee or poop as fast as possible so they can eat dinner, get all their tasks done, etc....
Eat dinner, spend a few hours with the family before going to sleep & doing it all over again.
So, if this is going to be your dog's life - just think about it. You gotta ask yourself why you want one, if you only see it that often...

 

[mshheaddoc]

I love dogs. I'm waiting until we get a house someday, though. Also they're pretty expensive.

But anyway, I just remember when my dog (who lives with my parents) was a puppy. He needed a LOT of attention and training. Maybe a slightly older puppy (like if you got it a bunch of months before starting school) would be more manageable. And probably some breeds would do better than others.

But heck, I'm going to have a baby when I start med school. So what am I saying -- a puppy should be easy

house is great for dogs. I just let them out side all day and they run around. 👍 Except they have ruined our yard, its trashed and will take alot of repairs (read: holes and trash which they rip up). We have two big dogs ... great dane/german shepard mix and a black lab mix. Food is expensive, toys they rip through, and I can't get them to NOT pee/pooop in the garage when we put them there at night. We should have crate trained them but that wouldn't work now. They are almost a year old, probably 10 mns.

we have 2 cats too, cleaning litter box and cat food for kittens gets expensive. They eat ALOT when they are growing and also poop a lot. *sigh* And I want to have kids before med school too. One day I'll learn. ha!

 

[Rafa]

Dogs are pack-oriented animals (aka - family oriented). Even though they are capable of it, they really can't stand being alone for hours on end. If you aren't going to be home much, or you want the freedom to come & go as you please, making last minute plans to be out all night and the like, please don't get one! As a former pet-sitter, I've seen so many people get a dog and here is what the dog's day is like:
Wake up
Maybe get to see your family for an hour in the morning before they all run off to work or school, etc....during that hour you get hurried out the door to pee or poop as fast as possible so your owner can get to work, or school, etc...
Spend 8+ hours a day alone, doing not very much of anything fun or exciting.
Family comes home, hurries you out the door to pee or poop as fast as possible so they can eat dinner, get all their tasks done, etc....
Eat dinner, spend a few hours with the family before going to sleep & doing it all over again.
So, if this is going to be your dog's life - just think about it. You gotta ask yourself why you want one, if you only see it that often...

100% agree. A dog is very much like a child. As a single guy/girl, would you willingly adopt an infant and bring him/her to med school? It's different if you're going into this with someone else (like if you're a nontrad with a family, or at least an SO who'll be living with and supporting you for all four years), but if you're going it alone, I wouldn't. It's going to suck for the dog - or kid.

 

[anon-y-mouse]

I'm getting one of these:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4670000/newsid_4676900/4676904.stm

But seriously, I've heard getting two dogs together is better, b/c then they can play with each other when you're gone?

 

[Koko]

I had an older dog when I started med school. It made finding a place to live very hard and leaving on weekends or over break difficult, too. I had to put him down during second year, but if I had had him through third year, that would have been tough with certain demanding rotations.

I love dogs, and because I do I would not get one again until my schedule is better or I have someone else to help and make sure my pooch is treated well. The only situation that seems fair is when people share a house with space and with folks with differing schedules who love dogs.

 

[usnavdoc]

If you are going to get a puppy get him/her now so you can get it past the potty training issue. Also you will need to devote time for training/socialization each day.

As far as do you have time. That really depends on the school and your studying habbits. My first year I just took my dog to class with me. Sat in the back and no-one ever said a word. Honestly wouldnt care if they did. When I was in the study areas she would just lay underneath my chair then for breaks we would go play/run/train(always had training treats and water with me) whatever. Definitely helped with maintaining sanity. But to do all that you need a well trained dog.

Second year I wisened up and quit going to class to just use the lecture notes and study groups with friends. Again my dog was always there.

Third and fourth years more tricky with schedules and call, but if you meet someone doing the same thing then you can take care of each others pets when not on call. Or better find a gf/bf to help.

Defintiely worth all the hassel.

 

[mshheaddoc]

But seriously, I've heard getting two dogs together is better, b/c then they can play with each other when you're gone?

I agree. My girls definetely get through the days with each other (and make messes together).

 

[akpete]

I'm an M1, and I got a 9-week old puppy in September. Yes, everyone thought I was crazy, but I decided that if people can handle children, I could handle a dog. I was actually supposed to get a puppy in June, but she's a boston terrier, and things don't always work out breeding-wise with them.

Anyway, I don't really go to class except for small groups and labs, so I'm actually home a lot of the time. However, even if I did go to class, what's the difference between that and a full-time job. And plenty of people with full-time jobs get dogs. Although, I will say that I'm a little concerned about 3rd year. Maybe swing some bucks for doggy day care?

Also, I am a 4-hour drive from home. It'd be different if I had to fly home. Can't leave a dog home alone for the weekend. There are kennels though.

I love my dog. That being said, IT IS A LOT OF WORK. If you can, housetrain the dog before school, not during block 2 exams like I did. And be prepared to spend a lot of time making a good canine citizen out of him/her, going to the vet, spending some money, saying no to events sometimes if you've been gone all day, etc.

I'd get a 2nd dog to keep mine company, but I can't afford another. Plus, a lot of apartments only let you have 1 dog (you can often have 2 cats though).

An added bonus: I'm learning to manage my time better!! (but don't get a dog for that!)

 

[USArmyDoc]

I have been toying around with the idea and I decided that I am most likely going to get one once I decide where I am headed next year. I have grown up around dogs my whole life (had 6 so far) and they are definitely worth the work.

Puppy Version
http://www.bernese.biz/photos2/friendsmemory2/Luna.JPG

Adult
http://www.bernese.biz/photos2/friendsmemory2/Ginger102.jpg

 

[veenut]

i agree with the previous posters...it makes sense to get a puppy now, since i'll basically have about 5-6 months to train it properly. i'm also almost definitely getting a small dog, probably a yorkie or other type of terrier, that will hopefully feel at home in a city apt.

 

[browniegirl86]

I adopted my puppy from the local shelter (DO THIS! SAVE A LIFE!!!) 3 months ago, when she was 10 weeks old. So now she's about 5 months old, fully housebroken, used to apartment life, and she's even stopped tearing things up in the apartment (although she does love to get her paws on a box of kleenex). By the time I start school, she'll be almost a year old, and definitely won't require the amount of attention that a puppy needs.

I thought a lot about how having her would affect my med school experience. It's possibe for me to study at home as long as I lock myelf in my room, so that should give me more time at home. There are plenty of nice apartments in St. Louis that allow dogs, so again that's not an issue. Plus, Forest Park borders the WashU campus, so we'll have great places to walk and run. I would be willing to sacrifice some personal enjoyment (going out, buying any clothes, spending a little less on food, etc) to pay for doggy day care in the 3rd year and during residency if necessary if it means that she'll be happier during those years.

Anyways, I think with a dog if you want it bad enough and are willing to make some sacrifices for the dog's well being, then go for it. It's like my roommate said when I was debating whether or not having a dog in med school would work out: you just make it work. Not walking her or not spending time with her just aren't options.

She loves other dogs and cats and she is good at judging when to be gentle with other animals, so I think I might get a kitten this summer and let them take care of each other while I'm out during the day. Two dogs are too many for me right now, but cats are easy and a kitten will learn to socialize with dogs if it is raised around them.

Anyways, here's my baby, Uma. Don't know the breed but she's probably a Catahoula mix. 5 months = 22 lbs. Good luck to all you prospective dog owners!

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e312/browniegirl86/DSC01406_1_1.jpg

 

[greytmedic]

If you are looking for a dog consider that this creature will depend completely on you for everything; food, water, bathroom, attention, etc. If you have totally and rationally considered everything (before you start looking at pictures of those big, brown puppy dog eyes) I will give you my opinion on a greyt dog. Greyhounds are wonderful dogs to own. First, adopting a Greyhound from a track or a rescue agency is saving a life. Although many tracks and owners have gotten together with rescue agencies to provide opportunities for Greyhounds to be adopted, many of them are still put to sleep if they can't race anymore(Greyhounds are legally considered livestock in Kansas). Althought they seem like big, active dogs, Greyhounds are nicknamed "the 45mph couch potato." My greyhound sleeps about 16-18 hours a day and we live in a one bedroom apartment. Once a Greyhound comes off the track they realize they are retired and enjoy living the retired life. They don't actually require a lot of excercise. A long walk on the weekends and some playtime during the week will keep the dog healthy. They really can never be let off a leash, though. If they take off running there is a good chance they will run into traffic at 40+mph or by the time they realize they should stop running they are a couple of miles away. So at the best a fenced in yard or a fenced in dog park nearby are a plus (although not required). Greyhounds come off the track already crate trained, so it is an easy step to get them housebroken. They also love their crates. It is a place of safety for them, so don't feel bad if you have to put them in their crates during the day. We keep our Greyhound out of his crate and he only goes in there if he wants to sleep or feel safe. Anyway, I could go on and on about Greyhounds, if you want to know more there are plenty of adoption agencies on the web that have a lot of information.

 

[dajimmers]

My wife and I will be taking:

Smirnoff the hedgehog________and__________Icarus the flying squirrel

If we had the choice, we'd also take

Bowser the golden retriever, but my wife's parents have dognapped him.

 

[SuzieQ3417]

I got a dog a year and a half ago, and I don't see how she will be any trouble once I am in med school. I do recommend, however, that if you get one you should get it before classes start so you have time to obedience/house/and crate train. Also be wary about getting a high-energy breed as a puppy (we have a Brittany, but Labs are also notoroiuos)...they take a few years to mellow out. Ours was extremely hyperactive and required 1+ hours of solid running time to wear out and we could not skip a day without her getting destructive. Now, as long as she gets a 30-60 minute walk everyday or every other day she is a couch potato at home. Dogs help reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. Plus who can resist those big brown eyes staring back at you and the tail that always wags?

 

[GA_MDhopeful]

(we have a Brittany, but Labs are also notoroiuos)...

my "monster" (as my boyfriend and i so fondly call him) is a lab. yes, i must say, they're quite a handful energy-wise. BUT, they make the best damn companions and are extremely intelligent. he's about a year and a half old now, and has calmed down quite a bit. still a little nuts sometimes though.... 😀

 

[crazy_cavalier]

ash gala wonderrrffulll!!

(sorry couldn't resist considering the thread title. maybe some of you will get this joke...)

 

[IAMS]

I'm taking my two labs, as well as my (8 mo. old) st. bernard.

But I am also bringing someone to help me take care of them, and hopefully will have a house with a yard so as to avoid having to walk them many times a day. 👍

 

[jrae]

So much info, and all of it good!!

Personally, I am buying a condo, but sadly do not live in a dog friendly town. Luckily, I think they will let me have a dog, but there may be a weight limit, so make sure before you find a pooch, that your dog won't exceed the weight limit, if there is one. Having grew up with dogs my whole life (mostly lab mixes) I agree that mutts are the best. My family generally takes in dogs that were abused and taken from their owners or were abandoned.

If I get a dog, I'm looking at lab mix (although there are several pit bulls in the area up for adoption). I agree that adopting a grey hound is an excellent idea, but sadly I think that might exceed the weight limit by a good amount.

Like most people have said, please only get one if you can dedicate the time to take care of it. I'll end up living only 10-15 min. walk from school and am an active out door person. Also, in my youth I was responsible for waking up at 5AM to let the dog out/walk/feed/play with until ~7AM. They really take a ton of time.

Good luck to all of you!!

 

[GA_MDhopeful]

I'm taking my two labs, as well as my (8 mo. old) st. bernard.

WOW. two labs AND a st. bernard?

you, my friend, are one crazy/lucky/busy person. 😀

my boyfriend and i were oogling at this post and give you mad props. we have one lab and it's quite enough to handle at the moment...

 

[JimmyG]

www.petfinder.com

Go to this link and you can browse your local shelters for the type/size/age of dog/cat you would like to have.

We adopted an 8 year old Lhasa Apso 😍 and he was already housebroken and is just content and calm when my husband and I have to leave him to go to work/school. No accidents, no chewing up furniture, and loves to bark at strangers.

Please adopt if you are considering a pet!!!

 

[MarzMD]

Im def. bringing my dog to med school. I had to hide her for 2 years during undergrad because our on campus apartments did now allow pets. She is used to being home alone for a while. I just hope I can find a roommate that doesnt mind.

 

[Chinorean]

Ok, what if I get a puppy and a kitty so that they can play together but not necessarily tear the house down? I do like both animals and I know if you socialize them right, they will get along. I'm thinking along the lines of a bison frise and russian blue since they're mildly hypoallergenic. Do you think this combination would have an easier time adjusting to long hours alone?

 

[Ypo.]

anyone planning on bringing/getting a dog for med school? think it's possible to walk the dog every day and take care of it during school?

I have a Rottweiler that I have taken care of by myself since medical school started. I don't attend class, though, I watch the online lecutres. If you plan on attending class, you either need to come home after morning lectures and before afternoon labs to let your dog out, or else count on someone else's help.

I have found having a dog to be the best therapy during the rough ride of medical school. But it would have to be in order for the extra responsibility to be worth it-so keep that in mind.

 

[red dot]

i have had my dog for 8 years now. i want to bring him to med school with me. but what if i can't? and what if i can't find any friends who'd want to take him in?

i refuse to just SELL him like property, but i would like him to meet a new owner/friend. have any of you done this before? i don't even know where to start looking for a new home for him, even if it's for just in case. i heard the spca wouldn't just take a dog i'd bring in. 🙁

 

[McMD]

I have a boxer puppy, she's about 6 months old, but even though she's housebroken, she has accidents!....Plan on not only playing and walking your dog, but having time to take the puppy to the vet every 2 weeks for shots for the first couple of months. Also, I suggest kennel training...if I let my puppy roam free while I was gone, I wouldn't own a pair of shoes or any furniture...during a 10 minute shower she managed to get into my Tiffany's jewelry, our bills, AND the kitty litter....all of which were high up on counters (except the litter)....just add in time to clean all of this up in the morning before your drive to school...inevitably, puppies WILL get into things!! However, there are many more good times with dogs than bad....especially once they get out of the puppy stage...my dog is coming with me during med school and hopefully by the time she's 1 year old she will start growing out of this stage that she's in now! They are a lot of work and sometimes a lot of stress...but once you have one, you can't understand how you lived without one!

 

[usnavdoc]

i have had my dog for 8 years now. i want to bring him to med school with me. but what if i can't? and what if i can't find any friends who'd want to take him in?

i refuse to just SELL him like property, but i would like him to meet a new owner/friend. have any of you done this before? i don't even know where to start looking for a new home for him, even if it's for just in case. i heard the spca wouldn't just take a dog i'd bring in. 🙁

So you have had a commitment to him for the last 8 years. But you are willing to give him away just b/c it would inconvenience your life a bit. Nice. I’m sure you will make a wonderful doctor or spouse.

 

[veenut]

So you have had a commitment to him for the last 8 years. But you are willing to give him away just b/c it would inconvenience your life a bit. Nice. I’m sure you will make a wonderful doctor or spouse.

clearly she's a horrible person who has no business going into medicine. 🙄

 

[IAMS]

WOW. two labs AND a st. bernard?

you, my friend, are one crazy/lucky/busy person. 😀

my boyfriend and i were oogling at this post and give you mad props. we have one lab and it's quite enough to handle at the moment...

YEAH, I am crazy/happy/busy and SO not lonely with these monsters. It's been easy, though, really. Dogs are pack animals, and as long as they see you as the top dog, they all fall in line. The girls (labs) are both over 4 years old, so they're slowing down, and they helped the st. bernard figure out the routine.

This is my first st. bernard, so if anyone's considering the x-tra large breeds, they are a LOT of work to keep Kleen, and they also need a lot of attention because they're super sensitive. But it's so much fun to wrestle with him when I get home from work/school. I don't mind the slobber anymore. The only thing about having three dogs is I fill quite a few walmart bags on doo doo patrol. But that is not a big deal at all.

I think making some time in your life for an animal is the best way to keep you down to earth and stress-free at home. Good luck to anyone looking for a best friend, or THREE!!!

 

[dajimmers]

Ok, what if I get a puppy and a kitty so that they can play together but not necessarily tear the house down? I do like both animals and I know if you socialize them right, they will get along. I'm thinking along the lines of a bison frise and russian blue since they're mildly hypoallergenic. Do you think this combination would have an easier time adjusting to long hours alone?

I don't know anything about the breeds you mentioned, but I'm pretty sure the cat in your avatar would NOT get along with any puppies you bring home.

 

[t33sg1rl]

I have my Border Collie with me, and he made apartment hunting more difficult. I go to school in a dog-friendly city, though, so it wasn't that bad. So here's my advice...

Check the city you're going to! Some cities (like Cleveland) are notoriously dog unfriendly. If you wanted to attend Case, there'd be NO WAY you could find housing with a dog of any size.

Some apartments have dog weight limits, but you can bend 'em. All you have to do is ask. My complex has a 25 pound weight limit, but they approved my 60 pounder. Most apartments that allow pets charge extra in the form of extra pet deposits (which may not be refundable) and extra monthly "pet rent" to the tune of $10-$50.

The larger the dog, the longer he can hold his bladder. You can find charts online of the maximum time your dog can reasonably wait to pee based on his weight and age. If you get a small dog, he may never be physically able to hold it more than 5-6 hours.

And let's not forget cost. We got the dog from my cousin's border collie rescue program for free. Now he's three years old. We've spent about $250 per year on vet bills (neutering, physicals, one urinary tract infection, heartworm meds). His special "sensitive tummy" food is $20/month (otherwise he gets diarrhea), and we spend about $10 on toys, bandannas, etc. We groom him twice a year, for $35 each time. So in three years, our FREE dog has cost... drum roll please... just over two THOUSAND dollars. (Not counting the extra $15/month "pet rent" that our landlord charges). Now, we can afford it and he's worth it, but if you're single and living only on student loans without help from your family, a dog could be a financial stretch.

 

[Beau Geste]

i have had my dog for 8 years now. i want to bring him to med school with me. but what if i can't? and what if i can't find any friends who'd want to take him in?

i refuse to just SELL him like property, but i would like him to meet a new owner/friend. have any of you done this before? i don't even know where to start looking for a new home for him, even if it's for just in case. i heard the spca wouldn't just take a dog i'd bring in. 🙁

If you know it will be difficult to care for him, then you are making the right decision by finding a good family instead of taking him to the shelter. You could put an ad in the paper or make a flier with his picture and post it in different places.

Don't worry- I don't think your decision to give away your dog means you are going to be a terrible doctor! 🙄